If you're a renter in the capital, you'll find more choice of property on Zoopla than anywhere else. But which areas of London are most popular?
Docklands is attracting the most interest among those looking to rent a home in London.
The E14 postcode, which encompasses Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs and where a number of major financial institutions are based, was the most searched rental location on Zoopla during the past 12 months.
It was followed by the W2 postcode district of Paddington and Bayswater, with SE1, which includes the South Bank, Bankside and Bermondsey and Waterloo, the third most popular location.
Annabel Dixon, spokesperson for Zoopla, said: "It’s perhaps no surprise that Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs has been highlighted as a popular choice for London renters.
"While the area has long been associated with gleaming office towers, it's now buzzing with new restaurants, bars, shops and homes, transforming it into a sought-after destination to live as well as work."
What other areas are popular?
The north London boroughs of Islington and Camden were the fourth and fifth most popular rental destinations respectively, with Whitechapel and Stepney Green in east London taking joint sixth spot.
Fulham was the seventh most searched for place in which to rent a home, followed by North and East Hampstead and Kilburn and West Hampstead.
Battersea, which has been the site of considerable housebuilding activity in the past few years, including 'Build to Rent' homes, came in 10th place.
Top 10 London areas for all rental properties
Rank |
Postcode |
Area |
1 |
E14 |
Canary Wharf/ Isle of Dogs |
2 |
W2 |
Paddington / Bayswater |
3 |
SE1 |
Southwark/Lambeth |
4 |
N1 |
Islington |
5 |
NW1 |
Camden |
6 |
E1 |
Whitechapel/Stepney Green |
7 |
SW6 |
Fulham |
8 |
NW3 |
North & East Hampstead |
9 |
NW6 |
Kilburn / West Hampstead |
10 |
SW11 |
Battersea |
Where do people look for smaller flats?
Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs was also the most searched-for location for renters looking for a one or two-bedroom flat, the latter being the most popular rental property type on Zoopla.
Southwark and Lambeth came in second place with Whitechapel and Stepney Green coming third.
Bermondsey and Rotherhithe were the ninth most searched-for location on Zoopla for smaller flats, while Stratford was 10th. They were also the only places that sat outside the overall 10 most searched-for rental locations in London.
Top 10 London areas for 1-2 bedroom rental flats
Rank |
Postcode |
Area |
1 |
E14 |
Canary Wharf/ Isle of Dogs |
2 |
SE1 |
Southwark/Lambeth |
3 |
E1 |
Whitechapel/Stepney Green |
4 |
N1 |
Islington |
5 |
W2 |
Paddington/Bayswater |
6 |
NW1 |
Camden |
7 |
SW11 |
Battersea |
8 |
SW6 |
Fulham |
9 |
SE16 |
Bermondsey/Rotherhithe |
10 |
E15 |
Stratford |
Which areas are popular with families?
Unsurprisingly, families and people looking for more space in the capital were searching further afield.
The NW9 postcode area, which includes Colindale, Kingsbury and Hendon, was the most sought-after location for three and four-bedroom houses, followed by Walthamstow and Streatham.
Other popular areas included Wimbledon, Fulham and Golders Green.
Dixon says: “Renters searching for larger family homes in the capital showed a clear preference for the suburbs which benefit from leafy surroundings and well-regarded local schools.”
Top 10 London areas for 3-4 bedroom rental houses
Rank |
Postcode |
Area |
1 |
NW9 |
Colindale/Kingsbury/Hendon |
2 |
E17 |
Walthamstow |
3 |
SW16 |
Streatham |
4 |
SW19 |
Wimbledon |
5 |
SW6 |
Fulham |
6 |
NW11 |
Golders Green |
7 |
E6 |
East Ham |
8 |
SW17 |
Tooting |
9 |
NW10 |
Harlesden/Park Royal |
10 |
NW4 |
West Hendon/Brent Cross |
Top 3 takeaways
- Docklands is the most sought-after area in which to rent a home in London
- The W2 postcode district of Paddington and Bayswater is the second most popular location, with SE1, which includes the South Bank, Bankside and Bermondsey and Waterloo, coming in third
- The NW9 postcode area, which includes Colindale, Kingsbury and Hendon, was the most searched location for people looking for larger houses
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