To many, London means double-decker buses, crowds of tourists and being confused by the Tube network, but to me, a northerner-turned-Londoner, it’s magical.
People from all four corners of the world dream about London. Its traditions, rich history and royal lineage. According to data from Benham and Reeves estate agents, London is home to the highest value of foreign-owned dwellings in the UK and the estimate value of overseas ownership is valued at over £45 million.
So, what is it about London that makes it so attractive to investment but not emigration? My first guess is that it’s down to a lack of understanding of what it’s really like to live in London. I’m here to set the record straight.
Crowds on Regent’s Street in Central London
What’s it like to live in London?
For those unfamiliar with London life, it’s an ever-changing landscape of creativity, culture and activity. Those in the city enjoy a fast-paced life, but that’s not to say you can’t find tranquillity in the city. From the five years I’ve spent living in London, in various postcodes, I’ve learnt that every corner of London has its own green hub.
Find your green space
For East Londoners, Victoria Park is the place to take a break from city life, get back to nature and enjoy the best things about being a Londoner – weekend markets, great coffee, good transport and the fact that there’s always something going on. The Sunday market is a must-visit for anyone who lives in London.
Book recommendation: Victoria Park by Gemma Reeves paints an excellent picture of East London.
Chinese pagoda and fountain in East London’s Victoria Park
For West London, Hyde Park and Regents Park serve as the chosen outdoor spaces for London’s elite, students trying to make ends meet and everyone in between. It’s where all of London comes together to appreciate city life and thrive on the many cultures that cross over in the capital.
In the south, Greenwich Park is a favourite for locals and tourists, who climb to the top of the Observatory hill to see the city from a great vantage point.
For north Londoners, Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill and Regent’s Park are the places to be in summer – where friends sit, eat, drink and laugh for hours on end.
Despite being a cosmopolitan city, London isn’t without its natural beauty.
Aerial shot of London at night
There’s always something on
If you’re ever without plans in London, it’s not hard to find something to do. Whether that’s exploring your local area, a new neighbourhood or attending an event.
Time Out is great for publishing weekly ‘what’s on’ articles which range from art exhibitions and life drawing classes to drag bingo and a hot new musical opening on the West End.
If you’re interested in theatre, TodayTix is a Londoner’s best friend. It’s a site that allows you to buy last-minute theatre tickets on the day of a show, or the few days before. It’s a perfect app to have in your back pocket if you’re looking for something to do with a friend on a Saturday day or night.
London is a hub for culture. There are so many museums, it’d be hard to hit them all in one year, never mind a week. Each one is unique, from the Natural History Museum to the V&A, Museum of Childhood, Fashion and Textiles Museum… the list goes on. For more information about London’s many museums and what’s on, check out Time Out.
Exhibitions are a relatively new thing that have become much more frequent in the capital. Immersive art and tech-led events take place across London every month, ranging from an immersive piece on the new Wes Anderson film, to a mind-warping light shows. Top places to find immersive events include 180 The Strand, the Twist Museum, Barbican, Outernet London and the Tate.
A map of the UK
Excellent transport links
If you live in London, you will have come to terms with the fact that it takes at least 45 minutes to get anywhere. You’ll also have a preferred way of spending your travel time, be it listening to music, catching up on the latest true crime podcast, testing your IQ with the Metro crossword or with a good book.
For those new to London, Google Maps and Citymapper are essential for getting around. They update regularly and will often source the best route to get you from A to B safely and without disruptions.
One thing often overlooked for the more-famous Tube, is the London bus network. I can wholeheartedly say it’s of the best things about living in London. It’s reliable, connected and easy to navigate, plus it’s often faster than the tube!
Terraced houses meet a block of flats in south-east London
Property in London
According to GuestReady, the average rental yield in London is currently 4.1%, making it the 10th highest ranking region of the UK for investors. There’s a massive demand for both long-term and short-term properties, despite property prices being much more expensive than elsewhere in the UK.
For international buyers, there are no restrictions on buying UK property unless you’re buying with someone else’s money – in which case you’ll usually be asked to pay a larger deposit. If you’re interested in buying property in the London from overseas, reach out to your Overseas Home today to be put in touch with trusted IFAs, estate agents and currency specialists who can help make your dream a reality.
