High demand for small properties
The expansion of Heathrow Airport is good news for those in the market for smaller properties, which are soon to be in high demand in Hillingdon. Expanding the airport will create jobs, and people in those jobs will need homes. Equally, the improved transport links (as well as ease of international travel) will make the area desirable to young professionals, who are also in the market for flats and small houses. An increase in the number of people needing short term and temporary accommodation is also anticipated, with a new hotel already being built opposite Henry Wiltshire Hayes.
Khaled Chahal, Head of Commercial Agency, says, “With the expansion of Heathrow airport, we anticipate some real growth in the investment property market in Hillingdon. We’re already receiving inquiries from buy-to-let investors who have identified the importance of the area to airport employees and London workers alike.”
Improving London’s transport links
The London Borough of Hillingdon, including Hayes and Harlington, is a great example of a location that’s experiencing growth off the back of transport improvement. In addition to the airport expansion, Crossrail will also be connecting this outer London borough to the city centre as early as 2017, with a corresponding positive effect on house prices.
Investors have already seen properties increase in value in areas along the Crossrail route, such as Ealing and Reading in the west, and Forest Gate and Stratford in the east. There’s also been a lot of interest in areas benefiting from the new Night Tube service on the Central and Victoria lines, and the upcoming Northern Line Extension, which will connect Nine Elms and Battersea with the rest of the London Underground network.
Khaled explains the phenomenon. “Much of London’s success is due to its outstanding public transport network. Workers are able to easily reach the City and Docklands, whether they’re going two stops on the Docklands Light Railway or travelling in from Berkshire or Essex. People who frequently travel abroad for work look for homes near to London’s airports – Heathrow in particular.”
This is a great time to invest in buy-to-let property near Heathrow. Henry Wiltshire has offices worldwide, enabling international investors to tap into London’s property market and realise their financial goals. Henry Wiltshire’s property experts can advise on any aspect of buying or selling property in Hayes and Harlington.