Living in Soho may seem like a strange concept – after all, this part of central London is best known for its wild nightlife and artistic, bohemian vibe, not to mention its somewhat seedy one-time reputation!
However, for young singles and professional couples, this great location in the heart of the capital city is the perfect place to set up home.
Once known as a clubland of ill-repute, this famous location has now undergone an impressive transformation.
New independent shops, bars and restaurants spring up every year surrounding the many film agencies and media office blocks.
This has led to this area in the centre of London becoming a well-connected property paradise, partially due to the recent Crossrail development.
Follow us as we get to know the property market in this, the heart of London’s central district.
Discover why this local area has become synonymous with an exciting way of living that appeals to those looking for a home with everything at their fingertips.
Read our helpful Soho area guide and find:
- Transport Links Around Soho and Tottenham Court Road
- How Much Does It Cost To Live In Brewer Street, Soho?
- The Soho Lifestyle
- Schools in Soho
- Is Soho For Me?
Transport Links Around Soho and Tottenham Court Road
In the centre of Oxford Street, Charing Cross Road, Leicester Square and Regent Street, Soho is one of the best connected areas in London for commuting and exploring all that the beating heart of the city has to offer.
Residents in this famous spot can enjoy access around the entirety of central London on foot within minutes thanks to its Zone 1 location, with Westminster, Oxford Street and the theatre land of the West End and Covent Garden all within easy reach.
There are even four underground stations and connections to Crossrail for those who prefer not to walk making living around Soho incredibly convenient.
The renovation of the Tottenham Court Road station means that Crossrail can get travellers from Soho to Heathrow in under half an hour.
That said, this area isn’t ideal for anyone with a car since parking is especially limited.
How Much Does it Cost to Live in Brewer Street, Soho?
As you might expect, Soho is a somewhat costly place to own or rent a house or flat.
There is limited property available here, while its location in London’s centre has made prices rise even faster than those across the rest of the city.
Houses are in short supply. Most can be found on Meard Street, costing around £5 million to buy.
Meanwhile, flats are on sale for about £650,000 for a studio or one bedroom apartment.
An increasing number of commercial and office buildings are now being converted into new flats. This has started to open the real estate market in Soho up to a broader variety of people.
There is also a lot of variety in property style to choose from with loft apartments, ex-authority buildings, new developments and, of course, period Georgian houses.
These are all within this small space comprising just a handful of streets, many sporting blue plaques to commemorate their famous former residents.
D’Arblay Street is a local street best known for its gorgeous Georgian houses. Here, you can find a three or four bedroom home on sale for around £5 million.
When it comes to new build homes, you can find brand new studios, three, two and one bedroom flats in Dean Street which are currently under construction.
First time buyers can benefit from a scheme that awards Westminster residents as much as £54,500 towards the price of a new property anywhere across London after renting one of the subsidised flats for a specified period of time.
Many people rent a house or flat here, with the average price being around £5000 per month.
Berwick Street and Poland Street are two of the most popular local streets with tenants thanks to their quieter nature, a little further out from the central club cluster.
A studio in Soho will cost renters around £1500 per month, with two bedroom flats available for about £2500 per month.
The Soho and West End Lifestyle
Soho, similar to the rest of London, has an ever-changing bar and restaurant scene, with new restaurants and drinking spots opening up all the time.
There are plenty of different restaurant cuisines to sample in this place for those who appreciate delicious food.
Italian delis can be found in Old Compton Street and Greek Street, as well as a French Patisserie, Algerian Coffee Stores, a Spanish tapas restaurant, and Michelin starred restaurants in both Dean Street and Poland Street.
Members clubs still abound in this part of London too, with old rubbing shoulders with new establishments.
Despite the tightly packed nature of this urban place, there is still a small amount of green space to enjoy. Golden Square and Soho Square are popular with local workers who enjoy their lunches here on warm days throughout the year.
Theatre has always been in high demand in London, and Soho is a great place to see shows.
Not only is it within easy reach of the West End and its popular theatres, but it also has its own Boulevard Theatre, a new Walker’s Court venue and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club located in Frith Street.
Shops and stores also abound here to suit all tastes. High priced clothing can be purchased in nearby designer shops, while those looking for electrical bargains can head to Tottenham Court Road.
From new boutique shops to famous name brands on sale in popular chain stores, there’s no shortage of retail therapy in Soho.
Schools in Soho
Few families reside in Soho, but those who do, demand a good school for their children. Great Windmill Street is home to Soho Parish Primary School, and it has a good Ofsted rating while the other nearby primaries are rated good and outstanding.
There are two girls’ comprehensives nearby that are rated outstanding, and a boys’ school rated good. There is also an outstanding sixth form college.
For those who want a private education for their children, there are plenty of options, including international and bilingual schools and the Royal Ballet School.
Is Soho For Me?
Although the price of homes in Soho is high both to buy and to rent, this popular area of the capital has a lot to offer in terms of way of life, convenience and location.
If you’re looking for a perfect place to reside within easy reach of all of London’s amenities, Soho’s charms could be calling you!
Now that you know where you want to relocate, it’s time to learn more about moving.
