Thinking of moving to Brixton? On the blog today we’re giving you a round-up everything you need to know about the area. The last two years have seen major changes in the area making it even more desirable for those seeking to make their home in London.

Ajaye Gopal, director of our Brixton office, first moved into Brixton in 1990 and says of the area: ‘In the many years I’ve lived and worked here I’ve seen some amazing properties – there is an incredible variety of homes from 2 bedroom artisan cottages to huge period residences with carriage way drives’   

Brixton has changed enormously in the last 30 years. It has always had a strong sense of community, and this combined with great transport links, green spaces and the recent regeneration investments have made it a hotspot for young professionals.

Brixton is in the London Borough of Lambeth in inner South London, nestled in between Stockwell, Clapham, Tulse Hill, Herne Hill, Streatham, and Camberwell. It encompasses the SW2 and SW9 postcode and is bordered by Brockwell Park and Clapham Common.

Types of property

Brixton has an abundance of different property types. There are pockets of early Victorian houses, though most housing belongs to the late Victorian era.

There are many large family homes still available as well as conversions. Additionally, there are some 1920s terraced houses, and a few ex-local authority properties still around.

Community

Traditionally, Brixton has been home to London's Afro-Caribbean population, not to mention a melting pot of various Asian and Middle Eastern communities, along with bohemians, poets, musicians, writers and artists.

Today, they're joined by an influx of young professionals, attracted by the diverse cultural experience and vibrant nightlife. Brixton has staying power, too: many of those attracted here by its unconventionality, and the fact that it's still within reach for first time buyers, have ended up moving to the larger family homes in the area after they've outgrown their flats.

Shopping and entertainment

Brixton is home to a bustling high street, with its much-loved independent department store, Morley's, along with a number of quirky shops and boutiques, catering for its ethnic communities. It even has its own currency, the Brixton Pound, an innovation designed for spending in local shops to boost local economy. It's also home to one of London's most vibrant Caribbean markets offering every kind of fruit and vegetable you could ever need.

Brixton Village

This is the name given to the ‘foodie heaven’ of the covered market area which springs into life in the evenings and weekends. The cafes and restaurants here serve everything from jerk chicken to sushi and the standard of eating is high, with new pop-ups springing up to rave reviews every week. With tables outside in the covered thoroughfare this is a great place to spend an evening.

'We have just been letting 5 newly refurbished flats in the ‘Art Deco’ building above the entrance to Brixton Village, Whilst waiting for my viewers, I’ve often ended up sneaking a quick coffee at ‘Federation Coffee’ in the heart of Brixton Village, they even roast their own beans on site. Many Brixtonites would say they make the best coffee in town. Having lived in Portugal and Brazil previously, I feel qualified to be able to pass judgement when it comes to good coffee and would agree with the general consensus……however, the manager has suggested I try every coffee place in Brixton and let you know what I think.’

Thomas Akkersdijk, negotiator, Brixton Office.

Entertainment

There is plenty of nightlife in the area, with a multitude of pubs and clubs around. Brixton Academy has been hosting gigs for many years now, expect to see anyone from Basement Jaxx (one time residents of the area) to Placebo here. The Ritzy Cinema is a great place to drink as well as catch a film and the Fridge and the Dogstar are just around the corner.

One great bar in the area is The Effra on Kellett Road. “It is my second home” Elizabeth Biedka, negotiator from Eden Harper Brixton says. “The atmosphere is friendly and lively, the jazz nights are awesome, it has a fabulous beer garden and it is definitely the best place to watch football”

Transport

As you would expect from its location, Brixton enjoys excellent transport links, served by the tube, overland trains and buses within the Zone 2 area. As an added bonus, its position at the end of the Victoria Line means most of its residents enjoy a seat into town during the morning rush hour.

Education

Brixton and the surrounding area offer a good range of primary and secondary schools which have been judged as 'outstanding' by Ofsted, ensuring it remains a popular choice for families settling in South London.

The regeneration programme in Brixton has been essential to its development into one of London's up-and-coming areas. It's still within reach for many first-time property buyers, but as the regeneration continues and the new generation of young and affluent buyers rushes in to get a piece of the action, the property market is transforming and prices are rising fast. So don't leave it too late if you want to get in on it!

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