A stone’s throw from the upmarket Hampstead Heath, Kentish Town is famous for its colourful houses, top-notch pubs, and diverse restaurant scene.

Now, it could be set to become the UK’s answer to Hollywood, as plans for a £1,000,000,000 quarter dedicated almost entirely to filmmaking have just been adopted by Camden Council.

It’s no secret that the neighbouring Camden Town already has its roots firmly in the creative scene. After all, it was famously the home of Amy Winehouse, The Clash shot the cover of their debut album there, and Pink Floyd played their first-ever gig at The Roundhouse.

Plus, to this day, The Hawley Arms – favoured by Amy as well as Pete Doherty, Kate Moss and even Noel Fielding – is still plastered in various pieces of signed memorabilia, including from Amy herself, who would often serve up customers behind the bar.

With planning permission pending, the new plans for Kentish Town – also in the borough of Camden – could see part of the north London neighbourhood turned into the aptly named Camden Film Quarter.

Spearheaded by real estate investment company Yoo Capital, the blueprint has been developed in partnership with the National Film and Television School and the London Screen Academy.

It envisages a ‘mix of creative space including film studios,’ as well as soundstages, workshop spaces and even studio tours for the public.

In 2024, Lloyd Lee, managing partner at Yoo Capital, told Deadline of the plans: ‘I think that you could see a family coming to do a studio tour, see how movies are made and going into spaces where someone was filming, seeing golf carts go back and forth. They should feel like they’re in the film and television corner of London.’

Plus, the wider Regis Road development will see 1,000 new homes built, 50% of which will be affordable, as well as new pedestrian and cycle-friendly connections connecting Kentish Town to Gospel Oak and Hampstead Heath.

There’ll be green spaces galore too, with the vision aiming to ‘support local biodiversity and enhance the area’s natural environment.’ And if it all gets given the go-ahead, work on the development could start as early as 2026.

It’s no secret that Kentish Town is already a lovely place to live.

Over on the r/London Subreddit, Kentish Town local @wmgregory notes that they love living in the area because it’s ‘not Camden Town (quieter),’ and has ‘nice pubs, cafés and shops’ as well as decent transport links in the form of ‘trains, tubes, overground, and buses.’

@Tubo_Mengmeng lived in Kentish Town for a year and a half, and ‘definitely rate[s] the area personally.’

‘[It’s] just [a] low key chill nice north London neighbourhood which floats my boat a bit more than somewhere trying too hard, def has overspill/seeping of the surrounding areas into it too which helps give it a bit more of an identity,’ they add.

And in @mejogid’s opinion, Kentish Town has ‘some of the best pubs in London,’ citing local watering holes The Pineapple, The Southampton Arms, Tapping the Admiral, The Rose & Crown and The Lion & Unicorn.

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Welcome back to What I Rent – Metro’s tenant diary series exploring what renting is like in the UK and further afield.

This week, we’re down in Fontwell near Arundel in West Sussex, meeting Bronwynn and Seb Wisdom at their four-bedroom rented home.

The couple made the move from South Africa in 2023, and though they weren’t in a position to buy, they wanted more than just a small ‘starter’ home.

And so, they looked to Arundel, which just last year was crowned the most relaxed spot in all of Europe. It’s just three miles from the coast, after all.

Here’s what Browynn had to say about their renting situation…

Tell us about yourselves…

We’re Bronwynn and Seb Wisdom, aged 35 and 36, and we relocated to the UK from South Africa in 2023. We had considered a range of options to find the right home for us and our two cats.

We knew we wanted to put down roots, but buying a property immediately wasn’t our priority, and we were concerned by the restrictions and rules of renting with a traditional buy-to-let landlord.

When we came across our home in Fontwell, near Arundel in West Sussex, we realised we could tick each and every box with professional rental homes provider Leaf Living.

What kind of property do you rent and how long have you been there?  

We reserved a newly built four-bedroom, three-bathroom family house at Leaf Living’s Fontwell Meadows development, where we’ve lived since 2023.

After seeing our families settle in the UK, our hearts longed to be closer to them. So, we made the decision to follow them and start a new chapter.

Sebastian went ahead first, determined to find the perfect place for us. I stayed behind in South Africa, navigating the complexities of my British citizenship and ensuring every detail was in place for our beloved cats to make the journey with me. They’re not just pets, they’re family, and we couldn’t imagine leaving them behind.

Sebastian moved in with his parents, who welcomed him into their three-bedroom home with open arms. For nine months in 2023, their kindness gave him a roof over his head while he searched for our future home.

