Camberwell’s a social climber
Social media networking sites like Facebook and Twitter are influencing and affecting social perceptions and in turn the property prices of residential areas, according to leading south London online estate agent, Wooster & Stock.
Becky Munday, Head of Sales for Wooster & Stock explains: “The recent rise in social media and successful online campaigns are bringing together large groups of people who share opinions in all sorts of areas, including the desirability of where they live.
“As a result, consumers are flocking to popular social networks to help them make purchase decisions and the platform has become one of the most influential forms of information available. For example, social media forums can be the instigators for rejuvenating community facilities and increasing the desirability, popularity and subsequently the house prices of an area.”
A recent example of this is the south London Facebook campaign, ‘Back the Burgess Park Bid – We need Boris’s Millions’. It was set up in 2009 by Camberwell residents to have the tired looking Burgess Park, a former canal system and industrial site, transformed into a more contemporary and aesthetically pleasing communal space.
The campaign was so successful, it not only won a £2 million regeneration award from the Mayor of London, but it was given a further £4 million from the Aylesbury New Deal for Communities partnership (now Creation Trust).
The overhaul began in May, with impressive landscaping set to transform the aesthetics of one of south London’s largest parks. New entrances and pathways will be added, along with a new children’s’ playground and gym, a BMX track, over 90,000 new plants and trees, a redesigned lake with two wetland habitats, luscious lawns and a wildlife garden.
“It has never been a better time to buy property in Camberwell, as property owners will directly benefit from the regeneration. Whether they are planning to continue to live in this superb area and enjoy all that the new landscape will have to offer, or, if they intend to sell their houses and benefit from the expected property price increase, there really is value for everyone,“ adds Becky.
As gentrification of an area is rolled out, private improvement projects inevitably follow, especially as more affluent people move into the area and start to restore old properties.
The site of a former overgrown garden on the corner of Addington Square and Goodyear Place is a fine example of this. Designed by award winning architect Houston Morris, the new three bedroom detached house is a contemporary interpretation of Georgian architecture and has lifted this part of the square. This stylish property features white render, London stock brick and ebony ironwork, which is reminiscent of the Georgian Juliette balconies of nearby terraces. Inside, structural glass walls have been installed to open up the house, allow more light in and create a ‘living wallpaper’ which also highlights the landscaped back garden.
The property also has a number of unique features including polished Zimbabwean granite worktops in the fully-integrated kitchen, a multi-fuel cast iron stove in the lounge and stylish oak floorboards with under floor heating. In addition, this sleek interpretation of classic London architecture is built to level three carbon reduction requirements and has stunning views over adjoining Burgess Park.
Houston explains: “Being able to contribute to the regeneration of this fabulous area is an honour. Breathing fresh life into Camberwell is what the social media Burgess Park campaign was all about. Property owners now have the opportunity to contribute to the rejuvenation of their community and we will all reap the rewards of an improved community spirit and local aesthetic.”
Close to the vibrant boutiques, cafes, bars and restaurants of central Camberwell, the Addington Square property also has access to regular transport services from Oval and Kennington tube stations. It is currently on the market for £625,000 through Wooster & Stock.