http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/life/prope...056271.ece
Forest Hill - on the up?
Skips, coffee shops – could this suburb’s fate be at last about to change?
Almost exactly one year ago Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, opened the East London Line extension, linking Forest Hill in southeast London to the Tube network.
Cue a clamour of overheated local speculation on just how far the new service might boost local property prices in an area previously overlooked in favour of its more chi chi neighbour, East Dulwich.
Just over a year on, however, and the “Tube bounce” has failed to materialise. While this might not be great news for residents looking to build equity, it does mean Forest Hill remains an affordable postcode for buyers seeking a spacious period property on a budget. And, from the increasingly familiar sight of skips parked outside fine Victorian villas to the arrival of a clutch of smart new coffee houses, it does seem that change is coming to this corner of southeast London.
Where is it?
Sandwiched between Sydenham and Honor Oak.
Transport
Canada Water is a 15-minute Tube journey, while you can be at London Bridge in 20 minutes by train. Unfortunately, the South Circular is jammed from dawn until dusk.
What’s the property like?
There is a great supply of period stock, particularly Victorian and Edwardian, as well as good-sized 1930s houses. Daniel Beckson, sales manager of Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward, says that a two-bedroom Victorian conversion would cost between £230,000 and £250,000, while a two-bedroom cottage costs from £320,000 to £330,000. Three-bedroom terraces or semis go for £350,000 to £380,000, while a four-bedroom detached Victorian house costs about £500,000.
The eastern side of Forest Hill, closer to East Dulwich, is the poshest place to live, with the best streets commanding a 25 per cent premium. Beckson hasn’t seen prices rise significantly since the arrival of the East London Line and says that while good streets are reaching 2007 prices, less favoured areas are still lagging.
And the high street?
Traditionally Forest Hill’s weakest link, locals have been pleased to note that it has been enhanced by the arrival in recent months of three new independent coffee houses. There are some worthwhile shops amid the grot; notably Bunka, with its cute clothes and fripperies, Stag & Bow, for crafts and haberdashery, Laurel’s Florist, and the junk shop Dapper. An artists’ community has been set up on Havelock Walk (havelockwalk.com), which holds regular events and open days.
Is there any culture?
The Horniman Museum is a world-class collection of historical, archaeological and zoological artefacts set in 16 acres of gardens.
Is it leafy?
Horniman Gardens has views over the capital, Mayow Park has a playground, bowling green and tennis courts. Crystal Palace and Sydenham Hill Wood are within walking distance.
What about eating and drinking?
Other than the recently renovated Dartmouth Arms, Forest Hill is a bit lacking gastronomically. The beautiful Art Deco The Capitol, once a cinema, has been restored and is now a Wetherspoons pub.
Are the schools any good?
Fairlawn Primary School is rated “excellent” by Ofsted, as is Eliot Bank Primary School. Schools rated “good” by Ofsted include Stillness Junior School and Horniman, Dalmain and Perrymount primary schools. For seniors there is Forest Hill School (boys) or Sydenham School (girls); both are considered “good”.
What’s new?
Gallions Housing Association (gallionsha.co.uk) is working on a new affordable development. The Forest Hill swimming baths, closed in 2005 on health and safety grounds, are due to reopen next year.
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