Outer London - why it could be a boom town for 20 minute neighbourhoods

One of London's leading property services groups has explored the most amenity-rich and walkable communities in Outer London in a report titled ‘Pillars of the community’, in reaction to the rising popularity of the 20-minute neighbourhood.

The quality and convenience of local neighbourhoods took centre stage during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the 20-minute neighbourhood and 15-minute city conceps, as well as a greater focus on the environment, rising quickly in the minds of policymakers and the public worldwide.

This led Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward (KFH) to carry out its report, which highlights the top 10% of neighbourhoods in Outer London based on amenity provision within a 20-minute walk, and the boroughs with the most walkable neighbourhoods.

The independent analysis evaluated and ranked 470 neighbourhoods, listing the number of amenities within a five, ten, 15 and 20-minute walk. For each, amenities were assessed by what is considered by planners to be an integral part of a 20-minute walkable neighbourhood, including green spaces, schools, shops, restaurants, gyms and shared office spaces. 

The findings revealed that Upton Park in East London, the home of West Ham's former ground, was ranked as the number one neighbourhood in Outer London, having the most amenities and as a result being the most walkable. When it comes to boroughs, Ealing (6), Newham (8), Richmond (3) and Haringey (6) are home to the highest number of walkable neighbourhoods by area in Outer London.

For Londoners, the connectivity between places across the capital (most commonly achieved via the Tube) remains an important factor, with house price growth still driven by well-connected neighbourhoods that can also offer quality amenities within a 20-minute walk. One of the Mayor of London's pledges is aiming for 80% of trips to be by cycle, foot or public transport by 2041.

In Outer London, the most potential exists for average sales prices to uplift in walkable neighbourhoods such as Croydon (21%), Plaistow (18%) and Wood Green (20%), when compared to the average prices in their respective boroughs.

“We continue to help landowners and developers optimise their schemes for their exit strategy. Sites with characteristics such as: within a regeneration area, within a walkable neighbourhood, close to green open space or well connected by tube, rail and cycle superhighway, will usually have the greatest potential. These projects will help to bring vacant properties back into use, protect cultural spaces and support high street employment," John East, land and new homes director at KFH, said.