London’s best schools are a huge driver of the capital’s housing market, with homes close to the top primaries and secondaries typically commanding significant premiums.
Indeed, in March, law firm Simpson Millar found that properties within the catchment areas of schools rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted had an average price tag of £654,289 — 20 per cent more than the new city-wide average of £543,517.
Gospel Oak Primary School near Hampstead Heath is the most expensive to live near, with parents living in the same postcode paying an average of £1.7 million.
But happily, there are some equally excellent schools – all also deemed ‘Outstanding’ – within walking distance of family homes costing far less.
Here are 10 such properties for sale right now for £650,000 or under, from two-bedroom flats near high streets and green spaces, to three- and four-bedroom terraced homes with gardens and good transport links.
Forest Hill, SE23
£650,000
Three-bedroom garden flat with open-plan living space close to the Overground station. Eliot Bank Primary School is a 10-minute walk away.
Call Winkworth, 020 3856 4168
Leyton, E10
£650,000
Mid-terrace home with four bedrooms, a log burner and a garden outbuilding. Close to the River Lea and Riverley Primary School.
Call Portico, 020 3867 7008
Ealing, W5
£629,999
Four-bedroom flat in an art deco estate with a pool, tennis court and clubhouse. Next to North Ealing Tube and The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls.
Call Dendrow, 020 3834 8579
Peckham, SE15
£485,000
Two-bedroom, first-floor flat with eat-in kitchen and communal garden. The common and John Donne Primary School are nearby.
Call Roy Brooks, 020 8299 3021
Wood Green, N22
£580,000
Mid-terrace house with three bedrooms, garden and loft conversion potential. Near co-ed secondary, St Thomas More Catholic School.
Call Wilkinson Byrne, 020 3910 6732
Walthamstow, E17
£500,000
Chain-free, three-bedroom flat with a split-level layout. In the village, just round the corner from Walthamstow School for Girls.
Call Estates East, 020 3897 7792
Earlsfield, SW18
£650,000
Three-bedroom period maisonette with a private garden. Minutes from the mainline station and on the same road as Earlsfield Primary School.
Call Jacksons Estate Agents, 020 8971 7979
Stratford, E15
£570,000
New-build apartment with three bedrooms and a balcony. Close to Westfield, Stratford Park and the mixed London Academy of Excellence.
Call Savills, 020 3907 3469
Streatham, SW16
£650,000
Three-bedroom semi-detached home with kitchen/diner leading onto a garden. The all-through Dunraven School is a short stroll away.
Call Dexters, 020 8674 7400
Highbury, N5
£650,000
Duplex two-bedroom flat in a sought-after road a few minutes from Highbury & Islington Tube stop and Highbury Fields School for girls.