London is a bustling metropolis located in the south-east of England. It is the largest city in the United Kingdom and is known for its rich cultural heritage, iconic landmarks, and buzzing atmosphere. In terms of geography, London is split into 32 boroughs including seven major ones (Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, Wandsworth, Lambeth, Southwark and Tower Hamlets).
Motorway Access
London has excellent motorway access with many main routes passing through or around the outskirts of the capital such as M4 (heading west towards Bristol), M1 (towards Leeds), M25 (London ring road) and M11 (towards Cambridge). The city has a ring of dual carriageways that surround its core, allowing easy access from all directions to the centre.
Logistics
London is an important global hub for a wide range of businesses due to its transport links, making it one of the most desirable cities in Europe for companies looking to relocate their operations. Many airlines fly into some of London's busiest airports including Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport, while a number of major seaports such as Greenwich Seaport are located around the Greater London area.
Industry
London's economy is diverse and encompasses a range of sectors, including financial services, business services, logistics and distribution, transport and communications. It is also home to some of the world’s largest corporations with many global headquarters located in the city.
Population Number
The population of London is currently estimated at around 8.9 million people which makes it one of the most populous cities in Europe. The largest ethnic group in London are White British (45 percent), followed by Asian or Asian British (17 percent) and Black or Black British (13 percent).
Investment in the Area
London is a major centre of investment with its financial district, The City, being the leading business and banking hub in Europe. Investment has been focused on improving public transport links such as Crossrail 1, redeveloping areas of London to make them more attractive for businesses and residents. Other investments include property developments in East London’s regeneration zones.
Areas within London
There are ten main areas within London that have seen significant investment over recent years:
- Westminster: Westminster is home to numerous iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament.
- Kensington and Chelsea: This affluent area is known for its exclusive residential areas, as well as shops, theatres and museums.
- Hammersmith and Fulham: A popular area for young professionals with plenty of green spaces and excellent transport links.
- Wandsworth: Home to numerous parks, Wandsworth also hosts the annual Battersea Park Fireworks display.
- Lambeth: Lambeth boasts a lively mix of cultures, independent shops, markets and art galleries.
- Southwark: This area is home to the famous Borough Market, as well as other attractions such as Tate Modern and Borough Hall.
- Tower Hamlets: Tower Hamlets offers a combination of modern apartment blocks and industrial warehouses. It also features many trendy bars and restaurants.
- Croydon: Croydon has seen significant investment in recent years resulting in a new shopping centre, theatre and library.
- Hackney: Hackney is becoming one of London’s trendiest areas due to its vibrant nightlife, cultural hotspots and independent shops.
- Islington: Islington is known for its trendy bars, restaurants and galleries, as well as its proximity to attractions such as Camden Market.
Average House Selling Prices and Types of Houses Sold
The average house price in London varies significantly across the different areas with Kensington and Chelsea having the highest average property prices at £1.4 million. Westminster (£1.2 million), Hackney (£637,000) and Islington (£626,000) are other popular areas for purchasing properties. The majority of houses sold in the city are terraced (40 percent) followed by flats/apartments (30 percent).
Education Facilities
London has some of the best educational facilities in the world. The city is home to numerous universities, including University College London, King’s College London and Imperial College London. In addition, there are a number of colleges such as City Lit College, Westminster Kingsway College and South Thames College.
Sports & Entertainment Facilities
London offers plenty in terms of sports and entertainment. There are plenty of parks offering outdoor activities such as football pitches, tennis courts, running tracks and cycling routes. Popular venues for live music include O2 Academy Islington, Brixton Academy and Shepherds Bush Empire. Other venues for entertainment include the National Theatre, The Old Vic and the London Palladium.
Sports & Entertainment Events
London is also home to some of the world’s biggest sporting events such as The Wimbledon Championships, Royal Ascot, England International Rugby matches and the London Marathon. In addition, there are numerous music festivals such as Wireless Festival and Reading & Leeds Festival.
London is a vibrant city with something to offer everyone. It is an ideal destination for investors looking to make a long-term commitment in property or other investments.