EG has discovered the top eight London postcodes that have seen increases in planning applications.
The hotspots, located mainly across outer London, averaged just three schemes per annum across each postcode between 2010 and 2015.
However, last year that average more than doubled to seven schemes, with the resulting number of homes contained within those applications increasing sharply.
Over the past four years, the eight locations have also seen exponential growth in terms of unit numbers – more than doubling each year.
New transport links, greater occupier demand and increased desirability, along with an overheated central London market, have combined to put previously overlooked areas firmly on the map.
Locations such as Romford have seen an uptick in activity due to the upcoming opening of Crossrail, the new high-speed east-west railway line, which will greatly reduce travel times to central London.
Other areas such as New Malden, Southgate and Tottenham would be the likely beneficiaries of Crossrail 2, the long-mooted north-south railway line, which received backing from transport minister Chris Grayling last month.
Though it is not likely to be operational for at least another decade if approved, these areas represent a long-term investment.
Most if the hotspots are located either in Opportunity Areas or Housing Zones earmarked for growth in planning policy, and backed with funding from the Greater London Authority.
To send feedback e-mail paul.wellman@egi.co.uk or tweet @paulwellman eg or @estatesgazette
