Living in Hampstead

Neighbourhood

Hampstead is a small town in London with a population of 16,506. It has exceptional schools, with 91% rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted and a low crime rate of 44 per 1,000 residents, with average house prices around £820k. Hampstead stands out for its excellent public transport connectivity, making car-free living very feasible.

£820k
Median property price ↓ 1.3%
44
Crimes per 1,000 residents
35
Schools (32 Good/Outstanding)
Excellent
Transport rating · Hampstead

About Hampstead

Overview

Prestigious North London village with the famous heath, literary history, and stunning period homes. Located in London, Hampstead has a population of approximately 16,506 residents, making it a compact neighbourhood by UK standards. The primary postcode area is NW3.

Hampstead sits within London and is well connected to neighbouring areas. The local property market is at the upper end of the spectrum, with a median price of £820k that is 34% above the London average of £611k. The area has a low crime rate compared to similar areas.

Key facts about Hampstead

  • Excellent public transport links
  • Nearest station: Hampstead
  • Part of London
  • High proportion of Good/Outstanding schools
  • Premium property market
  • Region: London
  • Population: ~16,506
  • Median property price: £820k
  • Crime rate: 44 per 1,000
  • Ofsted: 91% schools Good/Outstanding

Property prices in Hampstead (2026)

Based on HM Land Registry Price Paid data, updated regularly.

£820k
Median price
↓ 1.3%
Year-on-year change

Property market analysis

The median property price in Hampstead currently stands at £820k, placing it in the upper segment of the London market. This is 34% above the London average of £611k. Over the past twelve months, prices in Hampstead have been broadly flat, with a year-on-year change of -1.3%.

The slight softening in prices may present an opportunity for buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines. Price corrections in desirable areas like Hampstead tend to be temporary, particularly where transport links and school quality remain strong.

For context, the most affordable areas in London have median prices around £197k, while the most expensive areas reach £1.6M. Hampstead sits towards the upper end of this range.

What types of property are available? At this price point, expect a mix of period conversions, purpose-built flats, and some terraced houses. Larger detached and semi-detached properties typically command a significant premium.

Crime and safety in Hampstead

Crime data sourced from Police.uk, which records all crimes reported to police forces across England and Wales.

Low crime 44.1 crimes per 1,000 residents

Crime rate analysis

Hampstead has a low crime rate of 44.1 offences per 1,000 residents per year. This is below the national average of 62 per 1,000. This is a reassuring figure for an area of this size and suggests a relatively safe environment for residents.

Understanding crime statistics: Raw crime numbers can be misleading without context. Areas with high footfall (shopping centres, transport hubs, nightlife) naturally record more incidents. The crimes-per-1,000-residents metric normalises for population size but does not account for visitors. When assessing safety, consider the types of crime most relevant to you — residential burglary and vehicle crime are more directly relevant to homeowners than shoplifting or public order offences.

For a full breakdown by crime category, monthly trends, and year-on-year comparison, sign up for Check Local's detailed safety report for Hampstead. Our AI-generated analysis puts the numbers in plain English so you can make an informed decision.

Schools in Hampstead

School data from the Department for Education (DfE) and Ofsted.

35
Total schools
91%
Good or Outstanding

Schools analysis

Hampstead has 35 schools in the local area, of which 32 (91%) have been rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. This represents a exceptional level of school quality. Families moving to the area will find an excellent range of well-regarded schools, which is also a contributing factor to the area's property prices — proximity to top-rated schools typically adds a premium of 8-12% to property values.

Primary and secondary schools: The area serves families with children of all ages, with both primary and secondary schools available locally. With a large number of schools, parents have genuine choice in finding the right fit for their children.

Catchment areas and admissions: Most schools in Hampstead use distance-based admissions criteria, meaning the closer you live to a school, the more likely your child is to gain a place. Popular schools can have very tight catchment areas. Check Local's detailed schools report shows the distance from any address to every nearby school, with full Ofsted ratings and Key Stage results.

Transport and commuting in Hampstead

Excellent transport Nearest station: Hampstead

Transport links analysis

Hampstead benefits from outstanding public transport connectivity, making it easy to reach central London, major airports, and neighbouring areas without a car. The nearest railway station is Hampstead, providing regular services to surrounding areas. Transport connectivity data is sourced from NaPTAN, the official UK database of public transport access points.

For commuters, Hampstead offers strong connectivity. The area is well served by the London Underground, Overground, and bus networks, making it feasible to commute across London without a car.

Impact on property values: Transport links are one of the strongest predictors of property prices. Areas within walking distance of a station typically command a premium of 10-15% over areas further away. The excellent transport links in Hampstead are a key factor supporting its property values.

Living in Hampstead — lifestyle and amenities

Hampstead is a compact neighbourhood in London with a population of around 16,506. Like many London locations, it offers a dense mix of shops, restaurants, pubs, and green spaces within walking distance.

Who lives in Hampstead? The premium property prices attract established professionals, families, and downsizers. The area tends to have an older, more affluent demographic.

Green spaces and recreation: London benefits from an extensive network of parks and open spaces, and residents of Hampstead have access to both local green spaces and the capital's major parks.

Shopping and dining: While Hampstead may not have the range of a major city, local shops and eateries provide for daily needs, with larger centres accessible within a short drive or train ride.

Get the full intelligence report for Hampstead

AI-powered insights from official data sources. Crime, schools, transport, property prices and more.

Free, no spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently asked questions about Hampstead

Is Hampstead a good place to live?

Hampstead is a small town in London with excellent transport, exceptional schools, with 91% rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, and a median house price of £820k. The crime rate is low at 44 per 1,000 residents.

What is the population of Hampstead?

Hampstead has a population of approximately 16,506, making it a small town by UK standards.

Is Hampstead a safe area?

Hampstead has a low crime rate of 44 per 1,000 residents, which is below the national average of 62 per 1,000. Crime data is from Police.uk and covers all reported offences.

What are the schools in Hampstead like?

There are 35 schools in Hampstead, of which 32 (91%) are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted — a exceptional level of school quality.

What is the average house price in Hampstead?

The median property price in Hampstead is £820k, which is 34% above the London average of £611k. Prices have been broadly flat over the past year.

Where does this data come from?

All data in this Hampstead area guide is sourced from verified official UK government and public sector data providers. We combine property transaction records, crime statistics, school inspection data, transport network data, and census information to build a complete picture of every area.

We do not scrape, estimate, or fabricate any figures. Check Local processes and combines these official datasets to produce a unified area intelligence report. Our AI then generates plain-English narratives to help you understand what the numbers actually mean for your day-to-day life.

Compare Hampstead with...

See how Hampstead stacks up against other areas on price, crime, schools, and transport.

Fulham vs Hampstead
Browse all comparisons →

Nearby areas

Explore other areas in London to see how Hampstead compares.

Browse all 500 area guides →

Useful guides