Camden Town Property

The essentials about living and buying property in Camden Town, with local Camden Town estate agents Sandfords

Camden Town History

If you're looking for history dating back hundreds of years, Camden Town isn't the place to start. It didn't start to flourish as a centre of excellence until 1791, when it was laid out as a residential district. Before then it was a collection of open fields and meadows. Camden Town was actually styled to replicate a residential estate in Chislehurst, Kent. It was the vision of Charles Pratt, the 1st Earl of Camden, and his plan to build a residential quarter was the catalyst for urbanisation. Progress snowballed and in 1850 the railway opened, followed by the Regent's Canal in 1861. The Camden Town of today is very much a recent evolution. It was an area considered unfashionable even as late as the mid 20th. As adjacent areas in the NW postcode grew in stature and cachet, so the 'ripple' effect began. The desirability rubbed off on Camden Town and a new breed of resident moved in, drawn by its arts scene, edgy vibe and cosmopolitan mix. Camden Town's past and present residents are suitably well connected to the arts, with Charles Dickens, playwright Alan Bennett, Dylan Thomas, Chris Martin of Coldplay fame and Amy Winehouse all names on the list.

Camden Town Life

The melting pot of cultures and nationalities is summed up in the song 'Camden Town' by Madness lead singer Suggs. The line 'In Camden Town you can do anything you want to' sums up the pervasive care-free ambience, although the area has moved distinctly upmarket since the song was released in the mid 1990s. The opening of Camden Town's Underground station in 1907 really brought the area in from the social wilderness. Camden Town always had a reputation for live music, and the two big music halls - the Bedford and the Camden Theatre, attracted large audiences and top-name stars. Today, the entertainment scene is lead by The Roundhouse, where a constantly-changing programme of music, arts and performance acts wow the crowds. Camden's famous markets remain popular with tourists and residents alike, while a cruise up the canal through Camden Lock is a favourite summer activity. Look out for the famous TV-AM eggs cups from the 1980s - the building is now used by music channel MTV.

Top Attractions in Camden Town

1. Shopping in the markets - Camdens theatres markets have been attracting visitors since the 1970s. Camden Lock, Buck Street, the Stables, Camden Lock Village and the Electric Ballroom are the locations for the stalls selling everything from boutique homewares to biker boots. 2. Live music and performance venues - its possible to eschew the big venues like Wembley at the O2 Arena when you live in Camden Town. The Roundhouse, the Jazz Caf and The Electric Ballroom are all venues that attract A-list artists. 3. Foodie heaven - an amble on market days will reveal several stalls selling street food, as well as some tuckedaway, niche restaurants waiting to be discovered. For fine dining head to Ian Pengelleys cavernous Gilgamesh restaurant and bar. 4. Cemented in popular culture - Charles Dickens set the pace by placing various characters and dramas in Camden Town. Cult film Withnail and I was set in the community, as was most of Mike Leighs film Happy-Go-Lucky. The area has also been immortalised in songs by Morrissey, as well as Suggs.

Camden Town Property Profile

Look past the colourful stalls, and equally as colourful residents, and you will find some wonderful property for sale in Camden Town that reflects a number of styles and historical periods. There are some elegant Georgian terraces, which are snapped up by professional workers seeking a more edgy base in the capital. Note down Albert Street and Arlington Road if Georgian style is top of your list. Some of the best Victorian properties are set on Camden Road, Gloucester Crescent and Camden Square - the latter was once home to Amy Winehouse. Keep your eyes open for unusual loft and warehouse conversions, especially around the lock. These flats for sale in Camden Town include The Henson Building - a former warehouse used to store Jim Henson's puppets. It's now a highly-coveted residential scheme.

What our Estate Agents love about Camden Town

A 24/7 lifestyle - The Evening Standard once reported that Camden Town wasn't for those who wanted a peaceful life. Alive seven days a week, the area appeals to those who work hard, play hard. New build opportunities - not over precious about its landscape and local vernacular, Camden Town witnesses some spectacular new build developments, with architecturally-unusual flats for sale and to rent in NW1. Media savvy - Camden Town isn't a place for embassies and afternoon tea. It has become a centre for media and creative types, especially since MTV moved into the former TV-AM studios, and Associated Press Television News took up residency in The Interchange - a former gin warehouse.

Buying or Renting Property in Camden Town

Property for sale in Camden Town is rising in value. Being so close to Primrose Hill and Regent's Park, it was inevitable that the house-buying overspill would find its way to Camden. Flats for sale in Camden Town still represent relative value-for-money but the period houses for sale in Camden Town are nudging and surpassing the 1 million mark. There are a number of investment and development opportunities in Camden Town. Some of the larger Georgian and Edwardian properties have as many as 14 bedrooms, so can be turned into upmarket apartments with thought and conviction. There is a strong rental market in the neighbourhood. Flats to rent in Camden Town are often sought by young professionals whose lifestyle suits the buzzing community.

Our Camden Town estate agents are reporting that the area has become more popular since the development of the nearby King's Cross area, so expect demand to outstrip supply as the property market picks up pace.

Properties for Sale and to Rent in Camden Town

Some of our top featured properties for Sale and to Rent in Camden Town:

1 bedroom flat for sale in South Villas, Camden Town, London, NW1

2 bedroom flat to rent in Gilbey House, 38 Jamestown Road, Camden Town, London, NW1

For an updated and complete list of properties for sale or to rent in Camden Town, please visit www.sandfords.com

Contact Us

For more information on Camden Town and properties available for sale or to rent in the area, don t hesitate to contact or visit our estate agents office in nearby Primrose Hill.

Sandfords Primrose Hill 107 Regents Park Road Primrose Hill, London NW1 8UR T +44 (0)20 7722 7997 phsales@sandfords.com phlettings@sandfords.com www.sandfords.com