Huge surge in demand for rental properties in Croydon as renters pushed to outskirts of London

By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter

Demand has surged for rental properties on the edge of Croydon, including Purley and Coulsdon, as high prices have pushed London renters out of central areas.

Data from property website Rightmove shows there has been a huge rise in property searches on the outskirts of London.

Coulsdon saw a 228 per cent increase in demand compared to a year ago, while Purley saw a 115 per cent increase.

Estate agents in the area said a two-bedroom flat in the area usually costs between £1,200 and £1,300 a month.

But some renters had to put in offers above the asking price when the market was at its most competitive.

One estate agent, working in the Coulsdon area, said demand went up after the Covid-19 lockdowns, with renters seeking the “best of both worlds,” with the area having easy access to the countryside and 20-minute journeys into central London.

But he said he was uncertain how things would play out in the coming months as to whether demand would increase or decrease with the cost of living crisis and uncertainty in the property market.

Mario Creatura, who has been a councillor in the area for eight years, said he was not surprised people were moving to Coulsdon from elsewhere in London.

He said: “It doesn’t surprise me at all that demand to live in Coulsdon has surged. It is a wonderful part of the world. We have fantastic connections into London and we are right on the doorstep of the beautiful North Downs.

“I do think that people who are looking for a flat or house or a couple raising a family would be delighted with what’s on offer in Coulsdon.

“We have a great high street with independent shops and good transport connections. It is why so many people live in Coulsdon for decades.”

Pictured top: Purley train station (Picture: Google Street View)