They had space for him, and we were endlessly grateful, but we knew it was temporary. The house, though filled with warmth, wasn’t quite ready for both of us, especially with our cats in tow. His parents didn’t have pets, and we didn’t want to impose.

Every call, every update about potential homes brought us closer to reuniting. We held onto the dream of being together again, in a place we could call our own.

Now, we couldn’t be happier. The sense of comfort and belonging we feel here is something we’ll cherish forever.

How much do you pay to live here?

£1,700 per month with an initial deposit of £1,900. There are no hidden costs such as service charges.

And what do you get for what you pay?

Our house came with new white goods in the kitchen, which saved a considerable expense on upfront purchases and other added extras including fibre internet in our monthly rent, as well as a video doorbell, Hive thermostat and keyless smart lock.

The living area is spacious, we have allocated parking and all the developers homes have an EPC rating of B or above, which keeps our household bills low.

Do you feel like you have a good deal?

We initially looked into buying and even priced up a mortgage and worked out that we’d end up paying £700 more on monthly mortgage payments for a property of the same size.

From a financial perspective for us at the moment, renting made far more sense.

What do you love about your home? 

We had to consider our cats and were delighted to find that Fontwell Meadows is a pet-friendly rental community. We probably inquired at about 40 or 50 places, and most wouldn’t allow pets or even consider it, and any that did often charged more for smaller spaces because we had animals.

The private garden has been another highlight, offering a safe outdoor space for our cats, who both love exploring.

Where is your home based? What do you think of the area? 

In Fontwell, near Arundel in West Sussex. Seb has a 10-minute drive to work – and for me, it opened so many opportunities when job searching, as I could commute to a lot of different places, as there is easy access to cities like Chichester, Brighton, and Portsmouth.

I ended up with a role based in Tangmere, so it’s only a five-minute bus ride, an easy daily routine.

Why did you choose this property?

When Seb originally came to view a different house at Fontwell Meadows, it wasn’t quite the layout we wanted. Then our home became available, and the lettings team was super helpful in making sure we got the type of property that we wanted.

When he couldn’t attend a viewing, they even filmed a walkthrough for us so I, who was still in South Africa at the time, could see it too.

Have you found it difficult to decorate when renting? Is your landlord happy with you doing bits? 

Our home is decorated beautifully with quality finishes, but we’ve been allowed to personalise our home with prior approval, which is a rare offering in rental homes.

Do you feel like you have enough space? 

We weren’t looking for a small starter apartment, as we needed a space that reflects where we are in our lives. We both really felt as soon as we saw the house that it was a place we could truly make our home.

What do you like about renting your home?

The process was so smooth. The paperwork was straightforward, and we didn’t have to wait weeks to get things agreed upon. If anything does happen, they’re super responsive and quick to sort things out.

We don’t feel anxious about raising concerns because we know the team is there to help. We feel like we’re in a place now that really feels like home, and we know we are going to be here for a long time. We originally signed a tenancy for one year, but we have already extended that.

How did you find this property?

We spent a tonne of time online, looking for homes that suited our look, feel and lifestyle. We came across Leaf Living in this search, and their homes at Fontwell Meadows went straight to the top of our list.

The lettings agent took Sebastian to see a few houses so he could find the size and layout that we both wanted, as I was still in South Africa at the time. When the agent sent through a video for me to see and it was still available, we both knew it was the one for us.

How have you made this place feel like home?

We haven’t done too much to the house yet; it was a beautiful brand-new home to move into with no decoration or repairs needed. We’re planning on being here for a long time, so we’re not in a rush to find our interior style.

What would you like to have but don’t with this flat?

We have everything we need and more with this home; there isn’t anything we would add at the moment. Seb has since bought an electric vehicle to match the house because we have the EV charger available here. No hassle with any extra installation was needed.

Are there any problems with the home you have to deal with?

We’ve not had any problems, and the team is super quick to get back to you if you need anything.

When our Wi-Fi went down, that could have been a disaster as we occasionally work from home, but there was an extremely quick turnaround from our property manager to fix things. It’s helpful that you’re not just dealing with an agent but a professional landlord.

Do you have plans to move again any time soon? What about buying a place?

We might look to buy in the future someday, but we have no plans to move. In fact, we have extended our original tenancy because we have everything we need here.

Shall we take a look around?

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Ever fancied living like the stars do? One 70s music legend’s childhood home has hit the market down in Bromley, South London for £449,500.

