Its property prices have been rising faster than those of the better known Northern Line villages nearby, and its celebrity following rivals that of north London’s pricier postcodes. The area’s famous residents tend to be low-key: film director Ken Loach, BAFTA winner Bill Nighy, actors Kelly Macdonald, Matt Smith, Tobias Menzies, and long-time local Tom Hiddleston. Oscar winner Daniel Kaluuya grew up here and remains closely connected to the community.
Politicians are equally fond of NW5. Sir Keir Starmer lives locally (and frequents the Pineapple pub), as do Ed Miliband, Neil Kinnock, and several Labour MPs. Baroness Dianne Hayter even took her title from the area.
Despite this, Kentish Town remains surprisingly under the radar. Buying agent Alex Oliver calls it “undervalued”: around £1,100 per sqft, roughly half the price of neighbouring areas. Average flats sell for £594,000 and houses for £1.76m, both well below Camden-wide averages. Over the past five years, prices have risen 6.6%, while inner London overall has fallen.
The appeal goes beyond value. Its Victorian streets often painted in cheerful colours offer a Notting Hill-on-a-budget charm. The food scene is booming, and Parliament Hill and Hampstead Heath are minutes away. Young professionals dominate the market, drawn to converted flats and strong transport links via the Northern Line and Thameslink.
Prime pockets include Lady Margaret Road, the colourful terraces of Kelly Street and Leverton Street, and the Georgian cottages of Little Green Street. Dartmouth Park commands a premium thanks to its proximity to the Heath. Less desirable areas near west-side estates may soon improve: the ageing West Kentish Town Estate is being replaced with 850 modern homes, and the proposed £1bn Camden Film Quarter could transform the area further.
Regeneration is not without resistance, locals famously blocked the Murphy’s Yard redevelopment, but the neighbourhood continues to evolve. Meanwhile, Kentish Town’s cultural life thrives: the Forum for gigs, the Lion & Unicorn for theatre, Kentish Town City Farm, and a strong pub and restaurant scene from the Southampton Arms to The Parakeet, Rossella, Belly, Kossoffs, and Patron.
Residents love the mix. As one local puts it, “It’s vibrant, eclectic, and friendly.” Estate agents expect modest price growth ahead, driven by pent-up demand and improving interest rates.
Kentish Town may not shout about itself, but that’s exactly why people want to live there.
https://www.standard.co.uk/homesandproperty/where-to-live/kentish-town-area-guide-b1271538.html
Source Evening Standard
