Acton: London's suburban retreat

Background

Acton may become one of the more in demand places for people looking to rent property in the area, with its rich stock of Victorian houses and exceptional commuter links to take workers into the centre of the capital.

Situated in the London borough of Ealing, it is within reach of the M4 motorway, as well as London Heathrow Airport and is close to the bright lights and boutiques of Hammersmith and Fulham, as well as Kensington and Chelsea.

And, if its tag as a suburban haven for young professionals seeking value for money was in doubt, it is also home to the West London's largest housing estate.

Property

While Acton has earned the tag as one of the cheaper areas to buy a home in the capital, prices in the London borough of Ealing are still almost double that of the national average, according to the Land Registry.

Its house price index revealed that the cost of a house in May this year was £312,108, compared with £165,314 across the rest of the UK.

In the past year, the value of houses in the area has risen by more than nine per cent, or more than £28,000.

Broken down, the figures reveal that a detached abode will dent a buyers bank balance to the tune of £700,551, while a semi-detached home will cost around £365,425.

Meanwhile, purchasing a terraced pad means spending approximately £313,770 and investing in a maisonette or flat will set people back £244,473, almost £80,000 above the national average.

With prices like this, it might be easy to see why looking for property to rent in Ealing is considered a more viable option.

For example, a studio apartment will set tenants back as little as £524 per calendar month, while a one-bedroom abode costs around £979 on average, with a two-bed pad being approximately £1,270 and a three-bed place £1,573.


Transport

Acton is a commuters paradise with seven train stations serving various routes into the capital, with four London Underground stations and three mainline stops to satisfy people living across the borough.

For example, those heading into the centre of London from Acton Mainline can reach London Paddington in just nine minutes.

Similarly, jetsetters hope to head off to sunnier climes can expect to reach Heathrow Airport in around half an hour, aided by the close proximity of the M4.

And, of course, with the motorway being so near, it makes it easier for people holidaying in the UK or going to see friends and family in other parts of the of the country.

Amenities

As with many areas of London, Acton has a range of restaurants, pubs and shops to keep residents and people renting property suitably entertainment.

Acton High Street alone offers Thai and Chinese eateries and is also home to places specialising in Nepalese cuisine.

Additionally, there is a variety of pubs and nightlife, whether you are searching for a quiet drink at the local or a vibrant night spot, including one recommended by Spoonfed called the The George and Dragon.

While it caters for those who like a good pub quiz, visitors can also drink in (literally) the art nouveau statues and the surroundings that apparently give it "the feel of a German bierkeller".

During the day, the High Street also offers shoppers a chance to find a bargain or two and the recently opened Westfield London mall is only a short journey for the more serious shopaholics.

Overall, with the transport links and an array of amenities, it is easy to see why so many would find property to rent in Acton a good thing.

Posted by Charles Mackay

Published 5th July, 2010

© 2010 Estates IT Limited