David Bowie is most closely associated with the vibrant Brixton, having lived at 40 Stansfield Road until he was six years old. To this day, a mural of everyone’s favourite Starman – specifically styled as his alter ego Aladdin Sane – shines over the streets of Brixton Road.

But after he moved out of SW9 in 1953, he and his family moved to Bromley, which was part of Kent until 1965, when it joined Greater London.

Now, the home on Canon Road, BR1, is up for sale for almost half a million – and since English Heritage specifies that blue plaques can only be placed over the homes of people who died at least 20 years ago, there’s nothing to be found here hanging on the exterior wall.

And while the Victorian period property might be small, it’s certainly steeped in plenty of history.

With two bedrooms, two reception rooms and one bathroom, the listing, marketed by Leaders, describes it as a ‘charming two-bedroom period terraced house’ which is ‘located in a quiet residential position close to the heart of Bickley on the borders of Bromley.’

Bowie stardom aside, it adds that it’s the ‘perfect place to call home,’ exuding ‘a sense of peace and tranquillity,’ and is available chain-free.

The family’s time at the home was brief, as the next year, they moved to Plaistow Grove, closer to Sundridge Park.

At the time Bowie – born David Robert Jones – moved to Bromley, the average UK house price rested at £1,884. Today, that translates to £44,795. Just imagine?

He eventually moved away from Bromley completely in 1965 – becoming David Bowie in January 1966 as he was constantly confused with Davy Jones of The Monkees – but it continued to hold a close spot in his heart.

In a 2003 interview with Vanity Fair, he recalled visiting the local department store Medhursts – which these days, is now a Primark.

‘There wasn’t an American release they didn’t have or couldn’t get. Quite as hip as any London supplier,’ he said at the time.

‘I would have had a very dry musical run were it not for this place.’

Bowie’s former home isn’t the only notable property to come onto the market in the last year. In September 2024, Boy George’s home in Hampstead was placed on the rental market for £65,000 per month.

Having bought the five-bedroom property in the 1980s after Culture Club first enjoyed commercial success, the singer looked to rent it out after 40 years of owning it.

He previously placed the home on the market in November 2022 for £17,000,000, and received some ‘very good offers’ on it, as estate agent Robert Irving Burns previously noted, but ultimately decided to turn it down.

Similarly, in November 2024, a recording studio formerly owned by The Pet Shop Boys on Garrett Street went up for sale with a price tag of £6,000,000.

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When moving into a new home, figuring out what to do with the space you have can be a challenge.

But the internet is in a full blown meltdown over this nook in someone’s home, which is smaller than the width of a door frame.

The location of the property is unknown, but the room in question seems to be a bedroom, and the narrow corridor between the two wardrobes is a head-scratcher for even the most experienced interior designer.

A Redditor shared the image of the space in the r/mildlyinfuriating subreddit, asking: ‘What should someone do with this space.’ It received a whopping 111,000 upvotes and 38,000 comments, as people tried desperately to come up with some use for it.

And, there were some pretty ingenious suggestions.

One Redditor, @i-deology, said: ‘Build a fake wall which is actually a secret door. And this is your little secret room if your house gets invaded, or the in-laws are in town.’

Then, @tokinUP added: ‘Put the secret door inside the closet’s side wall so the outside can be perfectly flush painted over drywall with furniture in front of it or something.’

There were also some pretty terrifying suggestions too. ‘Put a doll sitting in an old chair at the end of it,’ said @ODarrow, while another wrote: ‘Stand in it and scare people when they walk past.’

Others took the mick out of the current rental market, saying: ‘Bedroom for rent. Cosy space. £800/month. Lots of light.’

A designated crying corner, miniature bowling lanes, and putting greens were some more ideas floated in the comments section, while someone simply questioned how the decorator managed to paint the alcove without getting it on their front and back simultaneously.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, with a very narrow corridor of dead space that needs a purpose, don’t stress. Metro enlisted the brains of four interior designers to see what they would do with the strange space if given the chance.

A cosy reading area

Johanna Constantinou, interior trends expert at Tapi Carpets and Flooring says: ‘A mini reading nook is a great idea. Install a built-in cushioned bench or a small chair, add a plush runner or soft carpeting for warmth, and use floating bookshelves for storage.

‘String lights or a small wall sconce can create a relaxing ambience, making this a charming spot to get lost in a book.’

Try an ‘accent corner’

You’ve heard of accent wall, but what about an accent nook?

