Estate Agents Douglas & Gordon have seen a 34% increase in enquiries for properties in London, with areas like Battersea, Clapham and Notting Hill most in-demand right now, with online activity mirroring this.

Recently, London has recently seen a massive boom in interest for apartments, flats and second homes compared to last year, which saw 34% of movers want to move out of London.

Due to the demand, the London based Estate Agents’ have uncovered 10 reasons as to why people may be drawn towards London and how the city has cemented itself as being one of the best places in the world to live in. 

1) It’s the most diverse city in the UK

Around 37% of people currently living in the capital were born outside the UK, making it home to a staggering number of diverse nationalities and ethnicities, with some estimates putting the number of different languages spoken at more than 300 – more than any other metropolis.

2) History in London extends over 2000 years 

It is showcased through iconic architecture, museums and galleries that are largely free to attend. Some of the most visited London attractions include the Tate Modern in Southwark, the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, the National Gallery in Westminster and Southbank Centre.

3) It’s home to some of the best schools and universities in the country

Imperial, UCL and LSE rank highly on international leader boards, and there are a total of 40 higher education institutions in London. There are 427 Ofsted Outstanding Schools in London, more than in any other city in the UK.

4) London is the most connected city in the UK

Whether streaming Netflix or working from home, London is the place to be. Ranking 1st on the list of the Most Connected Cities, London boasts the best overall stats when it comes to strong Wi-Fi and broadband. There are around 698 people per hotspot in the capital, fewer than most of the UK’s largest cities. 

5) Transport in London is world-class

London ranks second in the world for the quality of its transport system, outranked only by Singapore but ahead of Stockholm, Hong Kong, Paris and New York. No matter where you are in London, every district is easily accessible via overground trains, airport transfers, buses, trams, the DLR and, of course, the London Underground.

6) It’s the nation’s favourite city

According to YouGov data, London is in the top three most popular cities in the UK, ranking 1st on the list for millennials – one of the fastest-growing segments of property buyers.

7) There is green space everywhere

Around 47% of London is green space, and 60% is classified as open space, which means you can get your fix of fresh air and nature easily. There are around 3,000 parks across London’s boroughs, and there are plans to make more than 50% of the city green by 2050.

8) Job opportunities are endless

With over half of the UK’s FTSE companies and over 100 of Europe’s largest businesses having their headquarters in central London, the capital is a massive talent hub. It is also one of the most entrepreneurial cities in the country, with over *200,000 new businesses launched in London in 2021.

9) It’s the best place to socialise

There are about 40 pubs per 100,000 people in London, which is just slightly lower than the national average of 58 pubs per 100,000 people. With restaurants, theatres, galleries, parks, gigs and traditional British pubs to be found on every corner, there’s no shortage of places to socialise.

10) London is one of the safest cities to live in

London is home to the highest number of police officers in the country and is ranked as the 4th safest city in the UK to live in alone or with family. There are also plenty of pet-friendly properties for your companion animals. 

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