Shared Ownership in Barnet: Area Guide

Popular with young families and professionals alike, the London Borough of Barnet offers the opportunity to live within easy reach of Central London while enjoying a calmer setting. Its green spaces, local amenities and strong transport connections make it an attractive option if you’re seeking the best of both city and suburban living.

Explore new Shared Ownership homes in Barnet

Why consider homes for sale in Barnet?

Barnet has become one of North London’s most sought-after places to live. Set between the energy of Central London and the open countryside of Hertfordshire, the borough offers a desirable balance, ideal for establishing long-term roots. 

Life in Barnet is shaped by its leafy streets, generous green spaces and thriving local high streets, with journeys into the city taking around 20 minutes by tube. Living here means easy access to parks, independent cafés, restaurants and everyday amenities, all contributing to the area’s relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

There’s also a strong sense of community. Young families and professionals continue to move to new homes in Barnet, drawn by its lifestyle and connectivity, while many long-time locals remain rooted in the neighbourhood they’ve called home for years.

Discover the history of Barnet 

Barnet has a long and fascinating history, with evidence of Roman settlements in the area and nearby Hendon recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, Barnet sat along a key route in and out of London, becoming an important stopping point for travellers and traders. Reminders of this past can still be found today in the area’s historic inns and traditional pubs.

One of the most famous moments in Barnet’s history is the Battle of Barnet, fought in 1471 during the Wars of the Roses. The event remains an important part of the area’s identity. It’s commemorated each year at the Barnet Medieval Festival, where thousands of participants gather to recreate the battle in full costume.

Barnet Medieval Festival is London's largest battle re-enactment and has been attracting huge crowds since its inception in 2017.

What's the lifestyle like?

Shopping and retail 

If you’re a fan of retail therapy, Barnet has plenty to offer. The Spires Shopping Centre sits at the heart of the town and is home to well-known brands like H&M, Waitrose and JD Sports. It also hosts the historic Barnet Market, which has been running since 1199 and continues to support a range of independent traders today, including The Bone Family Fruiterers, The Patagonian Deli, The Big Wheel Cheese and Elias Fishmongers. 

For an even wider selection of shops and restaurants, Brent Cross Shopping Centre features more than 120 stores and eateries.

Culture

Barnet also has a strong local cultural scene. The Everyman Cinema, housed in a striking Art Deco building, provides a memorable setting for film lovers, while the nearby Bull Theatre is a much-loved community venue hosting comedy nights, live music and its popular annual pantomime.

This mix of shops, cafés and cultural venues is one of the reasons Barnet properties continue to attract buyers. From period homes along leafy residential streets to new homes in Barnet, the area offers a range of options for those looking to settle in this popular part of North London.

Food & drink

The high street is home to several historic inns and traditional pubs, perfect for stopping off for a drink or a bite to eat. Alongside these are independent restaurants, cocktail bars and venues offering live music and entertainment, giving the area a lively local scene.

And if you’re ever in the mood for even more choice, Barnet’s excellent transport connections make it easy to head further into the city, with King’s Cross reachable in around 20 minutes by tube.

 
Green spaces to explore in Barnet

You’ll be hard pressed to find many places in London where the high street leads directly onto an open common surrounded by Georgian houses, but that’s exactly what you’ll find in Barnet. Hadley Green, spanning more than 25 acres, is the oldest open green space in the area and is recognised as a site of Metropolitan Importance for nature conservation.

With leafy walking paths, wildlife-filled ponds and plenty of quiet spots to sit and take in the surroundings, it’s a wonderful green space to have right on your doorstep.

Barnet is also home to several other parks and gardens. Nearby King George’s Field, Greenhill Gardens and The Old Court Recreation Ground provide even more opportunities to relax outdoors, whether you’re meeting friends, spending time with family or enjoying some fresh air.

What's public transport like in the local area?

Barnet’s travel connections are a major draw for the area, offering the feel of small-town living while keeping you well connected to both central London and the Hertfordshire countryside.

Heybourne Park is just a short walk from Colindale Underground Station on the Northern line, offering direct connections to key destinations across Central London, including the City and West End, with the added benefit of Night Tube services. Burnt Oak and Mill Hill Broadway stations are also within walking distance, while a well-served bus route from Heybourne Park provides additional travel convenience.

If you’d prefer to travel by car, the M25 is also close by.

Moving to Barnet

Barnet offers the charm of small-town living while remaining within easy reach of central London. The area’s rich history is reflected in its varied architecture, where contemporary new-build homes sit alongside Victorian terraces, Georgian townhouses and modern apartment developments. 

If you’re looking for new builds in Barnet, Heybourne Park offers a fantastic opportunity to be part of this thriving community. With thoughtfully designed homes in a well-connected location, it’s the perfect place to start your next chapter.

Explore the homes available at Heybourne Park and discover how Shared Ownership could help you find your place in Barnet.

FAQs

What is the housing market like in Barnet? 

Barnet has a strong and active housing market, attracting families, young professionals, and first-time buyers. Its popularity comes from the mix of suburban charm, green spaces, and excellent transport links into central London. Demand is high, meaning properties in the area often sell quickly and prices remain competitive compared with inner London, making Barnet an appealing option for those looking to move or invest in the borough.

Is Barnet a good place to invest?

Barnet’s location between Central London and the Hertfordshire countryside makes it a consistently attractive place to buy property. Strong transport links, green space and a good range of schools all contribute to steady demand.

Ongoing regeneration and new housing developments are also helping to shape the area’s future, supporting long-term growth and making Barnet a location many buyers continue to consider when looking to invest in London property.

What kind of properties are for sale in Barnet?

You’ll find a wide range of Barnet property on the market, from classic Victorian and Edwardian houses to modern new homes. Shared Ownership options are also available, giving you a pathway into ownership without needing to save as much for a deposit.  

Is Barnet safe? 

Barnet is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and strong community feel. Quiet streets, well-maintained parks and local amenities make it an appealing choice for first-time buyers, professionals, and families alike.