Paulina Wojas, interior designer at Stunning Chairs, suggests letting the nook simply have its moment. ‘Rather than using it as a functional area, it could be used as an accent corner, transforming a basic hallway into an aesthetically pleasing space,’ she explains.

‘Coat the walls in vibrant, on-trend colours that resonate with your taste. Opt for light tones to create the illusion of a bigger space or darker hues for a cosy aesthetic.

‘Introduce natural elements by adding plants or wooden features; opt for wood shelving for added texture and depth.’

Add some quirky seating

Deirdre McGettrick, home interiors expert and co-founder and CEO of Ufurnish.com suggests making it a seating area with a difference.

‘Knock out the wall for one of the wardrobes, then insert the equivalent of bleacher seats (steps) at basketball venues which incorporates storage and a seating area.

‘The wall with the remaining wardrobe would make a great canvas to do a mural on.’

And if you don’t fancy getting heavy handed with a hammer and knocking any walls down?

‘You can create the step effect right up to the window in the existing space, allowing for each step to pull out and have storage contained therein.’

A stylish storage solution

For interior designer Rossella Marzocchella, at Decor and Decor, it’s a perfect place for storage.

‘Use the space for a run of matching baskets or wooden crates,’ she tells Metro. ‘It’s a great spot for storing things you don’t need every day like seasonal accessories, spare toiletries, cleaning supplies, even rolls of wrapping paper.

‘Pick natural materials like rattan, wood or canvas to soften the edges of a tight space while deep storage baskets or crates will give the illusion it isn’t as long as it looks. Using crates with wheels, built-in handles or pull-out drawers also makes it far more user-friendly day to day.’

A secret space

Amy Wilson, interior designer at 247 Blinds, would take a similar approach, using the area for storage, but she suggests concealing the area too.

‘It presents a great opportunity for creating a secret, hidden storage area which could be stylishly concealed with full length curtains,’ she explains.

‘I would start by mounting a curtain pole just above the opening, extending it slightly wider than the gap itself as this will help the curtains to drape more naturally and not feel cramped.

‘Choose full length curtains which gently pool on the floor – this will not only hide the storage but also adds a touch of elegance.’

Knock down some walls

Architect Bill Webb, at Able Partners, suggests altering the space completely.

‘Create a pop-up lounge, by cutting out the cupboards and making a small pair of built-in armchairs with a slide-out storage unit that also acts as a table,’ he suggests.

‘This would allow the homeowner to enjoy the space by creating a sociable area for entertaining.

‘Alternatively, with a few added soft furnishings, the user could create a cosy reading nook to take advantage of the natural light.’

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You never quite know what will greet you as you step foot outside Brixton tube station.

From steel drums, to lively party-goers and the strong smell of incense (mixed in with hot dogs) wafting through the air, it’s an assault on the senses.

Influencer Olan Tekkers went viral on TikTok after painting a particularly vivid picture of the South London station, saying: ‘This place is the jungle, it’s not normal at all man, it’s a simulation.’

Others have described it as ‘like a fever dream’ and that ‘it’s like coming out a portal into another world’.

But if there wasn’t already enough going on here, the last stop on the Victoria Line could be getting a new addition, as plans for an ‘attractive new restaurant’ within the station have been proposed by TfL.

The dining spot would be situated in the disused back of the station, which backs onto Electric Lane, formerly used by tube workers as a recreational space.

The plans, submitted by TfL’s property arm, Places for London, were given to Lambeth Council, who will decide whether or not to give it the go ahead.

According to the planning documents there will be an ‘enhanced frontage’ to ‘improve the appearance of a building which is currently identified to make a negative contribution to the character and appearance of the Brixton conservation area.’

The application claims that the Five Guys restaurant situated at the north entrance of Electric Lane sets a precedent for there to be more dining spots on the former mews street.

The metal shutters, currently pasted with graffiti will be replaced with new entrance doors to the restaurant and two large windows, along with ventilation.

It’s not currently known what type of restaurant this establishment will be, although the mock up image in the planning proposals indicates a more refined dining experience, rather than a fast-food chain.

Anti-social behaviour concerns

Plans for this new restaurant also addressed the risk of the new venue attracting antisocial behaviour, which Places for London have said will be minimised by not offering takeaways.

It will also have opening hours of 10am to 11pm from Sunday to Thursday, and close at midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Anti-social behaviour around the tube station has been a concern for some time, with the area having the twelfth-highest crime rate out of London’s 624 Safer Neighbourhood Teams – putting it among the top 2%.

