With homes selling in just 34 days, residents reveal why this corner of East London is booming
Leytonstone has officially been crowned London’s fastest-selling property market, with Rightmove revealing that homes here now take an average of just 34 days to shift. The neighbourhood’s newfound status reflects years of quiet transformation, as families, first-time buyers and long-time locals share the same sentiment – this is a place that makes people want to stay.
When MyLondon visited the area, locals repeatedly described a neighbourhood that’s both connected and community-driven, a mix that’s becoming harder to find in London. Elaine Burgess, 68, has lived in Leytonstone for 35 years. She said: “I have no intention of moving; it’s very convenient travel-wise into town and everywhere else.”
For Naushad Karim, 50, the bustle of the area is part of its charm. He said: “All kinds of communities live here. Leytonstone is always busy, especially on the main road. But somehow, it still doesn’t feel like central London.”
Leytonstone has Wanstead Heath very close by(Image: Ines Santos/ MyLondon)
For many, the biggest pull is the sense of belonging on the high street and in the leafy residential pockets. Mary Bennett, 61, is part of Transition Leytonstone, a community initiative that aims to make Leytonstone the best and most sustainable place to be.
She said: “It’s very diverse, very friendly, lots of green spaces, and it’s also quite unpretentious compared to other places, which enables people of lots of different lifestyles and classes to get on well together.”
Mary is part of Transition Leytonstone, a community initiative that aims to make Leytonstone the best and most sustainable place to be(Image: Ines Santos/ MyLondon)
Mary added that it’s not only upsides: “There’s a bit of worry about crime, traffic, and keeping shops open on the high street, but mostly people really enjoy Leytonstone and the main thing is the community spirit.”
Families say Leytonstone feels unusually intimate for a Zone 3 neighbourhood, especially around Bushwood and the parks that border it. Emura Belcher, 36, said: “It feels like a small village in a big city. It’s really nice to go down the high street and see people you know. ”
Young homeowners who moved here for affordability agree that the atmosphere is warm. Zoey Leivers, 36, said: “It’s a tight community around here… all the pubs, all the restaurants, everyone knows each other and it’s just lovely.”
Zoey has just moved to Leytonstone and she says she made the right decision(Image: Ines Santos/ MyLondon)
Independent businesses feel the same energy, especially as new events, quizzes and council-backed activities bring footfall to the high street. Arjay, 40, owner of La Bella Vita, said: “The community in Leytonstone is very friendly, they are accommodative and also compassionate. There are a lot of things happening throughout this month, so this road [Church Lane] in the evening is quite busy.”
Rightmove reports the average house price in Leytonstone is £533,836, making it one of East London’s more accessible markets for first-time buyers. The site said “eastern areas are leading the way,” confirming Leytonstone has overtaken Walthamstow as London’s quickest-moving market.
Rightmove has published its list of London’s fastest-selling property markets(Image: Rightmove)
Part of the area’s appeal lies in Bushwood, where cobbled lanes, cottages and conservation pockets feel more like a countryside hamlet than the capital. Victorian homes around Browning Road and the surrounding green spaces regularly leave visitors surprised that they are minutes from the Central line.
Though demand is rising, the community-first feeling remains at the heart of Leytonstone’s identity. And according to those who live and work here, that spirit is exactly why the homes are selling so quickly.
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