Should You Take the Plunge and Buy Property in Barnet?

Barnet, one of the largest boroughs in London, offers a unique blend of suburban charm and urban convenience. Its mix of well-established residential areas, green spaces and excellent local amenities has made it a popular choice for families, young professionals and investors alike. As the London property market continues to evolve, many prospective buyers are contemplating, “Should I take the plunge and buy property in Barnet?” In this blog, we will explore the investment potential in Barnet, ongoing redevelopment plans, and details of the area and its various neighbourhoods to help you make an informed decision.

Overview of Barnet

Barnet is located in North London and is known for its rich history, with roots dating back to ancient times. It has a population of over 400,000 residents, making it a densely populated yet welcoming borough. Barnet features a range of amenities that appeal to families and individuals, including excellent shopping facilities, recreational areas and schools. Its proximity to central London, coupled with a suburban atmosphere, attracts those looking for a balanced lifestyle.

Historically, Barnet has blended urban and rural elements, with beautiful countryside areas such as the Barnet Gate and Totteridge. The borough is also well-known for its diverse communities and local culture, adding to its appeal for homeownership.

Investment Potential in Barnet

Rising Property Values

One of the main advantages of buying property in Barnet is the increasing property values. Historically, property prices in Barnet have shown consistent growth, driven by demand from families and professionals looking for affordable housing near the city. With the ongoing transformation of the borough and an influx of new residents, the appreciation of property values is expected to continue.

As a London borough, Barnet’s property market benefits from the southern city’s growth, making it a viable investment option for those looking to enter the real estate market. Buyers can leverage the comparatively lower price points in Barnet than in central London to secure a valuable asset that has the potential for long-term financial gains.

Ongoing Redevelopment Plans

Barnet is actively pursuing several redevelopment projects that promise to enhance the borough’s infrastructure and amenities, creating a more desirable living environment for residents. Notable projects include:

– Barnet’s Local Plan: This comprehensive plan is designed to guide growth in the borough until 2036, focusing on the sustainable development of housing, commercial spaces, and public amenities. The objective is to create a thriving community while preserving the charm and character of Barnet.

– Regeneration of High Barnet: Plans are in place to improve the town centre by enhancing public transport, improving pedestrian access and revitalising public spaces. By attracting new businesses and improving existing facilities, property values in the area may increase as demand rises.

– Edgware Town Centre Revitalisation: This project aims to rejuvenate Edgware town centre by enhancing shopping experiences, creating new residential developments and improving connectivity. With a focus on sustainability, the project aims to attract a mix of businesses and residents.

These redevelopment efforts underscore Barnet’s commitment to improving living conditions, making it an appealing location for buyers looking for long-term investments.

Strong Rental Market

Barnet has a diverse demographic that includes families, young professionals and students, contributing to a robust rental market. Many individuals and families choose Barnet for its excellent schools, green spaces, and convenient access to central London through public transport.

The strong demand for rental properties presents an opportunity for buy-to-let investors. Areas such as Barnet, Edgware and High Barnet consistently attract renters, leading to reliable rental income for property owners. As the borough continues to develop, rental yields are expected to remain attractive, making it an appealing option for investment.

Local Amenities and Infrastructure

Barnet offers an extensive range of amenities that enhance the quality of life for its residents. The borough’s diverse offerings include retail spaces, dining, recreational activities, and cultural experiences.

Parks and Green Spaces

One of Barnet’s most attractive features is its abundance of parks and green spaces. Notable parks include:

– Victoria Park: A large public park featuring sports facilities, playgrounds and walking paths, ideal for family outings and recreational activities.

– Hadley Green: A picturesque common area known for its wide-open spaces, suitable for picnics, walks and outdoor leisure activities.

– Fryent Country Park: Located on the border with Brent, this expansive green space offers wooded areas, trails and a tranquil atmosphere, providing a natural escape for residents.

The presence of these parks enhances the appeal of Barnet and contributes to an active and healthy lifestyle.

Shopping and Dining

Barnet has a rich shopping and dining scene, offering a variety of options for residents:

– High Barnet Town Centre: A vibrant shopping destination with various retailers, local shops and restaurants, providing a lively community environment.

– The Spires Shopping Centre: Located in Barnet, The Spires offers a mix of well-known high street stores, restaurants and cafés, ensuring residents have access to all essential shopping needs.