A survey by ACTION on ASB – a Brixton community campaign taking action against high levels of anti-social behaviour like ‘human toileting, loitering, intimidation, theft and vandalism’ – also found that 75% of residents think anti-social behaviour is ‘out of control’ in the area.

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Looking for new digs? One town jokingly labelled a ‘posh enclave’ has been named the best place to live in the north of England.

Just outside of the bustling city of Leeds lies the quaint town of Ilkley – known for its independent cafés, trendy brunch spots and picturesque hiking views.

According to a brand-new list, it trumps absolutely every other single place in the north and northeast of England when it comes to various factors, including schools, transport, access to green spaces, mobile coverage and even the ‘health of the high street’ – including the likes of Hebden Bridge, Horsforth and Morpeth, which also scored highly.

The average house up in Ilkley isn’t cheap at £532,000, according to The Sunday Times’ list – while the typical UK house price is almost half the cost at £267,200, as research from Zoopla shows.

It’s not the first time Ilkley has been praised, as it was named the best place to live in the entirety of the UK in 2022. Clearly, West Yorkshire is where it’s at.

As for the rest of the UK, Saffron Walden in Essex – where house prices average out at a whopping £607,100 – came in first place, while in London, the eternally cool Walthamstow (or ‘Awesomestow,’ as locals know it) won a landslide victory.

What locals are saying about Ilkley

Both locals and visitors to Ilkley alike have long been completely enamoured with it – even if it’s a little bit ‘posh.’

Over on the r/Yorkshire Subreddit, @Ok-Fox1262 jokingly called the West Yorkshire town a ‘posh enclave,’ but noted that it’s ‘really nice, albeit a bit expensive by local standards…and you have the whole of the dales to go at if you like walking and countryside.’

For @oovavoooo, Ilkley very much resembles ‘an old money spa town’ that alongside ‘Skipton and York’ forms part of the ‘Yorkshire Golden Triangle.’ In their view, you won’t find many ‘better places to live’ in England – and the latest rankings certainly prove that point.

‘It does have quite a west London vibe to it, but with very different surroundings. It’s also full of people who have moved from or back from London,’ they added.

Elsewhere, @No_Potato_4341 branded it ‘picturesque’ as well as ‘a complete anomaly compared to other places in the Bradford Borough.’ For them, The Toy Museum and Manor House are the peak of Ilkley living, as well as the beautiful countryside.

Things to do in Ilkley

Thinking of making the move? Undoubtedly, the best thing about Ilkley is its proximity to absolutely breathtaking views – the most notable looming right over the town on Ilkley Moor, by the Cow and Calf Rocks.

Also known as the Hangingstone Rocks, they’re about a 35-minute walk from the train station at the bottom of the hill – which various locals have even been spotted running up and down in all weathers. You would if you could, right?

Tipples and roast dinners aplenty are served up at The Cow And Calf pub which is, of course, a mere seven minutes on foot from the neighbouring rocks, overlooking the Wharfe Valley.

And back towards the centre of town, who could forget the iconic Betty’s Tea Room? It’s been serving up Fat Rascals – a famous Yorkshire bun resembling a scone – since 1919, after all.

If swimming is more your thing, Ilkley Lido is found right next to the indoor pool. Opened in 1935, it was originally part of the celebrations for the Silver Jubilee of George V.

And when the weekend rolls around, it’s always nice to indulge in a spot of brunch – found in abundance at the likes of Toast House, Outside The Box, and Arlo. Hash brown, anyone?

Transport links in Ilkley

Wondering what your new daily commute might look like? Leeds and Bradford – both giants of West Yorkshire respectively – are approximately 30 minutes from Ilkley on the train (or 45 minutes by car).

And if you ever find yourself yearning for London, there’s a direct train down to King’s Cross from Leeds, which takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes.

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Captivated by the prospect of living in a teeny tiny space? A skinny house has hit the market down in Chichester, West Sussex to the tune of £1,250,000.

The Grade II listed Georgian home recently underwent a full refurbishment, and now boasts lavish, colourful interiors.

For a relatively compact space (it’s just 3.6 metres wide, which is about the width of a standard bus), there’s a lot packed into it, with three bedrooms, three living rooms, and two bathrooms spread across 150.6 square metres (which works out at £8,300.13 for each one).

Many of the property’s original features remain in place, including the front façade, sash windows complete with shutters, and a breathtaking staircase, perfect for acting out your finest ballroom entrance fantasies.

Stepping through the classic front door, you’ll be welcomed inside a double-height sitting room complete with an oak floor, wall panelling, and of course, a cosy fireplace, perfect for the winter months.

