What can you expect from property in Regent’s Park?

Say ‘Regents Park’ and the first thought that springs to mind is of luxurious townhouses, ideally situated close to the perfectly coiffed royal parkland. While these homes do exist and the park is a rather lovely attraction to reside by, is this perception merely a cliché of central-London living or are there more options out there?

What can you expect from property in Regent’s Park?

A wide variety of accommodation

The immediate habitable vicinity of the park is a ring road called the Outer Circle. Along three-quarters of this circle are townhouses, villas, lodges and gate houses, many of which were designed by celebrated architect, John Nash. His grand terraces and crescents, with façades restored to their original elegance, run parallel with Marylebone Road, Park Road and Albany Street. They sit adjacent to several large villas, many of which have housed members of the world’s royal families over the years. Suffice to say, opulent accommodation is plentiful.

These properties are contrasted against a number of apartment blocks, offering studios and smaller homes and ranging in style from the Art Deco to the very newest developments, including The Triton Building.

Essentially, Regent’s Park isn’t exclusively 19th Century neoclassical townhouses. You’ll find maisonettes on Albany Street, refurb opportunities in Compton Close, purpose-built flats in Camden High Street, Grade II-listed semi-detached houses in St Katharine’s Precinct and £40m stucco-fronted terraces in the Outer Circle – there’s a huge variety.

Availability

Properties around Regent’s Park are in high demand, which is no surprise given how vibrant the area is. Finding houses for sale or to rent at the lower end of the scale is fiercely competitive. Many lettings are unavailable until next year, thus it’s an area for which you may have to be extremely patient with.

Of course, there is an easier way: get close to someone on the ‘inside’, i.e. a local estate/ letting agent which can contact you as and when a property suddenly goes onto the market that fits your requirements.

Prices

Admittedly, there will always be a premium to pay if you want to live in London, though it really does depend on the property type and area, plus whether you want to rent or buy.

A quick scan of the internet reveals rental properties starting at £380 per week, going right up to £15.5 million to buy an apartment in one of Nash’s terraces, though there are flats for sale about three or four streets away from the Outer Circle priced at a far more acceptable £240,000. Again, engaging with a local agent who knows your budget can help you to stay ahead of the pack as and when that dream property comes up.

If you want to live in the very heart of London, within an area that combines the capital’s exciting hustle and bustle with the fresh air of a beautiful open space, then Regents Park might just be perfect for you.