– Edgware Town Centre: This area features a diverse array of shops and eateries, showcasing local and international cuisine, along with community-focused markets.

The vibrant shopping and dining experience adds to the overall appeal of living in Barnet, fostering community engagement and social interaction.

Educational Institutions

Families considering property ownership in Barnet will be attracted to the availability of quality educational institutions. The borough boasts several well-regarded primary and secondary schools, as well as higher education options, including:

– Queen Elizabeth’s School: A highly regarded grammar school with a history of academic excellence, drawing families seeking strong educational opportunities.

– Chipping Barnet School: A co-educational secondary school known for its commitment to student achievement and growth.

– Barnet College: Providing further education and vocational training opportunities, Barnet College attracts students from within the borough and beyond.

Access to quality education is a significant factor for families when considering property investment and helps drive continuous housing demand.

Transport Links

Barnet offers excellent transport links, making it an appealing choice for commuters. Key transport features include:

– London Underground: The Northern Line services areas such as High Barnet, Mill Hill East and East Finchley, providing easy access to central London.

– Overground Services: Several rail stations, including Barnet and Elstree and Borehamwood, offer convenient train services to key destinations like King’s Cross and Moorgate.

– Bus Services: A comprehensive network of bus routes runs throughout the borough, ensuring connectivity to surrounding areas and neighbouring boroughs.

– Road Accessibility: Barnet is close to major road networks, including the M25 and A1, providing easy routes for car travel.

These strong transport options make Barnet an attractive residential area, particularly for professionals who require reliable commuting access to central London.

Neighbourhoods in Barnet

Barnet encompasses a variety of distinct neighbourhoods, each contributing its unique character to the borough. Here’s a closer look at some key areas to consider when contemplating a property purchase:

High Barnet

High Barnet is known for its historic significance, charming atmosphere and access to excellent local amenities. The neighbourhood features a mix of period homes, modern flats and a vibrant town centre offering shopping and dining options. High Barnet also boasts a well-connected train station, making it popular among commuters.

Edgware

Although primarily located in the London Borough of Barnet, Edgware combines residential living with bustling commercial areas. The neighbourhood is family-oriented, featuring a variety of schools and parks. Edgware’s shopping facilities and transport links make it attractive for potential buyers seeking convenience and community engagement.

Mill Hill

Mill Hill is an affluent neighbourhood characterised by spacious homes, beautiful parks and a friendly community atmosphere. The area is known for its good local schools and amenities, making it particularly appealing for families. Mill Hill features a mix of housing options, including large family homes and modern developments.

Barnet Town

Barnet Town is the administrative centre of the borough, known for its bustling high street filled with various shops, restaurants and attractions. The area offers a range of housing styles, including both modern apartments and traditional period homes. The proximity to local amenities and transport links makes Barnet Town a popular choice for families and professionals alike.

Conclusion

With rising property values, ongoing regeneration efforts, a strong rental market and a wealth of local amenities, now may be an ideal time to consider buying a property in Barnet. The borough’s combination of community spirit, accessible living, and diverse neighbourhoods make it appealing for both homeowners and investors.

As the demand for housing continues to grow and development projects unfold, investing in Barnet could yield significant rewards for property buyers.

With the numerous advantages of property ownership in Barnet, this inviting borough may very well be the perfect place for you to invest in your future. Whether you are a first-time buyer or an investor seeking rental potential, Barnet offers an array of options that cater to various needs and lifestyles. Explore the possibilities and secure your place in one of London’s most charming and dynamic boroughs.

As with any investment decision, when buying a property it’s vital that you do your homework carefully. As well as fully researching the location and market that you are looking to buy in, it’s vital that you seek advice of experts, including surveyors and financial advisors. Alexander JLO, its Partners and employees cannot provide specific advice on choice of location or the market but can advise on all matters legal once you have made a decision to buy a property.

If you are looking for a first rate conveyancing service why not give one of Alexander JLO’s specialist property lawyers a call on 020 7537 7000, click on the get a quote button or email quote@london-law.co.uk for a free, no-obligation quotation? Come and see what we can do for you.

This blog was prepared by Alexander JLO’s property partner Matt Johnson on 1st May 2025 and is correct at the date of publication. Matt has many years of experience of dealing with property work and specialises in new build and shared ownership properties.  His profile on the independent Review Solicitor website and be found here