A = Rotherhithe B = Barnes C = Willesden Green D = King’s Cross Which area used to have a bad reputation has the most expensive properties offers big but old-fashioned houses at lower price is located in a quiet residential area saw a big increase in price last year can enjoy a view across London is estimated to be a good investment encourages night-life culture for young people creates energetic multi-cultural atmosphere 1. ______ 2. ______ 3. ______ 4. ______ 5. ______ 6. ______ 7. ______ 8. ______ 9. ______ 10. ______ A Rotherhithe Rotherhithe may be most famous for its congested tunnel but many young buyers are warming to its riverside charms. It is still much cheaper than its waterside neighbours, Canary Wharf, Shad Thames and Wapping and the arrival nearby of the Jubilee Line in 1999 opened the area to buyers drawn to the relaxed residential feel of the area and its great transport links. The housing stock is predominately 1980s flats, many arranged in cul-de-sacs and closes around Surrey Quays Road. The unpopular architecture has led to the area being called the Milton Keynes of London but properties are spacious and unfashionable style has kept prices down. Paul Mitchell, of estate agents Alex Nell, says: "There is precious little period property, but you will get far more for your money here than a Victorian house with lots of original features down the road in Bermondsey." The more expensive flats are new builds by the river in the Surrey Quays peninsula, with stunning views of Canary Wharf and Tower Bridge. Some apartments are being created out of old industrial buildings on the dockside. Surrey Quays shopping centre provides all the amenities of a high street but the area is lacking in fun. However, Southwark Council is in talks to develop the "night- time economy" which could well lead to an increase in bars and restaurants to cater for the growing number of young professional residents. "It is possible to get a good three-bedroom house in Rotherhithe for ￡ 280,000," says Sumine Jordaan-Robinson, of agents Burwood Marsh, "about eight minutes’ walk from the Jubilee Line which will have you in Bond Street in 15 minutes. There are not that many areas in London where that is possible." B Barnes Barnes sits just across the river from Hammersmith in southwest London, but it could not be more different from the noise and bustle of the opposite bank. It has been called one of the last true London "villages" with happy residents keeping its old school charms quiet from nosey outsiders and potential developers. Being by the river and predominately residential gives Barnes an attractively lazy vibe. It has a traditional village green complete with idyllic cluck pond and quaint pub. The high street is about as far away from the Pound Shop and Primark ambience of its neighbours as is possible. But buying into Barnes is not cheap. "Family houses are snapped up incredibly quickly," claims Chris Carney, sales negotiator at Boileaus estate agents. "It is very hard to get properties of this size, with outside space so close to London, which is why they are expensive." Large detached Victorian houses on the two main roads, Castlenau and Lonsdale, normally have between five and seven bedrooms, gardens of 120ft and off street parking. These sell for anything between ￡ 2 million and ￡ 5 million. By the village green there are rows of immaculate terraced houses on a number of streets that run off Church and Station roads, and four-bedroom houses of this kind sell for around ￡ 1 million. Smaller properties for more modest budgets are available. Some of the large houses in Barnes have been converted into flats, there are a few Edwardian mansion blocks such as Elm Bank and the new Barnes Waterside development includes apartments. You can get a one-bedroom flat for ￡ 250,000 but prices often rise considerably for a decent river view. C Willesden Green Willesden Green has both suffered and benefited from its famous neighbours. It may have gained a bad reputation by being next door to Harlesden and central Willesden, but buyers priced out of West Hampstead and Kensal Rise have moved here in their droves, drawn by the excellent property stock and good transport links. Despite its growing popularity, the area remains interesting and multicultural, injecting a little bit of soul into what could otherwise become just another yuppie backwater. "Willesden Green has a diverse range of properties from 1930s semi-detached houses to large Victorian properties and new-builds which attract all kinds of buyers," says Richard Chiti, sales manager at estate agents Ellis and Co. "The roads bordering West Hampstead are popular, as they are wide, tree-lined streets with sizeable family houses. Properties in and around Dobree Road, which lead down to Kensal Rise, are also in high demand." Estate agents and residents agree that the area used to be regarded as dangerous and undesirable, but this has changed over the last decade. Mark Shine, from Rainbow Reid estate agents, says: "It’s popular because it is still affordable, although prices have rocketed over the last year." In some of the more popular roads, people are being priced out of Willesden Green and are having to take their search to the outskirts of the area, near Harlesden. These border areas are where to head if you are after a bargain. You can still pick up a one-bedroom flat for ￡ 180,000. D King’s Cross King’s Cross used to be renowned for problems including drugs, prostitution and street crime but a ￡ 2 billion regeneration programme should help the area lose its seedy reputation. The project includes a new Eurostar terminal opening this year and a spruced-up Tube station, alongside hundreds of new homes, offices and leisure facilities set to be completed in 2015. Such development has had a predictable effect on house prices. "Property in King’s Cross used to be cheaper but has caught up with Islington, Hoxton and Clerkenwell," says Ray Smith, manager of estate agents Currell. "There are a lot more amenities now, such as supermarkets, cafes and bars and the issue people used to have with safety a few years ago has disappeared." By the canal basin, new-build flats and luxury warehouse conversions form the bulk of property, and at the top end of the market there are stunning penthouses available with views across London. Much of the new development is centred on the back of the station, off York Way, and flats are being sold to eager buyers off plan. The older properties are mainly mid-Victorian terraces around Caledonian Road and the streets heading towards Angel, and ex-local authority blocks where it is possible to pick up a two-bedroom refurbished flat for under ￡ 250,000. Smith adds: "Investment-wise, King’s Cross is a good bet. There is a big rental market here and prices will go up. There are still cheaper properties available, one to two-bedroom flats in Victorian conversions, or ex-council properties. But people are holding on to them for dear life in the hope they will go up in value. If you find one, it is worth investing in.\