Competitive property prices, great transport links and easy access to countryside are drawing more and more London buyers’ north, to area’s like Barnet, Enfield and south Hertfordshire. While average asking prices in central and west London were falling earlier this year, Barnet saw a 10% increase – the highest of any London borough. But what’s behind this demand and where are the best places to buy?

Affordable London living for families

Part of the reason behind the surge in property prices in Barnet is its affordability. Gina Simpson, Consultant at Strutt & Parker, explains why it’s becoming so popular. “Your typical buyers are families looking to upsize as they can get more for their money out here. This area is great for commuters as the train and tube links into London are very good and the local schools are excellent.”

Schools are always an important consideration when families are looking to move, and there are a number of excellent state and independent schools in Barnet and the surrounding area. In Barnet itself, the Queen Elizabeth’s School and Girls School are highly regarded and, just north of the M25, Dame Alice Owen’s School is considered one of the best state schools in the country. There’s also plenty of choice in the independent sector, including Queenswood Girls School and Haileybury in Hertfordshire.

But it’s not just about property prices and schools. Quality of life is a key part of many people’s decision to move out of central London. This is one of the things Gina loves most about Barnet. “There are lots of opportunities for leisure activities, such as golf, tennis and horse riding. Barnet is surrounded by open countryside, which makes it really popular for families who like to get outdoors at the weekend.”

With a range of housing types, from period homes around Chipping Barnet to the modern mansions of Hadley Wood and Arkley, there’s plenty of scope for families to upsize or downsize without having to move out of the area.

Celebrities seeking privacy

With one foot in the countryside and another in the city, Barnet is well-known for offering the best of both worlds for footballers and celebrities who want privacy and space with easy access to London.

“Hadley Wood has become very popular due to its modern executive homes,” Gina explains. “Often these high net worth individuals are looking for turn-key homes stuffed with the latest technology. Gardens are usually protected by trees, with enormous garage space and security gated entrances. This area gives them the privacy and seclusion they want, as well as a direct line into London.”

Property hotspots in Barnet and the surrounding area

Brookmans Park. A popular Hertfordshire village with excellent primary and secondary schools and good transport links into London. Brookmans Park is well known for its local history including the Gobians Estate, an ancient private estate that’s now a public woodland and nature reserve.

Hadley Wood. This exclusive enclave in north Barnet has a mix of housing from Edwardian homes to large, modern family houses, surrounded by parklands and green spaces. There’s a strong community spirit, local tennis and golf clubs and the local primary school is rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

Arkley. An extended village in west Barnet, Arkley is surrounded by green fields and open spaces. With easy access to the A1 and M25, its modern executive homes with views of the surrounding countryside are popular with families and celebrities alike.

Cuffley. A picturesque village just north of the M25, Cuffley is ideally placed for commuting into central London with regular trains to Moorgate and Kings Cross. It’s surrounded by green fields and countryside and there are excellent state and independent schools in the area. There are some beautiful country houses in the area including Tudor Hall, a recently refurbished seven-bedroom property with beautiful formal gardens.

Essendon. This hilltop village in south-east Hertfordshire overlooks the River Lea. It’s a quiet village with cottage-lined streets and two great local pubs, but you can still get to central London in just half an hour. Lakeside Manor is a stunning property set in 7.5 acres of land with an integral pool complex and all-weather tennis court. Just south of Essendon, Cedar House is a modern, family home with beautiful views located on a private estate.