Acton Property Guide

One of London's most historic communities, Acton is catching the eye of several prospective house buyers as it offers an increasingly promising market.

Acton has come out of the shadows of neighbours in Chiswick and Ealing and is attracting young families, who go there for its friendly streets of mainly Victorian terraced homes, relatively affordable house prices and good primary schools. Located primarily in the borough of Ealing, West London, W3, the region has been known for its international travellers and a long legacy in media and entertainment.

• Acton's name derives from the Anglo-Saxon ac (meaning oak) and tun (meaning farm) translating into "oak farm". The ancient town was situated on the main road between Oxford and London, before it was eventually encompassed by London's expansion.
• In the 17th century, it earned the nickname "Soapsuds Island" because of the large number of launderies serving hotels. Now, it enjoys a variety of different industries.
• The region has always been an ideal stopping point for international travellers passing through between cities.

Living in Acton

• With several stations in the area, Acton is just a hop and skip away from Central London and a good proximity to Heathrow Airport.
• Distinguished old architecture with impeccable charm.
• An expansive entertainment industry and setting for scenes shot for Aliens, Batman, Monty Python, Only Fools and Horses and many others.
• Several pubs, restaurants, and venues to choose from.
• Large, international mix of world travellers.

Acton estate agents agree, Acton is one of Ealing's most promising enterprises when it comes to property. Its distinguished old architecture dating from the 1600s sits alongside a more chic, contemporary style; it's also one of the most affordable places in the city. Its new additions include gleaming new apartment blocks and office spaces, while recent renovations have seen many of the historic buildings restored into charming homes. House sizes range from the larger end of the scale in West and North Acton and tend to be smaller in East Acton.

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Council Tax

Council tax ranges from £900 annually for those in band A to £2700 in band H.

Schools in Acton

Estate agents in Acton claim there are a multitude of excellent schools to choose from in the area, as well as neighbouring boroughs which are within easy commuting distance. Some of the most popular ones include John Perryn Primary School, Acton High School, and the Ealing Independent College. Many of these schools also accommodate English as a second language students, as well as some fantastic arts programs.

Acton property appeals to a variety of people who want to benefit from its affordable prices and proximity to Central London as well as Heathrow. Acton's primary buyers tend to be young professionals and families needing a useful commuter route as well as people involved with the entertainment industry. The region is associated with several celebrities too, including: Anna Chancellor, Emilia Fox and Laura Forsyth among others. While not as widespread in diversity as other London regions, it still offers a varied cultural landscape.

The most expensive roads are around Twyford Avenue, where there are large Edwardian houses very similar to those found more commonly in Ealing. The Poets roads — Shakespeare, Chaucer, Cowper, Milton and Goldsmith roads — are very popular because of the village-like feel, the quaint level crossing and proximity to Acton Park.

People who thrive on the buzz of world travellers will revel in Acton's atmosphere; several clubs and pubs are dominated by a drifting crowd from Australasia and South Africa who flock to the Puzzle Bar, Redback Tavern and the bowling alley in Park Royal.

The Acton Town Hall regeneration project is an exciting prospect for residents of Acton, creating the 'Everyone Active Acton Centre'. This part-new build and part-refurbishment has created two new swimming pools, a trainer pool, along with modern fitness and leisure facilities including a larger gym. Part of the Town Hall will also be kept and refurbished to create a new library and council offices and the Grade II listed Town Hall's iconic frontage and baths chimney will be restored. There are also swimming pools at two private gyms and sports clubs: Virgin Active in Bromyard Avenue and the Park Club in East Acton Lane.

If you fancy some quiet time outdoors, visit Acton Park, a popular local park close to the poets roads, overlooked by the characterful Goldsmiths almshouses. Enjoy Gunnersby Park which features a museum and several fairs and festivals throughout the calendar; the region is also home to increasingly popular farmers' markets. And of course, there's the famed Ealing Studios, one of entertainment's landmark establishments.

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Acton Transport Links

Living in Acton will get you across the city and in the heart of Central London with several stations conveniently located in the area. Close tube stops include Charing Cross, Ealing Common, and Acton Central among several others and is served primarily by the Piccadilly, North London, Central and District Lines which are among some of the primary commuting lines in the city. Heathrow Airport can be easily reached by the tube or a short taxi ride.