Walthamstow property guide

Home to one of London's biggest street markets and boasting some of the fastest journeys into the centre, Walthamstow is a buzzing urban location with appeal for property investors, first-time buyers as well as those looking to move up the property ladder.

Located in north-east London borough of Waltham Forest, the area's most exclusive properties can be found at Walthamstow Village.

The village has a less urban feel to the rest of Walthamstow thanks to well-preserved pubs and historic buildings, along with row and rows of narrower streets lined with Victorian terraced properties.

For example RightMove.co.uk has sold 2,300 terraced homes in the previous two years, at an average price of £226,327.

This compares to a mere 17 detached properties at an average price of £281,441 and 234 semi-detached properties, selling for an average of £267,218. Flats are also popular in Walthamstow with 1,577 selling since 2005, with an average price of £163,533.

Away from the village Walthamstow can be more down-at-heel, but excellent amenities, transport links and relatively good value for money homes add to the areas appeal.

Walthamstow Central station is the first stop of the Victoria line, before it heads south to Islington, Warren Street, Oxford Circus and Victoria, and there are also One Railway services linking commuters with Liverpool Street station in just 18 minutes.

Recent investment in new-build homes has widened the range of property on offer in the area.

Alastair Baird, of property developers Barratt Homes explained: "Walthamstow is already an established and attractive area of London with a huge range of shopping, bars, cafes, pubs and clubs, close to the London end of Epping Forest and convenient for all major road routes.

"Many of our buyers believe that the 'Olympic effect' – which is currently driving the wholesale regeneration of neighbouring Stratford in time for the 2012 Games - will also have a positive effect on local amenities, communications and values."