If you're looking for a London period home then Islington could be the answer.
This area of North London is arguably the best in the entire city for Georgian and Victorian properties.
However, that popularity means homes like these can sometimes be in short supply - after all, Islington is an area where people lay down firm roots.
Living in Islington
Just under four miles from central London, Islington lies in zone 2, meaning buyers and renters get a great commute as well as all those great period home and trendy coffee shops and bistros.
And that's really what Islington is about - lifestyle.
It's a far cry from post-war Islington where more than 3,000 traditional homes were lost in bombings.
But surviving period homes were developed and restored and slowly but surely, Islington moved from a settlement for the poor to one of London's most sought-after and hip boroughs from the 1960s.
Houses for sale in Islington
So, weve already given Islington the big sell for its stunning period properties and most buyers searching in the borough will be set on either a Georgian terrace or conversion.
But if you're looking for something a little more modern, look towards the Regent's Canal where new developments of waterside flats have sprung up in recent years.
These are popular with young professionals and couples both buying and renting.
House prices in Islington
As you might expect, amazing period homes in zone 2 come at a price and Islington's popularity has driven up prices over the past 20 years.
In the past 12 months, property prices in Islington have dipped slightly alongside Greater London as a whole, falling 2.6%.
But since the turn of the year, transactions in the area have risen dramatically, showing buyers and sellers are emerging from the post EU-referendum slump and starting to take action.
In April of this year, transactions were up 18.2% on the previous year - that's against a 9.2% decline across London as a whole.
Detached properties in Islington have commanded an average price of £1.8million over the past 12 months, while semi-detached homes are not far behind on £1.5million.
A period terrace, meanwhile, will set you back in the region of £1.2million, while flats in the area average £533,032.
Average property price: £611,653*
Flats to rent in Islington
It's estimated that 90% of properties let over the past 12 months in Islington were flats, so you won't be alone in searching for a great property.
Expect to pay upwards of £1,500 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Average rental price: £1,775*
Islington transport links
In zone 2 and a mere four miles from central London, Islington residents have a host of commuting options.
Islington is home to three Underground stations, with Highbury & Islington on the Victoria Line, Angel on the Northern Line and Caledonian Road on the Piccadilly Line.
Overground trains run from Highbury & Islington, Caledonian Road & Barnsbury and Cannonbury, with Highbury & Islington and Cannonbury on the East London line to Canary Wharf.
All stations are zone 2 apart from Angel which is in zone 1.
On the roads, the A1 runs through the heart of Islington and connects with the M1 motorway to the North West.
Schools in Islington
As if you needed further confirmation of Islington's popularity, families are also drawn to the area thanks to its schools.
The majority of Islington primary schools are rated 'Good' by Ofsted, including Thornhill, St John Evangelist RC and Canonbury, while William Tyndale is rated 'Outstanding'.
At secondary level, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School for girls in rated 'Outstanding', while all-through St Mary Magdalene Academy for children aged four to 19, is rated 'Good'.
Shopping in Islington
Of course the temptation when living in zone 2 is simply to head into central London for a day of shopping.
But residents in Islington are well catered-for on their own patch thanks to a host of chain stores and dozens of independent shops along Upper Street.
Be sure to check the little nooks and crannies as well, as many little independent gems are located down tiny side streets around Camden Passage.
The daily Chapel Street market is worth checking out, while the Angel Centre shopping centre off Upper Street is home to the likes of H&M, Gap and Monsoon.
Eating out in Islington
Islington is popular for eating out not just with locals but with Londoners from all over.
Among the best eateries is Afghan Kitchen, a venue where you can pick up a warming stew with rice alongside a slab of naan bread.
For breakfast, try Elk in the Woods at Angel where vegetarian full English dishes are served up alongside traditional pancakes.
Things to do in Islington
If you like your theatres then Islington will certainly appeal, with the small matter of three fringe theatres on the patch.
The Almeida, Pleasance Theatre and King's Head Theatre Pub are all worth checking out.
Things to do with the kids
Playgrounds at Highbury Fields, Barnard Park and a treehouse at Arundel Square are great for days when the weather is fine.
As is Freightliners Farm where the little ones can meet chickens, sheep and other animals.
On rainy days, try the Highbury Pool & Fitness Centre for a swim with the kids.
Estate agents in Islington
Ellis & Co has been selling, renting and managing properties in Islington for more than a decade.
Branch owner Tariq Khalifa is a born and bred north Londoner and has built a team of local experts across sales, lettings and management.
Contact one of the team who would be happy to get you moving on the next stage of your property journey.
* Statistics from DataLoft Inform
