Where to live next: Wimbledon, London

Education is often the number one priority for buyers. “We're seeing an increase in buyers looking at some of the fantastic state schools the area has to offer, possibly as a reaction to the recent change to add VAT onto independent school fees,” he adds, as well as those willing to pay for top-class local institutions such as King’s College School, Wimbledon High School and The Study Prep.

The area is principally divided into two main hubs — the ‘town’ and the ‘village’ — with the latter particularly sought after for its expansive Victorian homes and close proximity to upscale dining, cafés, boutiques and Wimbledon Common.

Both well-presented properties and those with opportunity for refurbishment get snapped up quickly, and buyers can expect to pay around £2,000,000 to £6,000,000 for a 5-bedroom house.

Christopher advises patience is key, especially for those with specific requirements. “Many owners of bigger houses understandably love Wimbledon so much that they want to stay in the area when they downsize. There are often very few options available to them so buyers need to be patient with timeframes if they want to secure their 'forever home'.”

When it comes to those looking to rent rather than buy, Olivia Firmin, Knight Frank’s Head of Wimbledon Lettings, notes that the young families she often finds searching in the neighbourhood face similar challenges. “Properties around the village are few and far between for lettings and often come at a premium, so applicants should be prepared to put their best foot forward as the competition for these properties will be high,” she advises. Here a 4-bedroom house will typically cost between £6,000 - £10,000 per month.

But for Olivia, who went to school in the area, the advantages and diversity that SW19 offers are well worth the wait. “You have a fantastic sense of community and country village feel but can be in central London in just 20 minutes. There is also so much variety in the architecture here; you can have a beautiful 18^th-century manor house next to an ultra-modern property.”