Rightmove data shows a significant increase in property searches around London.
Coulsdon saw an increase of 228 percent in demand over a year ago, while Purley saw an increase of 115 percent.
According to local estate agents, a two-bedroom apartment in the area costs between PS1,200 & PS1,300 per month.
However, some renters were forced to make offers higher than the asking price in times when the market was most competitive.
A Coulsdon estate agent said that demand rose after Covid-19 lockdowns. Renters were looking for the best of both worlds, with easy access to the countryside, and 20-minute trips into central London.
He said that he wasn’t sure how the market would react to the uncertainty and cost of living in the future.
Mario Creatura, who was a councillor in the area for eight-years, said that he’s not surprised that people are moving to Coulsdon.
He stated that it didn’t surprise him at all that Coulsdon has seen a surge in demand for housing. It’s a beautiful part of the globe.
“We have great connections to London and are just a few minutes from the North Downs.
“I think people looking for a house or flat, or even a couple to raise a family, would love what’s available in Coulsdon.
“We have a wonderful high street with independent shops, good transport connections and great transport links.
“It’s why so many people have lived in Coulsdon for a long time.”
Luke Shortland, another Coulsdon councillor said that it was “no surprise” that renters are interested in moving to the area.
He said, “It’s an absolutely beautiful area with great school and lots of fantastic green spaces.
“People love the variety of shops and businesses – there are supermarkets like Aldi and Waitrose for weekly shopping, but also smaller independent businesses such as a pottery painting studio or a scented candle shop.
Unnamed local agent said that while there was a lot of demand for properties in the last year, the market has seen a drop in competition in recent weeks due to the economic downturn.
She stated, “Over the past few weeks it was disastrous, we are struggling to get the stock that’s available at the moment.
“We have noticed that less people are interested in our properties, and there have been greater price reductions than ever.” We are now pushing landlords to lower their prices.”
She said that renters in central London are now looking for lower-cost areas to live, and she was right.
