Education’s influence on housing

IN LONDON, one consideration for choosing where to buy property is usually a location within the catchment area of a good school. State schools in this mega-city vary greatly and it can make the difference between your precious child having a charmed upbringing, with access to exclusive rowing clubs in Putney, or dodging weapons and spouting colourful words by the age of seven.

Even if you don’t have a child, properties near desirable schools are often considered to be within “good areas” with solid market values. One area I once rented in, called Wandsworth Common, was known as Nappy Valley. It had a few good schools clustered around a gorgeous green park, with properties within catchment areas commanding a 15% to 20% premium.