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For those looking for an alternative, more affordable area to Chiswick, Ealing and Richmond, Brentford may be the answer. Julia Quilliam, from Quilliam Property Services, tells us why Brentford is the area to buy in right now

Google Brentford and you’ll be rewarded with pages of news and features from the area’s biggest sporting success Brentford FC. But, despite the exciting news plans for Brentford FC’s stadium in 2016, there is a whole lot more to this west London neighbourhood than football.

Along with a wealth of history – the area dates back to the Romans and Pocahontas is rumoured to have stopped by – Brentford boasts delightful river and canal walks (the Grand Union Canal’s walk is currently undergoing a massive restoration), there is a proposed new High Street and many exciting new residential developments defining Brentford’s future.

However, it is the rejuvenation of Brentford Market that is helping to cement Brentford’s growing reputation of having a very special and friendly community.

The Sunday market has been a huge success, helped by the refurbishment of the historic Market Place. Situated by the old Magistrate’s Court, Market Place was recently granted funding from the Mayor’s Outer London Fund to develop, expand and improve the area.

The Resident: Brentford’s Sunday Market has boosted the area’s appealBrentford’s Sunday Market has boosted the area’s appeal

The transformation includes the installation of new York stone paving, oak benches, fountains and trees, and is the perfect setting for the Sunday Market which sells street food, artisan coffee, fruit and vegetables, bread, meat and poultry, seafood, pies and cakes. It takes place from 10am-2pm every week and is set to get even bigger as the Council has granted a licence to add a further 10 stalls, plus there are the singing street performers to add to the atmosphere.

It’s not just the market that is bringing the foodies to town. Brentford’s food and drink scene is blossoming and there are lovely riverside spots like Time Café, which overlooks the Grand Union Canal, and The Weir Bar, a gastropub.

The Resident: The view from the garden of The Weir BarThe view from the garden of The Weir Bar

Meanwhile, over the bridge in Kew, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants and bars with the likes of The Botanist and Linnea in Kew Green, and the latest opening to catch our attention One Over the Ait, a British eatery with a waterside terrace.

As part of the Brentford FC new developments, residents will see houses built around the current ground at Griffen Park, which will enhance the property market and provide much-need housing for young families. As it stands, Brentford is still an affordable London neighbourhood, with £500,000 buying you a two-bedroom apartment with canal or river views and parking or a Victorian cottage with a rear garden in Orchard and Braemar Roads, two of the area’s most popular streets.

The Resident: Riverside properties are popular in BrentfordRiverside properties are popular in Brentford

Families looking for larger houses should consider Clifden and Somerset Roads where bigger period houses can be found, while, if you’re after a piece of the past, The Butts is a Georgian Square steeped in history and with its own convent.

Brentford is a solid place to invest in property – house prices have risen 5.3% since 2010, with costs for a one-bedroom flat going from £250,000 five years ago to nearly £300,000 today.

With a rise in house prices come good schools and Brentford’s education offering includes a selection of independent nurseries, plus the De Lacey Montessori School on the Great West Road. Over the river in Kew, there are several top private primary schools, including Kew College, Kew Green Prep School, Kew House and Broomfield House School.

The Resident: Buy a Victorian cottage in Brentford for £500,000Buy a Victorian cottage in Brentford for £500,000

Search for independent schools in Brentford

While Brentford might feel like it’s out in the suburbs, the west London area has excellent transport links, trains take 20 minutes to Waterloo, while bus routes drive commuters to Ealing Broadway’s Piccadilly Line, plus the addition of Crossrail Stations in Hanwell and Ealing will connect west with east even more conveniently.

To learn more about Brentford or look at a property in the area, contact quilliam.co.uk