From there, the hallway takes you through to the open-plan kitchen and dining room, furnished with a herringbone wooden floor and exposed brick walls.

It doesn’t stop there, either, as the first floor boasts a mezzanine seating area above the main living room, which the current owners have furnished with an opulent bright yellow sofa. You would if you could, right?

Across the landing, there’s another sitting room too, which could also become another bedroom with a bit of TLC – so there’s no shortage of space to relax.

Finally, the top floor hosts two bedrooms, one with an ensuite bathroom and the other right next to the family bathroom, complete with a freestanding bath for a long, hot soak.

What’s more, it’s right in the centre of the historic city, being a stone’s throw from both Chichester Cathedral and Pallant House Gallery. What’s not to love?

That’s not the only skinny house to hit the market of late. Last week, a property billed ‘London’s second narrowest home’ went up for sale to the tune of £1,250,000.

Spread over three floors and billed as ‘Tardis-like,’ the two-bedroom home, located in the swanky Notting Hill Gate, dates back to around 1930.

For fans of strange analogies, at seven feet wide, the property is about half the length of a VW Beetle (13.38 feet) – almost double the width of the Chichester home.

Speaking of teeny tiny homes, just how small are they allowed to be? It all depends on the number of bedrooms.

According to Urbanist Architecture, in England, a one-bedroom flat with capacity for one person and set across one storey needs to have a minimum Gross Internal Area of 37 square metres.

Meanwhile, a three-storey, three-bedroom home with space for six people needs to span 108 square metres, while a six-bedroom, three-storey property with capacity for eight needs to be slightly larger, at 138.

This piece was originally published on March 21, 2025.

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For 153 years, seven unique structures have towered over one East London suburb – and now, they’re getting a £72,000,000 revival.

The Bromley-by-Bow gasholders were built between 1872 and 1878, and until 2010, supplied a gas connection to the local community. Since then, the 23-acre site has stood without purpose – and crucially, been closed off to the public.

The largest group of Victorian gasholders in Britain, they’re the true embodiment of the peak of the Industrial Revolution and are even Grade II-listed.

Now, they’ve been given a new lease of life as planning permission has been approved for them to be converted into 2,150 new homes across 13 buildings.

Some of these new properties will be integrated into the gasholder frames – which, if you ask us, would make for a pretty unique four walls.

The plans, overseen by St William, are also looking to provide extra green space for all Bromley-by-Bow residents too, as 70% of the brownfield site will function as open space, including a 4.2-acre park with views over the River Lea. There’ll be wildflowers galore, too.

What’s more, the development will contribute an extra £4,790,000 towards sustainable transport initiatives, such as cycling and pedestrian routes, plus upgrades to existing bus services.

Dean Summers, managing director of St William, described the project as ‘one of the most challenging brownfield sites in the country.’

‘Transforming it into thousands of sustainable, well-connected homes and a publicly accessible 4.2-acre riverfront park was always going to require a unique, collaborative solution,’ he added.

‘It is a testament to our brilliant partnerships with Historic England and the London Borough Newham and the invaluable input we have received from residents that we have reached this milestone and that we move one step closer to realising this site’s enormous potential.

‘Private/public sector collaborations like these have never been more important as we continue to navigate challenging market conditions and work together to boost housing delivery and growth.’

Various locals have long felt that Bromley-by-Bow could do with a little bit of TLC, with @iantokelove describing the gasholders on X, formerly Twitter, as ‘skeletal ghosts.’

And as @strum wrote in the r/London Subreddit, having lived there for 30 years, they felt it was a ‘bit of a dead spot between Roman Road and Poplar.’

‘There isn’t a lot going on, but there’s Three Mills Studio, to the East,’ they added.

Meanwhile, @finetillyoucamealong agreed that it was a ‘bit of a nothing zone’ – but noted that ‘you’re set for transport and only a few stops from livelier places.’

Equally, there’s been plenty of love for it too, as @Naive_Standard4697 has lived in Bromley-by-Bow for almost three years, and ‘loves the canals and being able to easily bike to Hackney, Vic [Victoria] Park, [and] Hackney Marshes.’

‘Super close to Stratford, [and] Canary Wharf. Really convenient to travel into the city. There’s a few good pubs around and not too many amenities but a bunch more coming over the next year or so,’ they added.

Plus, when it comes to access to green spaces, Bromley-by-Bow is conveniently placed, being a stone’s throw from the likes of Mile End Park, Wennington Green, and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

And if you’re in search of a place steeped in history, E3 is arguably exactly that, with the aptly named Roman Road dating back to – you guessed it – the Roman era.

It once connected Venta Icenorum (found at modern-day Caistor St Edmund in Norfolk) to what was then known as Londinium (AKA, the Big Smoke).

So, if you’re in search of new digs, Bromley-by-Bow could be the sweet spot.

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Looking to get on the property ladder, but not sure where to start? The most popular UK area for first-time buyers has been named – and it’s just under an hour from London.

Dartford might be best known for its famous crossing (and for being the birthplace of none other than Mick Jagger), but it’s also proving popular with brand-new homeowners.

According to new data from the Office For National Statistics (ONS), in 2023, the Kent town had the highest rate of first-time buyers in the country at 20.2 sales per 1,000 dwellings, a figure that’s jumped up from 15.0 per 1,000 over the last 10 years. Clearly, Dartford is the place to be.

This was closely followed by Harlow in the east of England at 16.3 per 1,000, with honourable mentions to Nuneaton and Bedworth in the West Midlands at 15.5 per 1,000.

Unsurprisingly, the number of first-time buyers seeking properties in London has decreased in the last decade, as 12.7% of all UK-wide FTB mortgages were found in the Big Smoke, marking a decrease from 16.8% in 2013. Ouch.

How much does housing cost in Dartford?

So, what’s all the buzz about Dartford for?

According to data from Zoopla, the average house price for a first-time buyer in the area is £350,000 – considerably cheaper than the general average for the area, which currently stands at £372,986.

While that might be more expensive than the UK-wide average, which is now £267,200, it’s an accessible way for London commuters to live relatively close to the city (there are direct trains to Victoria in just 52 minutes) without paying a premium – which is exactly what prompted one couple to make the move last year.

‘We purchased our dream home in Dartford after 10 years of renting’

Sebastian and Joanna Adamczyk, 39 and 35, picked up the keys to their first mortgaged home in July 2024. After 10 years of renting in the capital, they chose Dartford as their new digs – and are now paying £20 less each month in mortgage payments at £1,730.

‘We saved every penny we could for two years, then decided we might have enough to look at buying our own home. We both work in central London so being able to get in and out was key to where we looked for a place to live,’ Joanna shares.

The couple had heard that Dartford was a ‘nice place to live,’ so one day they ‘caught a train and went to have a look,’ wandering through the ‘high street with all the lovely cafes and shops.’ The moment they arrived, they had a ‘lovely feeling about the place.’

‘After a spot of window shopping, we walked to the huge Central Park to relax and on the way out we saw a sign that told us that Bellway was building apartments at Copperhouse Green just round the corner,’ Joanna adds. From then, it was an instant yes.

‘It is great to be able to pop out and just stroll along to the shops and cafes, but we absolutely love being able to hop on a bus and be at the amazing Bluewater Shopping Centre 15 minutes later. In the first two weeks after moving in, we went five times,’ she adds, noting that they moved in on their 10^th anniversary – which was July 19, 2024.

‘Living here is the best present we could ever have given ourselves. It’s as if we are meant to be here and we love it.’

Things to do in Dartford

Thinking about making the move as a first-time buyer? Dartford was described by local @NebCrushrr over on Reddit as a ‘lively place’ with a ‘busy’ town centre that hosts a ‘real community.’ Sounds perfect.

For a spot of greenery, there’s Darenth Country Park, found on the edge of the North Downs. An ancient Saxon burial ground, the Chapel Orchard has more than 150 varieties of trees – including apple, pear, plum, and even cherry.

Plus, there’s the dreamy Central Park – Sebastian and Joanna’s favourite – which is inundated with stunning flowerbeds, a café and even an outdoor fitness area, as well as the Beacon Wood Country Park and Brooklands Lake, both perfect for an afternoon stroll.

There’s culture and history to be found at The Orchard Theatre, Dartford Open Air Theatre and Dartford Borough Museum, which is free to enter if you’re looking to save a few pennies.

And for the little ones, who could forget Dinotropolis? This dinosaur adventure park is complete with impressive animatronics and even raptor racing.

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Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Welcome back to What I Own – Metro’s property series where we speak to homeowners about getting on the ladder.

This week, we’re meeting married couple Benjámin and Dorottya, who recently swapped the stress of London renting for their first mortgaged home.

After walking past the new-build complex at Park Quarter one day in 2024, they instantly enquired online about moving in – and were some of the first homeowners in the building to get their keys back in October 2024.

