We live in UK’s ‘coolest’ village – it’s a ‘countryside’ haven in heart of the city… but posh newcomers force prices up

RESIDENTS living in the UK's 'coolest' village have said posh newcomers are forcing prices to soar.

Folk in Leafy Walthamstow Village, London say the area's transition to a more middle-class neighbourhood has resulted in an eye-watering spike in prices.

The peaceful enclave is home to some of the priciest properties in the capital, where the average terraced property rarely dips below £800,000.

Walthamstow Village nabbed the prize for the coolest place to live in London in 2022 by Time Out, with many deep-pocketed families recently choosing to hang their hat in the area.

Ali Ates, 58, who works at a chippy in the village, said its middle class population has driven up prices across the board.

"People want more premium things here, so the prices are much higher than other parts of London," .

Resident Melvin Venables has lived in the village for two decades, and says he has witnessed a swift change in its aesthetic.

"It's much more gentrified now.

"It was charming but a bit more rough around the edges when I first moved here."

"The area become much more popular for younger families.

"Before the changes it tended to be mostly popular for older people."

Melvin added that the area has become much more vibrant since the Covid pandemic, with businesses providing al fresco dining to famished diners.

Local Ciara claimed that above board local schools and low crime have seduced swarms of interested buyers to the quaint residential area.

She said: "There's so much to attract people to the area.

"I’ve seen all the changes, when I first came here there was only one restaurant on this road, now there are several.

"There just seems to be much more space here compared to other areas, while we also have a good park and we’re on the doorstep of Epping Forest."

It comes after residents living in the shadow of some of the UK's biggest train stations say they are being forced out by posh newcomers.

Locals in Somers Town, London, are wedged between Kings Cross, St Pancras and Euston terminuses.