Hard to imagine now, but until the 18th Century, Holloway was mainly rural and served as the main cattle-driving route from the North to Smithfield. Its name probably meant Hollow, or Hollow way, caused by dip in the road carved-out by the animals. Lower Holloway, formerly known as Back Road and most recently "Liverpool Road", was the cattle’s final grazing & resting spot en-route to London’s markets.
Tollington Lane was the original toll route into London, but by the 1318, it fell into disrepair, so the then Bishop of London replaced it with a new toll road up Highgate Hill. This was the origins of the Great North Road, now the A1, which passes through Holloway and past our office. As London expanded in the second half of the 19th century, the Holloway, much like inner North London also quickly become built-up.
By the turn of the 20th Century, Holloway was an important shopping hub. By the late 1930s, landmarks including the Gaumont cinema (junction of Tufnell Park Road and Holloway Road) were established. Now called the Odeon cinema, It recently underwent extensive refurbishment but retains its glamorous foyer and staircase.
The area offers a vibrant mix of independent shops, cafes and restaurants serving delicious foods from around the globe. Holloway Road is fortunate to have a large Waitrose and an M&S. There is also a Sainsbury Local, along with countless traditional late night shops where you buy almost anything. For millions of football fans, Holloway is also home to the Arsenal FC at the Emirates stadium just off the Holloway Road.
Holloway has had its share of famous residents: John Betjeman, former poet laureate, Alan Carr, comedian, Kate Winslet, actor, Boris Johnson, Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Corbyn, Labour Party leader. Jon Snow, television presenter. Johnny Rotten (John Lydon) of the Sex Pistols, William Heath Robinson, cartoonist, Douglas Adams writer of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and even Hawley Harvey Crippen that notorious murderer.
Compared with other Zone 2 areas, Holloway still represents good value for money, with homes typically costing 10-15% less than other similar North London locations. If you’re thinking of buying in Holloway, expect to find a great mix of tree-lined streets with attractive terraced houses, converted flats and bold new-build blocks of flats that will appeal to both young professionals and families.
Not surprisingly, homes in Holloway have been selling very well & quickly. In recent years houses have substantially increased in value year on year and despite the recent London slowdown, the market in Holloway has proven to be resilient. Largely because it still represents value for money.
For those looking to rent property in Holloway, there’s plenty to choose from. With flats for sharers and couples, along with homes for families and the Relocation market. In recent years, the area also been attracting Young professional who are drawn-in by Holloway’s excellent tube & public transport links into Central and East London. With a thriving university, London Metropolitan University, on its doorstep, Holloway is host to a growing number of students looking to let suitable properties. Landlords also recognise Holloway’s property investment potential and many have built-up successful rental portfolios in the area.
Drivers & Norris is an independent Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agency that has been helping sellers, buyers, renters and landlords in Holloway, and across North London since 1852. We are experts in selling and letting residential property to buyers and tenants locally, around the UK and Overseas. Our experienced Team of property professionals love working in Holloway and they have exceptional local knowledge & property know-how to provide a Top quality service, whilst also delivering the best possible results for clients. We’re proud of our reputation and that’s why we’d be pleased to show you how Drivers & Norris will make a difference in Holloway.