They’re now getting settled in their £419,000 Barnet two-bed – and have even managed to make some home improvements to accommodate their two cats, Millie and Django.

Here’s what Ben had to say about their property journey…

Tell us about yourself!

I’m Ben, I’m 28 years old and I’ve owned a window cleaning company for the last three years. Before that, I was an electrician. My wife Dorottya is 31 years old and she works as a quality assurance engineer. 

Whereabouts is your property? What do you think of the area? 

New Barnet. We love it as it is still very close to London and we feel like we’re closer to nature. We have everything that we need on our doorstep.

When did you move in?

October 2024.

How much does your property cost?

£419,000.

How much was your deposit?

£90,000.

What is the monthly cost of living here now, both mortgage and bills?

Our mortgage repayment is £1,880 per month. We don’t currently have internet in our property since it’s a new-build and they haven’t commissioned the cables yet, but once that’s done, it’ll be around £40.

The council tax hasn’t yet been valued but we think it’ll be around £200. Our electricity costs £71 per month, water around £30, and the service charge and insurance is £100.

How did you save up for your deposit?

We’ve been saving for about 5 years together. We were renting a one-bedroom flat for £1,100 and later on £1,175, which saved us a lot of money compared to the renting market averages.

We’ve always been careful and we watch what we spend our money on. We saved a lot on organising our food shopping once a week and eating home-cooked food, cutting out takeaways, and no impulsive shopping. We also didn’t have any loans.

What was the process of getting a mortgage like for you? Did you find any parts challenging?

It was really quick as we had a good mortgage adviser who guided us through the process and answered all of our questions.

The challenging part was getting our bank statements in order, as we had to gather two years’ worth of monthly statements from our joint account and our personal accounts. It was an annoyingly long process.

We also received a lot of paperwork from our solicitor and mortgage advisor like the mortgage deed, which wasn’t an easy read. It was hard to digest it.

Can you share details on your mortgage (rate/term)?

We have a two-year fixed mortgage of 4.76%. The full length is 25 years.

Where did you live before this – were you renting or living with family?

Finchley Central, where we were renting a one-bedroom flat.

What made you want to buy rather than rent?

We wanted our own place to call home and to get on the property ladder.

How did you find this property? What made you choose it?

Previously we lived in Finchley Central and liked the area but it was too expensive for us. We wanted to stay nearby, still in London, but in a more affordable area. Once we started looking we found nice flats New Barnet and during the viewings, we saw that the area itself is nice as well.

As we were coming out from viewing a property in New Barnet we walked past our current building. We had a look later that evening on the website, we booked a viewing two days later and put an offer in straight after.

We chose it for the spacious balcony, and the fact that we would be the first people to live in the property.

How have you made the property feel like home? What’s the inspiration for your interior decor style?

We wanted our place to feelcosy and welcoming. We focused on neutral tones with some industrial bits, and we’re always inspired by Canva and Pinterest, but it’s still a work in progress!

We’re planning to update the hallway, finish the bathroom, install a full-wall fixed mirror with LED strips, and add more personal touches to the living room and main bedroom.

So far, we’ve changed the bathroom’s hand wash basin on a pedestal to a cupboard with a new hand wash basin on top. We also made our balcony cat-proof as we have two cats.

What’s your favourite room and why?

Our favourite area in the property is the open-plan kitchen/living room/balcony.

We love it as we have a nice and large area where we can have our friends and family together without being on top of each other.

Do you feel like you have enough space?

Yes, it’s enough for the two of us and I think later if we plan to have a baby, we will still have enough space for all of us.

Do you have plans to change the property?

No, we’re happy here.

Are there any problems with the property that you have to deal with?

As it is a new build we don’t currently have internet in our property. We moved in last October, and at the time, we were told the internet installation would be completed within two weeks.

However, the cabling work was only recently finished. We’re now waiting for the activation and commissioning on their end, which we hope will happen within the next few weeks. Once that’s done, we’ll be able to order an internet package from our chosen provider.

What do you want people to know about buying a home?

Take your time to do the research and have quite a specific idea about the must-haves in your future home. We knew we wanted two bedrooms, a balcony, a bathtub, and storage space.

A detailed list can be your best friend. If you have this strong idea, you won’t spend months viewing properties that aren’t suited to you. And get some basic hand tools!

What are your plans for the future, in terms of housing? Do you plan to stay here long-term?

Yes, we are planning to stay here long-term. We’ll try to save up more money and put it towards the mortgage to reduce the term or the monthly payment.

Shall we take a look around?

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.