It’s claimed that many parts of London have something for everyone, but Tooting really does live up to the hype. Young professionals hang out in its cocktail bars and pubs, and families move there for the schools and hefty Victorian and Edwardian villas.
Tooting is beginning to rival Brixton as a foodie destination, as the south Asian curry houses for which it’s famed have been joined by restaurants and street-food stalls serving cuisine from across the globe.
Fitness fans and outdoorsy types head to Tooting Common where they can run, cycle, work out and do yoga – though they aren’t able to swim at the moment as Tooting Bec Lido is closed for restoration until later this year. In addition, AFC Wimbledon’s Plough Lane stadium is within walking distance.
Add a speedy commute on the Northern line and Thameslink trains into the mix, and it’s easy to understand why Tooting is so attractive to buyers and renters.
Morgan Churchill moved to Tooting from Cheltenham just under a year ago, when he started his job in financial sales. The 24-year-old pays £800pcm plus bills to rent a room in a shared two-bedroom converted flat.
Why Tooting?
I wanted to live along the Northern line, as it’s easy to get into the City where I’m based for part of the week. So I looked around Tooting, Balham and Clapham as I didn’t want to be any further out, and this flat came up.
Was it hard finding somewhere to live?
Yes! Prior to that I’d been sleeping on a friend’s sofa and flat-hunting on SpareRoom. Everywhere was very expensive and flats went quickly.
However, I viewed only four properties in person and this one worked out. I sent a message on the day it came on, viewed it after work and moved in two days later.
What made you choose this flat?
It was the cheapest I could find in the area – everyone else I know pays more in rent, sometimes more than £1,000 per month. There’s outside space and, importantly, it’s near the Tube. And I knew I’d get on with my flatmate – we watch football together.
Favourite haunts?
Tooting has some great pubs, including The Castle, and I really like Tooting Market – which is actually two adjoining markets. It’s good for drinks and food and very busy at weekends when there’s live music.
Future plans?
My tenancy is up in a couple of weeks and the landlord is increasing the rent by £100 per month, so I’ll be moving out. I’m not looking to buy yet, so I’ll be searching for somewhere else to rent. Much as I like Tooting, I’m not opposed to leaving.
My new place needs to be convenient for Richmond as well as the City, as I play rugby there and go to training twice a week. Although at this stage I haven’t searched as thoroughly as I did last year, rents are higher now. I might have to go back to sofa-surfing for a while!
Things to know if you want to move to Tooting
Average property price: £732,960
Average rent: £2,757pcm
Council tax (Band D):£914.14
Commuting time to Zone 1: 18 mins from Tooting Bec to London Bridge
Travelcard: £1,916 pa
Local celebs: Sadiq Khan, Matt Willis, Natasha O’Keeffe
The 1840, St George’s Gardens
No two layouts are the same in this Grade-II-listed former hospital, which is being converted into more than 300 luxury one, two and three-bedroom homes. They include beautifully restored features such as original windows and high ceilings, plus modern kitchens and bathrooms.Many have outdoor space. From £399,000, cityandcountry.co.uk
Springfield Place
Along with The 1840, this development will form part of a residential village connecting Tooting Bec and Earlsfield, with a supermarket, café, square and park. It’s the largest created in London since the 2012 Olympics. Each of the 232 one, two and three-bedroom homes has a balcony, terrace or garden. From £471,000, barrattlondon.com
Springfield Mews
These one, two and three-bedroom shared-ownership flats, duplexes and houses are in the heart of Barratt London’s wider development. Homes are painted white throughout and have floor-to-ceiling windows, private outside space and and fully-fitted kitchens. From £123,125for a 25 per cent share of £492,500, pahousing.co.uk
The Switch
April 29 sees the launch of the Earlsfield Collection, the final phase of shared ownership flats set around AFC Wimbledon’s 9,000-seater stadium. All are two-beds and tastefully kitted out with stone kitchen worktops, bathroom vanity units and Amtico flooring. From £137,500 for a 25 per cent share of £535,000, peabodynewhomes.co.uk
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