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Revealed: Britain’s poshest suburbs

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Pent-up demand from families wanting to buy bigger homes is driving more Britons to the suburbs - Peter Adams/Stone RF

A decade ago, then-chancellor George Osborne overhauled the stamp duty system, penalising families buying large homes in expensive areas. So they moved out to find value in affordable, up-and-coming suburbs and commuter towns.

Experts believe that next year there will be another push towards the suburbs, due to pent-up demand from families wanting to buy bigger homes. Savills is forecasting a swell in mortgaged homeowners moving house.

“We predict that second and third steppers are going to increase by 26pc, or 70,000 per year, over the next five years,” says Lucian Cook of Savills. “The suburbs are likely to be a core focus for these buyers.”

“This will be driven by stabilised political conditions following the election and the establishment of a new government, and bolstered by expectations of slow but steadily falling interest rates,” adds Polly Ogden Duffy of estate agency John D Wood.

New research by Savills has revealed the most affluent suburbs across the country. These are areas with the highest number of households with the biggest mortgages – this reflects high earnings and high house prices, but does not include where local housing markets are dominated by investors, or cash buyers or second home owners.

These pockets have big family homes and are close to buzzy high streets full of great restaurants, independent delis and wine bars. There is green space nearby and they have good schools on the doorstep. These are Britain’s most sought-after neighbourhoods.

Herne Hill
Herne Hill is now one of the most sought-after areas in south London - Monica Wells/Alamy Stock Photo

Long overshadowed by its noisier neighbour Brixton, Herne Hill has quietly blossomed over the last 20 years.

“It used to be considered a best kept secret by locals but is now one of the most sought-after areas in south London, with mainly classic Victorian and Edwardian houses, the open green space of Brockwell Park with tennis courts, and historic Brockwell House and its own village centre,” says Marc Wiehe of Winkworth.

The best roads are in the conservation area of Poets Corner: Chaucer, Shakespeare, Spenser and Milton Roads.

“It tends to attract a creative crowd in the streets leading to Brixton, whereas younger families buy on the Dulwich side of Herne Hill,” he adds.

The Sicilian Deli on Railton Road sells coffee and produce, while the Prince Regent pub is a firm favourite. A Gail’s bakery has opened, a sure sign that an area is among the “poshest”.

It’s an area full of independent places too, such as Llewelyn’s restaurant which is next door to Lulu’s, a deli and wine bar. Blue Furniture is a second-hand store. Every Sunday, visitors flock from across south London for the food and crafts market.