The Prime Central London Housing

A closer look at Hampstead and Belsize Park

Property in Prime Central London continues to be a highly desirable commodity, particularly in the rental market, which has seen record rents and the highest demand for good quality homes. The dichotomy between this and the sales market has been apparent this year - when one is up, the other is often down. However, for buyers and tenants alike and anyone with a romantic, familial or working attachment to our beloved capital, the urge to find something beautiful in a neighbourhood like Hampstead and Belsize Park never wanes.

Overall, Prime Central London has seen rents grow by 8.8% on an annual basis in August, taking them to the highest level ever recorded, and this is 29.3% above their 2017-19 pre-pandemic levels (LonRes)! Conversely, the slight slow-down in the sales market has naturally been compounded by the late summer/early autumn traditions as families take advantage of the school holidays. Now they’ve returned and the little ones are back in school or starting on their next big chapter in life, the market shows signs of recovery and there’s a chance to hand select from some of the best properties available before Christmas comes around (which is sooner than you think)!

Currently, with interest rates holding steady and the IMF predicting little change for the next 4-5 years, we’re optimistic for the future stability of the sales market and returning buyer confidence. At Maplewood Property, we’re looking after multiple sales, from those downsizing and swapping the family home for something more suitable to first-time buyers getting on the ladder. And no matter the market, the best homes always get snapped up first…

Like this exceptional, threebedroom garden flat on Belsize Lane with a stunning extension. Incorporating a bespoke kitchen, work from home space, incredible dining and entertaining options and sliding doors to a split-level patio and garden, this home is not to be missed.

Offers Over £2m

Nestled in the heart of NW3, where village life is not only characterised by the independent shops, charming architecture and thriving coffee shops, one of the key factors for those looking to settle in Hampstead and Belsize Park is the abundance of prestigious schools such as The Village School and St Christopher’s School for girls and The Hall School and University College School for boys. These have all gained glowing reputations, not only for their academic excellence but also in preparing for the move up to some of North London’s most renowned high schools. The other overwhelming consideration for city living is access to green space. If you don’t have the luxury of having your own backyard, properties with close proximity to the Heath, Primrose Hill and the sheer number of green spaces make London one of the greenest cities in Europe (TimeOut). Most people know that outside space is not just about the curb appeal or the resale value, it’s important for so many reasons. The improvement in quality of life and benefits to both physical and mental health mean that these pockets of prime London real estate are truly special.

For those first-time buyers trying to find a home when the average flat in Hampstead costs more than £1m, life can feel tough. But help is on hand and at Maplewood we walk buyers through the process with an optimistic and open approach. There are no silly questions when it comes to property, and there are some hidden gems to be found…

This perfect one-bedroom flat annexed from the rest of the building with its own front door is ideal for a young couple looking for their first place. Lovingly renovated and maintained by the current owners (also their first home), you could move straight in with just your suitcase.

Offers Over £525,000 www.maplewoodproperty.co.uk www.instagram.com/ maplewoodproperty

The appeal of Hampstead and Belsize Park extends beyond the borders of its leafy streets and outside the fabulous homes and properties. The neighbourhood thrives on a combination of fantastic schools, large open spaces, culture and community with a lifestyle fit for any generation. The natural beauty and connectivity to Central London make these residential properties (almost) priceless.

MAPLEWOOD PROPERTY is owned and run by Steve Cook and Laura Braslins who have been helping people move home since 2004. Drawing on their wealth of connections across Central London, reach out for more advice on the current market or your next property.

Moving back

Styling your home for the colder months

While we may still be in denial about the end of summer, shortening days and the definite return of a bite in the air, it is certainly comforting and appealing to cosy up on the sofa with a cuppa and a good book, to wrap up in a woolly sweater and brave the crisp mornings; creating volutes with our breath.

Seasonal cycles are great for our bodies and minds; transitions as our lives and aspirations evolve. Our homes are no different, reflecting seasonal cycles, echoing our realities and our needs, wants and hopes, big or small.

When the days draw in, homework back on the table while dinner is stewing, we need our homes to respond to a more structured schedule, a wider variety of activities taking place concomitantly within the same rooms, relying less on extending our living space to the outside. Storage is at a premium, work surfaces doubling or tripling up for food prep, maths problems, crafts projects and perhaps admin. It is then key to privilege a few back-to-school survival steps.

Putting away summer ‘stuff’ means clearing sandals, flip flops, espadrilles and open-toe canvas wedges to make space for school shoes, pumps, boots and wellies – you’ll need to clear them from entrance halls and boot rooms as well as your wardrobes. It means moving swimsuits, floating maxi dresses, linen trousers and Hawaiian shirts to an enclosed out-of-the-way storage space; clearing shelves, drawers and hangers for sweaters, pressed trousers and suits. It can also mean stowing away rackets and balls, snorkelling gear and other summer holiday accessories until the next escape - they will be rediscovered with glee when the time comes. All of this contributes to clearing your space and mind for the current season, activities and rhythm.

Setting up for tasks and engagements ahead allows your home to work for you, supporting you as you run around to get everything done while days come and go, as you enjoy their concurrent sameness and diversity that makes your life so unique. Procuring the necessary tools - for school, for work, for cooking, for cleaning - is key to being ready, efficient and calm. Perhaps it is ensuring you have enough storage, whether that’s for leftovers, for clothes or for moving from one task to another; perhaps it is improving on your setup - getting a larger desk, a more comfortable chair, an actual chest of drawers or a vanity unit, rather than just having a combination of makeshift or random pieces. Or it could simply be clearing away and getting rid of obsolete items and accessories, or obtaining new versions of older tools.

Introducing a wind of change into one or more of your spaces will allow a fresh outlook on many aspects of the months to come. Routine and rhythm are all very well, necessary and reassuring. They do not preclude transforming what can be transformed, to inspire and galvanise. Perhaps a room’s furniture placement can be revisited? Perhaps your desk can face another way? Could your favourite armchair be reupholstered? When you look at your bedroom, is there something missing, or is there too much of something else? Or are there indeed things that should and could be elsewhere so that the room truly is what you need it to be: a serene and comfortable retreat? When you cast a critical eye on your living room, does it look and feel tired, or is it attractive and welcoming? Perhaps a fresh coat of paint, a wallpaper, a rug, some plants, a new lamp, artwork or simply a change of cushion covers would instil fresh excitement and joy into the space? It could be a family activity: to observe and dream, to brainstorm together on common areas or, indeed, for each to put out there what they aspire to for this new ‘school’ year and how it can translate into their own space being transformed.

Moving back inside is also that: ensuring your home interior is the best possible support for your life, whether you are going out into the world, are at home with your loved ones or are on your own, you are in the best possible frame of mind to be, to lead, to learn, to contribute and to look forward. Bonne rentrée! MARIE-NOËLLE

SWIDERSKI Galuchat Design

www.galuchatdesign.com