East Finchley is unique in that it has a village feel and is surrounded by green space, despite being just over 5 miles from Charing Cross. East Finchley’s excellent transport links mean that it is less than 15 minutes by tube from Euston by and 10 mins from the M1 by car.
You will find a diverse range of property in N2 encompassing many architectural styles and periods and varying in size from the mansions of The Bishop’s Avenue (known as Billionaire’s Row) to 30 sq metre studio flats and everything in between.
The Bishops Avenue
We feel we have to include East Finchley’s most notorious road, even though it’s not a realistic prospect for most. Famed for its oversized mansions, many of which stand empty, The Bishops Avenue has been likened to a parking lot for overseas wealth. The good news is that some of the deserted mansions that have been demolished in recent years have been replaced with high-end apartment blocks. Prices still start at several million for a flat, but it does mean that the road is slowly becoming inhabited.
Pros: Proximity to the Heath… and THAT address.
Cons: The road is a constant building site.
Our pick: Winnington Road, which runs parallel, and is much quieter.
Great North Road
The road heading south from the village towards Highgate is lined with flats – both huge Victorian conversions and purpose built mansion blocks, offering spacious accommodation with well-maintained communal areas, close to the tube and Highgate Wood, and within walking distance of Highgate Village.
Pros: Great location for shops, transport and green spaces.
Cons: Limited secondary school catchment.
Our pick: Highgate Edge for its stylish communal hallways and bright airy flats, and the spacious conversions on the east side of Great North Road.
Fortis Green
The area to the south of Fortis Green comprises a mix of Victorian terraces, small 1930s semis and attractive Victorian and Georgian villas. These roads attract a premium because of their proximity to both East Finchley and Muswell Hill and the green spaces of Cherry Tree Wood and Highgate Wood.
Pros: Location, location, location.
Cons: The pricetag.
Our pick: The Victorian villas of Eastern and Western Road.
Ringwood Estate
Sandwiched between Fortis Green and Creighton Avenue, the Ringwood Estate was built in the 1930s on what was once an extension of Coldfall Wood. Properties are large semis with driveways and generously sized gardens. Coldfall Wood sits to the north and the popular Fortismere School sits at the eastern end of the estate.
Pros: Spacious family homes and prime school catchment.
Cons: The northern side of the estate is a long walk from public transport.
Our pick: Twyford Avenue, for its proximity to the shops, bars and public transport links of Fortis Green.
County Roads
A set of parallel Victorian terraced streets to the east of East Finchley High Road, which are very popular with families. Many are converted into generously-proportioned flats. Equidistant from Cherry Tree Wood and Coldfall Woods, with good transport links and prime school catchment, these friendly streets offer something for everyone.
Pros: Proximity to the High Road.
Cons: Finding a parking space is a challenge, particularly in the evening.
Our pick: Durham Road is less congested.
East End Road
The west (Garden Suburb) side of East Finchley is generally better value than the east, but equally well connected. Tree-lined streets of 1930s semis and 1980s townhouses in the roads behind the Five Bells pub offer lots of space, many with off-street parking, with the added advantage of not being too far from the tube. Further north, attractive Victorian terraces provide excellent value and the parade of shops at the northern end of East End Road boasts an excellent organic butcher and artisan bakery.
Pros: More for your money.
Cons: Transport links are limited, the further north you go.
Our pick: 1930s semis on Talbot Road and the pretty purpose-built Victorian flats of Sedgemere Avenue.
Hampstead Garden Suburb
The N2 section of HGS (west of East End Road) offers 1930s-built arts and crafts houses with drives and huge gardens. Homes here are generally less expensive per square meter than East Finchley itself, and have a quiet suburban feel.
Pros: Big gardens and off-street parking.
Cons: The conservation area can be quite restrictive.
Our pick: Chocolate-box-pretty Edmund’s Walk, or the last few unmodified art deco gems on Vivian Way offer beautiful individual homes within walking distance of the village and tube station.
Old Village
The old village comprises the area around the old Market Place and Church Lane. As the name suggests, you’ll find some of the oldest buildings in East Finchley in this area. You’ll find charming cottages on Church Lane and villas on Trinity Road, plus some Victorian and pre-WWII terraces and purpose-built flats to the south in Leslie and Lepold Road and the streets off Market Place. There are a handful of useful shops, restaurants and a pub on Church Lane and the area maintains a strong community feel.
Pros: Character Cottages.
Cons: A long walk to the tube.
Our pick: Trinity Road
The Grange, Oak Lane and Long Lane
To the north of the “old village” lies the Grange Estate, a Local Authority estate operated by Barnet Homes. Many of the flats are either owner-occupied or privately rented, which means these generously spacious flats are often available on the open market.
The Grange is flanked by newer developments – Taunton Drive, Simms Gardens, Tarling Road – with one solitary Edwardian street, Sylvester Road, in their midst. Long Lane runs north from Church Lane to the North Circular Road, with the Victorian properties getting larger further north. There’s a pleasant square of Victorian streets, Richmond, Chamberlain and Brighton Roads, just before the bridge under the North Circular.
Pros: Affordable
Cons: Poor public transport links
Our pick: Modern semis and flats on Taunton Drive offer excellent value
Strawberry Vale
The northeast corner of East Finchley is occupied by Strawberry Vale estate, a distinctive brutalist creation, featuring a barrier block which shields the smaller terraces from the North Circular Road. Initially owned and operated by LB Camden. The estate is now operated by Family Mosaic (formerly Peabody Estates), but there are plenty of privately owned units available for sale or rent. Nearby Lewis and Lankaster Gardens also offer Victorian terraces and modern apartments. The High Road is served by buses running between North finchley and East Finchley.
Pros: Within easy reach of the Great North Leisure Park.
Cons: It’s a long way from the village centre.
Our pick: Split level maisonettes on Old Farm Road offer lots of space.
