Auction House London’s Area Guide to Harlesden
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 Harlesden, 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 Harlesden in Northwest London, within the London Borough of Brent. The area has a vibrant community and transport links and connectivity, as well as lots of interesting opportunities for investors.
Where is Harlesden?
Harlesden is a district located between Willesden to the east, Stonebridge to the west, Kensal Green to the south and Wembley to the north. The centre of the area is focused around High Street Harlesden, which remains one of the busiest and most distinctive shopping streets in this part of the capital.
Transport connections are excellent, with Harlesden station on both the Bakerloo Line and the London Overground, offering direct routes into central London and across the wider network. Willesden Junction is also close by, adding further rail links. Road access is really good too, with the A404 and A406 both nearby, while a wide range of bus routes serve the area throughout the day.
The history of Harlesden
Harlesden began as a small rural hamlet, with its name recorded as far back as the 11th century. For centuries it remained largely agricultural, surrounded by open countryside and farmland, though that began to change in the 19th century when the arrival of the railways transformed Harlesden from a quiet village into a fast-growing suburb.
Industry followed, bringing factories, workshops and new housing. By the early 20th century, Harlesden had become a busy working-class district, known for its strong local identity and growing diversity. Post-war immigration also played a huge role in shaping modern Harlesden. Communities from the Caribbean, Ireland, Portugal and many other parts of the world settled here, helping to create the vibrant, multicultural character the area is known for today.
What does the architecture and property market look like in Harlesden?
Harlesden offers a varied housing stock that reflects its rapid growth during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods. Terraced houses dominate many residential streets, with red brick facades and traditional layouts proving popular with both owner-occupiers and investors. There are also purpose-built flats, converted period properties and a selection of newer developments. This mix is appealing to first-time buyers, landlords and developers alike.
Current lots available in the upcoming auction include this first floor two-bedroom flat on Wendover Road. For anyone looking for something a bit loftier, there’s this excellent tenth floor three-bedroom flat in nearby Colindale. For something more northern, there’s this first and second floor three-bedroom split level flat in Wood Green.
What are the amenities like in Harlesden?
Harlesden High Street is the heart of the community, offering a lively mix of independent retailers, supermarkets, cafes, restaurants and specialist food shops. The area’s multicultural roots are reflected in its excellent range of Caribbean, Portuguese, African and Latin American businesses.
Residents have access to all the essentials, including banks, healthcare services, gyms and community facilities. The nearby Park Royal estate also provides major employment opportunities, while larger shopping centres can be found a short distance away in Wembley and Ealing.
Open spaces in Harlesden
Harlesden benefits from several nearby green spaces. Roundwood Park is one of the area’s standout attractions, offering formal gardens, sports facilities, a popular cafe and excellent views across London from higher ground.
A little further south, Wormwood Scrubs is not just a famous prison but also an excellent wide open space consisting of a huge expanse of land, ideal for walking, running and organised sport of all flavours. Smaller parks and recreation grounds are also dotted throughout the surrounding neighbourhoods, giving residents plenty of outdoor space close to home.
What are the schools like in Harlesden?
Harlesden has a good selection of schools serving families across the area. Primary options include Leopold Primary School and Newfield Primary School, which are both well regarded locally.
For secondary education options, both Capital City Academy and Newman Catholic College are among the established choices nearby. The area also benefits from easy access to further education colleges and universities across northwest and central London.
Auction House London prides itself on having local knowledge about diverse areas of the capital. If you have questions about Harlesden 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.