Auction House London’s Area Guide to Hackney
Auction House London’s Area Guide to Hackney
Auction House London has a number of interesting properties listed for auction throughout the City and surrounding areas. Our property auction experts are knowledgeable about the different areas in and around London, such as Hackney, and are sharing a series of London area guides to help investors make more informed decisions.
This latest addition to the Auction House London series focuses on Hackney in east London, within the London Borough of Hackney. It is quite a large district that encompasses multiple sub-districts such as Dalston, Hackney Wick and Claptons Upper and Lower, thus there are always plenty of opportunities for investors.
Where is Hackney?
Hackney is just four miles northeast of Charing Cross. It makes up much of the London Borough of Hackney and includes areas such as Hackney Central, Homerton, South Hackney and West Hackney, as well as the aforementioned sub-districts. Bordering districts include Shoreditch, Stoke Newington, Bethnal Green and the Lea Valley.
Transport is good with an Overground railway and numerous rail services, as well as many bus routes. Hackney’s proximity to key road links also keep it well connected to central London and beyond.
The history of Hackney
Hackney has deep roots with archaeological finds showing settlement and agriculture as far back as the Stone Age. In medieval times it was a rural parish and part of the original Middlesex before its eventual abolishment. There were many farms, woodland and small villages in the area, though it steadily urbanised over the centuries.
The 19th century saw the arrival of the railway and development increased further, with Victorian terraces, public buildings and markets building the area up. Hackney endured some decline during much of the 20th century, but recent decades has seen a lot of new investment, regeneration and new housing which have reshaped large parts of the area.
What does the architecture and property market look like in Hackney?
Hackney is very mixed with lots of historic Victorian and Edwardian terraces that sit next to modern apartment blocks and contemporary conversions. There are rows of terraces, semi-detached houses and ex-industrial buildings turned into flats. Hackney Wick reflects more recent, creative redevelopment and riverside housing, while Homerton and Clapton have more of the older buildings. Some areas have social housing estates and more affordable stock; plus new builds are appearing in former industrial sites and along transport corridors.
The variety gives plenty of choice to buyers, whether they are looking for character, something modern, or those seeking investment potential. There’s this fourth floor two-bedroom flat in the 20-storey Landmark Heights building on Daubeney Road, or this ground floor studio flat situated within a mixed use parade on Upper Clapton Road. There’s also this fifth floor two-bedroom flat in Dalston.
What are the amenities like in Hackney?
Hackney offers plenty of local life with high streets across Dalston, Clapton, Homerton and Hackney Central all alive with independent cafes, restaurants, bars and small shops. Markets remain a big part of the fabric, with the likes of Ridley Road Market and the stalls around Kingsland Road. Big and small grocery stores throughout the area cater to diverse demographics.
Hackney is a creative area, so cultural institutions are bountiful. Hackney Empire hosts lots of music and comedy, plus there are multiple other smaller theatres and art galleries. Fitness studios, leisure centres, local libraries and community centres also support day-to-day needs.
Open spaces in Hackney
Even though Hackney is densely populated, there are good green options nearby such as London Fields with its sports fields, open lawns and cafes, as well as events throughout the year. Hackney Marshes offer wide fields used for football and informal recreation.
There is Clissold Park, Hackney Downs and other public gardens that provide greenery and nice places to walk, while the nearby Lea Valley and its canals also offer waterways and paths to enjoy.
What are the schools like in Hackney?
Hackney has some excellent primary schools, academies and faith schools. Secondary schools include both state and independent schools, with several of them having specialist status. Families often benefit from good school options often existing within walking distance.
It should also be noted that many schools across Hackney are greatly improving thanks to more investment in education since the regeneration of the area. In time, the area’s education facilities and reputation is only going to improve.
Auction House London prides itself on having local knowledge about diverse areas of the capital. If you have questions about Hackney or any other London area or suburb, please contact our team of property auction professionals. If you’re looking to buy property in London at an auction, browse through the lots listed in our forthcoming auction. Or, if you have a property you want to sell in London or the surrounding areas, why not see how much it could be worth in an auction with a free valuation by Auction House London.