The promise of the Elizabeth Line attracted prudent Londoners long before the first train pulled into any station.
By the time the service launched on 24 May 2022, south-east London suburb Abbey Wood had seen prices rocket 107 per cent in a 10-year period — and fellow success story Forest Gate wasn’t far behind with 101 per cent growth.
A year on and reports that rents have spiralled out of control — a phenomenon dubbed the ‘Lizzy Leap’ — suggest that the line has had a seismic effect on neighbourhoods long overlooked thanks to faster and more frequent services.
New developments within walking distance of Elizabeth Line stations will command a premium, but there are still appealing properties to be found for well under the average London price tag of £535,160. We’ve selected 10 of the best on the market now.
West Drayton, UB7
£489,000
This terraced cottage on London’s westerly fringe is only a few minutes from the River Colne and the wider 50-acre Thorney Country Park. There are three bedrooms, including one in the converted loft, and a good-size mature garden with a store at the far end.
R Whitley & Co, 01895 424040
Hanwell, W7
£489,950
A four double bedroom flat on the first floor of this smart red-brick mansion block near the station. It comes with a share of the freehold and access to a gravelled communal garden, and there’s an original fireplace in almost every room.
Doyle Sales & Lettings, 0208 840 0171
Manor Park, E12
Shelley Avenue
£400,000
This extended ground floor flat has two bedrooms, a private south-facing garden accessed from the living room and a fifty foot cellar for storage. It’s on a quiet one-way road, but handy for the high street and local parks.
The Stow Brothers, 020 3397 2222
Hayes, UB3
Carnation Gardens
£362,500
A large one bedroom flat in the architect-refurbed Art Deco building at the heart of the old Nestlé chocolate factory site, next to Hayes & Harlington station. Highlights include a 3.4 metre ceiling in the kitchen and living area, Crittall windows and access to a residents only gym.
Benham & Reeves, 020 3910 6756
Abbey Wood, SE2
£520,000
This brand new two bedroom apartment within the ambitious Thamesmead regeneration project is arranged over 850 square feet. The open kitchen and living area is dual aspect, with plenty of floor to ceiling windows, and there’s a large balcony with room for a table and chairs.
CBRE Residential, 020 3870 1877
Chadwell Heath, RM6
Ashton Gardens
£490,000
This family home, tucked away behind the high street, is deceptively spacious thanks to a rear extension, which doesn’t follow the usual kitchen diner formula. It also has three bedrooms, a low maintenance garden and off-street parking.
Brian Thomas, 020 8590 3553
Harold Wood, RM3
£400,000
An almost 1,000 square foot two-bedroom flat in a Grade-II listed Victorian building a couple of minutes from the station. A second bathroom and allocated parking are certainly a bonus, but the real draw here is the distinctive wood-panelling throughout.
Lux Homes, 01708 208807
Forest Gate, E7
£364,500
This two bedroom flat is on the fourth floor of the old Trebor headquarters, which is close to Plashet Park and a cluster of ‘Outstanding’ schools. It has a flexible layout with two sets of sliding doors, so it’s well suited to a live / work arrangement.
David Daniels, 020 8555 3521
Seven Kings, IG3
Mordon Road
£525,000
This three bedroom family home has a host of extras, including a converted loft room – which could be turned into a fourth bedroom – a rear extention with skylight and a small utility space. It’s a two minute walk to popular Seven Kings Park from here.
William H Brown, 020 3871 3814
Woolwich, SE18
£450,000
A two-bedroom, two-bathroom flat on the first floor of this modern block close to the centre of Woolwich. The balcony offers green views onto Mulgrave Pond, a hidden 18th century reservoir that’s privately owned and maintained.
