What you need to know about Hammersmith
Sitting towards the centre of the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, the district of Hammersmith is bordered by Kensington, Fulham, and Chiswick.
Property prices in Hammersmith in 2020 averaged £964,305 which is slightly below the overall average for the borough of £1,045,277. Hammersmith is markedly more affordable than Walham Green which is the priciest area in Hammersmith and Fulham with the average house commanding £1,859,898. Conversely, the district is notably more expensive than the borough's most affordable area which is White City with its average property price of £675,306.
Flats accounted for most of the district's property sales in 2020, selling for £613,799 on average. Terraced properties in Hammersmith commanded an average price of £1,462,666 and semi-detached properties reached an average £1,957,045. Overall prices in the district have remained in line with the 2019 average, however they are 5% lower than the peak in 2017 when the average was £1,012,558.
What is living in Hammersmith like?
Hammersmith has rapidly become one of the most desirable and popular places to live in West London. Attracting young families looking to put down roots outside of the hustle and bustle and professionals looking for commuter-friendly locations that will allow them to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of a London suburb, if you're thinking of making a move here you're in good company.
Despite arguably not being the most attractive district in the area, Hammersmith does have a certain charm and offers a wide selection of property, including modern apartments and terraces. The district benefits from a selection of shopping streets, providing easy access to supermarkets, popular high street names, and independent retailers. The district is also home to numerous restaurants and eateries, including the River Caféwhich is where celebrity chef Jamie Oliver got his big break.
Hammersmith benefits from a variety of notable cultural facilities and attractions, including the renowned Lyric Theatre and the Hammersmith Apollo. Leisure activities in the area are also numerous, particularly as Hammersmith's riverside is mostly pedestrianised. In addition to water activities such as rowing, the district is home to Ravenscourt Park which offers playgrounds, a paddling pool, tennis courts, and a bowling lawn.
Living in Hammersmith pros and cons
Pro: One of West London's main transport hubs
Hammersmith is positioned on the A4 trunk road, which runs from central London to the M4 and Heathrow Airport and is a popular commuter route.
The centre of Hammersmith has two London Underground stations, which somewhat confusingly are both called Hammersmith. The Hammersmith station that is located close to Lyric Square is served by the Circle and Hammersmith & City lines. The second Hammersmith station is located on the A219 and is served by the District and Piccadilly lines. This station forms part of the Broadway Centre, which also contains retail and office spaces. Hammersmith's bus station is also located here, offering additional connectivity to the district.
Con: Affected by ULEZ
The ULEZ scheme has been implemented to improve air quality across the city, which means that all vehicles which do not adhere to strict emissions standards will be subject to the £12.50 daily charge.
Pro: Strong community feel
As Hammersmith feels somewhat tucked away from some of the busier parts of London, a strong sense of community exists which offers plenty of opportunities to form connections with like-minded neighbours. The Hammersmith Farmers' Market delights visitors every Thursday, with everything from fresh produce to freshly prepared pastries from farms in the surrounding area.
Con: Lacking in green space
Hammersmith is known for being a bit of a concrete jungle and although it isn't entirely devoid of green space, Ravenscourt Park really is the only option. The area is also home to myriad office buildings that aren't always exactly easy on the eye. With that said, the district's close proximity to the River Thames means that residents have easy access to a riverside path that stretches well into Richmond from the city.
Is Hammersmith a safe place to live?
In the Hammersmith Broadway area, there were 4,783 crimes reported between January 2020 and December 2021. This makes crime rates lower than in nearby Shepherd's Bush but higher than in other areas of the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, such as Parsons Green and Walham, and Fulham Broadway.
Of those 4,783 reported incidents, 1,699 were categorised as theft. The area also saw 1,068 reports of violent crime, 435 public order offences, and 432 vehicle offences. Crime rose between January 2021 and September 2021, with September seeing 268 crimes reported. Since this peak, however, crime in the district has been falling and in December 2021 there were 219 offences recorded.
In November 2021, there were 46 incidents of miscellaneous theft, most of which were reported as occurring in the area surrounding both Hammersmith tube stations. There were also 27 instances of harassment reported across the area. So, crime in the Hammersmith Broadway area during this period was higher than averages seen across both the borough and the wider London area.
Which celebrities live in Hammersmith?
From the 17th century onwards, Hammersmith has been home to many notable people, famous for their work in myriad industries. Poet John Milton resided in the area in the 1600s, with the 1700s seeing the likes of composer William Crathern and Queen Consort Caroline of Brunswick making Hammersmith their home.
Throughout the 19th century, the streets of Hammersmith were home to everyone from notable slave abolitionists Ellen and William Craft, to artist and writer William Morris, and civil engineer William Tierney Clark who designed the very first Hammersmith bridge.
Actors Helen Mirren and Diana Rigg resided in Hammersmith during their childhoods, as did legendary hairdresser Vidal Sassoon. In more recent times, Hammersmith has been home to the likes of singer Lily Allen, comedian Richard Ayoade, athlete Sebastian Coe, and actor Benedict Cumberbatch.
Things to consider when moving to Hammersmith
Property in Hammersmith is remarkably varied, which has the benefit of making it more likely that you will find something that is perfect for you. Do keep in mind that the market in the area is competitive, with increasing numbers of people starting to recognise the clear benefits of putting down roots in this well-positioned part of Hammersmith and Fulham.
It is also worth noting that Hammersmith is a pricey area, which is to be expected from somewhere that occupies such a prime location. Hammersmith's stations are all located in Zone 2 so if regular travel into Zone 1 is required, budgeting for an annual travelcard is vital.
For families with school-age children, Hammersmith has a selection of excellent primary and secondary options. Both Brackenbury Primary and John Betts Primary have been awarded Outstanding ratings by Ofsted, alongside West London Free School Primary, St Peter's CofE, and Larmenier & Sacred Heart RC. For pupils aged 11-18, the Cardinal Vaughn school and Sacred Heart High are two of the most popular schools, both of which Ofsted has deemed to be Outstanding. Hammersmith also has several independent schools, including Bute House, Ravenscourt Park Preparatory, and Latymer Upper.
Although Hammersmith doesn't have the trendiness of Soho or the vibrancy that can be found in places like Brixton and Shoreditch, it does offer an excellent lifestyle for everyone looking to settle into suburban life in London.