Buyers might see their money stretch further – but not for long
Fishponds high street (Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)
‘Up-and-coming’ is one of those words that keeps coming up (see what I did there?) when house hunting.
We all want to buy in an area that is about to become much nicer and much more popular, benefitting from the house price increase that follows.
Earlier this month, we revealed the best Bristol areas for families to buy houses in. We have now asked a couple of estate agents what Bristol’s most up-and-coming areas are.
Nick Stopard, co-founder and managing director at Boardwalk, said: “‘Up and Coming’ is always a difficult term to place as to some people it will mean different things.
“To answer it in a way that most people want to know, it is usually people asking the question of ‘where can I buy which is good value, that might become richer in choices for places to go nearby, be them cafes, venues or community events and also, where might be a house I can buy that might rise in value?’”
Mr Stopard said that, in his opinion, Fishponds, Bedminster Down, Troopers Hill/Dundridge Lane area (east part of St George/West part of Hanham) and Knowle Park are Bristol’s most up-and-coming areas.
“These areas all have some lovely quiet roads, a choice of family houses which all offer a good amount of space, both inside and out, compared with slightly more central parts of Bristol,” he added.
“However, they are all areas which are still within easy reach of the city centre, and perhaps more importantly, within walking distance of some great high streets and green spaces.
He added: “Fishponds is slightly different to the others in that it has its own high street which has had several popular cafes and venues arriving from other parts of town like Fed and Crafty Egg. Yet Fishponds is also very close to the popular high street areas around Easton, St George and Downend.
“Bedminster Down and Troopers Hill don’t have this as such but are becoming increasingly popular due to the options they present for people looking at some of the expensive, smaller homes in St George and Bedminster, closer to Church Road and North Street respectively, and deciding to go for a bigger house but just slightly further away from these popular high streets.
“The prices haven’t quite shot up over recent years as much as those areas, but that may change of they continue to be so popular.
“These are areas with good schools and green spaces as well, which we are finding are very important to buyers.”
Bethany Burrows, of Bristol Property Centre, said: “The top three areas of Bristol that are up and coming are St George, Bedminster, and the Harbourside.
“St George has emerged as one of the UK’s strongest sellers’ markets, with 80% of homes listed this year already marked as Sold Subject to Contract (SSTC). The area offers a blend of traditional shops, artisan bakeries, and excellent pubs, making it a desirable location for both families and professionals.
“Bedminster is undergoing significant transformation, with plans for a major 2,000-home development in the Whitehouse Street area. This redevelopment aims to provide new green spaces, walking and cycling improvements, and a net-zero carbon development.
“The area’s affordability compared to central Bristol, combined with its vibrant community and proximity to the city centre, makes it increasingly popular.
“Harbourside is transforming into one of Bristol’s most desirable urban hubs. Known for its scenic waterfront, restaurants, and cultural attractions (like M Shed and Arnolfini), the area combines lifestyle and location. Recent residential developments have elevated Harbourside’s profile among professionals and investors seeking a cosmopolitan vibe with picturesque views.”
She said that St George and Bedminster offer better value than Bristol’s inner core. She added that the Harbourside delivers a waterside city-living experience, while Bedminster and St George offer green spaces and a vibrant local culture.
She added that all three areas provide quick access to the city centre, Temple Meads station, and cycle routes which she described as a major draw for commuters and remote workers.