New line 'will make Forest Hill boom-spot'

A south-east London suburb could become a rental property boom-spot, as housing experts predict strong knock-on effects from improved transport links that will help the area feel more like part of the capital.

The Telegraph claimed that green and tranquil Forest Hill will soon benefit from the buzz of London commuting and higher demand for its property, once the East London Line extension is complete and running.

Forest Hill - in the borough of Lewisham - had much to gain from the revamp of the underground line, claimed the newspaper, with house prices likely to remain strong now that work has begun on the £1 billion East London Line project.

Polly Ogden, branch manager of Wates Residential, told the Telegraph: "There's no doubt that the lack of a tube station has held prices back.

"Everyone's been talking about the East London line extension for years, but now that the rumour's turning into reality, there's a real buzz in the area."

Running from West Croydon to Dalston Kingsland and eventually Highbury and Islington in the north, the new line will allow Forest Hill residents easy access to Canary Wharf (via Canada Water), and the City, via Shadwell and the DLR.

News posted on 21st January, 2008