Buying Outside Zone 1? This Area Combines Value with a Fast Commute

Post-pandemic London has brought a reset in how people think about where — and how — they want to live. For many, the answer no longer lies in a one-bedroom flat in Zone 1 with no outside space and a hefty price tag.

Alexandra Ricarte

May 5, 2025

The New Priorities for London Buyers in 2025

Instead, buyers are looking further afield — not because they have to, but because it simply makes more sense.

More space.
Fewer compromises.
And surprisingly quick commutes.

It’s this shift in priorities that’s fuelling renewed interest in areas like Wembley, where value and convenience go hand in hand.

From Zone 1 Pressure to Outer Zone Potential

While Zone 1 still appeals to some, the average home price now tops £1.1 million, and rising service charges, tighter layouts, and ageing buildings often come with the package.

At the same time, demand for space, natural light, outdoor areas, and modern amenities has intensified — especially among younger professionals, first-time buyers, and international relocators.

So where do you go if you want:

A shorter commute than most Zone 2 neighbourhoods
A smart, high-spec flat with facilities
Local restaurants, shops and green spaces
A mortgage that doesn’t feel like a lifetime sentence?

Wembley is fast becoming one of the answers.

More Than a Stadium: The Reinvention of Wembley

It’s easy to associate Wembley with matchday crowds and iconic concerts. But in reality, it’s become one of London’s most thoroughly redeveloped areas — underpinned by over £2.5 billion in investment in recent years.

What’s emerged is a place where residential life is no longer an afterthought. Alongside its transport links and world-famous venues, Wembley now offers:

A newly built high street with cafés, retail outlets, and workspaces
Major events at BOXPARK Wembley that attract both locals and visitors
Union Park — an expansive green space right at the heart of the community
A rapidly growing residential population, skewed towards professionals aged under 35

There’s a feeling that Wembley is no longer “on the way” to somewhere — it’s a destination in its own right.

What the Commute Actually Looks Like

Wembley offers two key stations that make commuting refreshingly simple:

Wembley Park Station

Metropolitan Line to Baker Street in 12 mins
Jubilee Line to London Bridge in under 25 mins
Straight through to Canary Wharf in about 30 mins

Wembley Central Station

Bakerloo Line to Oxford Circus in 26 mins
Overground to Kensington Olympia in 18 mins
National Rail services to Euston in under 20 mins

This level of access is part of what’s drawing professionals and hybrid workers to reconsider what they really need from their postcode. Zone 4 doesn't feel far when the City is less than half an hour away.

Inside the Homes That Are Raising the Bar

Another major reason buyers are choosing Wembley is the new wave of purpose-built developments designed around modern lifestyles — offering more than just four walls and a kitchen.

One example is Fulton & Fifth – Parkside, where homes are built not only for today’s buyers, but for the way they actually live and work.

Here’s what’s included:

Manhattan, 1 & 2-bedroom apartments starting from £457,500
On-site concierge, gym, pool, cinema and yoga studio
Balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and underfloor heating
Podium-level gardens and rooftop terraces for residents
Designed layouts that prioritise flow, light, and usable space

The appeal here is not just affordability — it's thoughtful, high-quality living in an area that supports it.

Who’s Moving In?

Data from Dataloft shows that in Wembley:

73% of renters are under the age of 34
47% of households are privately rented — well above the London average
Job growth and new commercial spaces are drawing more professionals each year

That profile is important. For buyers who want to rent out their property, the demand is there. And for those buying to live, it means a younger, more active, and increasingly international community.

Lifestyle Without the Long Travel Time

Buyers often ask: if I move further out, what do I lose?

The answer in Wembley? Not much.

London Designer Outlet offers everyday shopping
Masalchi by Atul Kochhar and an array of independent restaurants bring serious culinary variety
Regular events, art trails, and the nearby OVO Arena keep the local calendar busy
Green walking trails along the River Brent and nearby nature spots break up the city feel

The area is walkable, well-designed, and tailored to people who want convenience without chaos.

The Investment Perspective

Whether you're a first-time buyer or purchasing with rental income in mind, Wembley is performing well:

24% annual rental growth for flats (compared to 13% London-wide)
Five-year rent growth of 49%
Solid long-term capital appreciation supported by large-scale regeneration

For investors looking to step into the London market with a smart, tenant-ready home, developments like Fulton & Fifth offer both yield and future-proofing — especially with phased completions allowing for early entry points.

What This All Adds Up To

Wembley isn’t the fringe. It’s not a fallback. It’s a district that’s evolved — and still evolving — into one of London’s most realistic options for those who want more than a postcode.

In 2025, buying further out doesn’t mean giving anything up. It means gaining: