The unique Ealing community of Southall is bursting with colour and culture. The opening of the Elizabeth Line in 2022 attracted a fresh cohort of homeowners looking for a strong sense of community in the capital, but it’s not too late to join the party.
Under the Spotlight
Southall is a lively and diverse community in west London, affectionately known as “Little India” due to its strong Indian and Pakistani roots. It is separated from Hayes to the west, by the Grand Union Canal, and from Hanwell to the east, by the River Brent, and has a population of around 70,000.
The early Hamlet of Southall, first mentioned in 1198, grew slowly around Southall Green, while the arrival of trams in the early 20th century saw the area grow. The arrival of Asian immigrants from the late 1950s has shaped the area. Initially popular with immigrants due to the proximity to Heathrow and availability of work; the general manager of a nearby factory in Hayes had served with many Sikh soldiers in the second world war and was keen to employ them. As employment opportunities grew, so did the immigrant population, who came to love their new home in Ealing. The main religion is Sikhism.
While there remains a strong Asian feel to the area, the demographic of Southall has shifted somewhat as a result of recent regeneration; the Southall Big Plan was a five-year programme of improvements completed in 2018 which included upgrading community facilities and the area’s streets, most notably through the impressive £6m transformation of Southall Broadway. In addition, 2022 saw the introduction of the London Overground, with the opening of the Elizabeth Line, significantly improving local connections.
Located in Zone 4, Southall is now even better connected, with the Great Western Main Line railway providing links to London Paddington, Oxford, Reading and Heathrow airport, and the Elizabeth Line making connections across the capital even speedier! Bond Street, for example, is just 17 minutes away. There is also an excellent local bus service connecting the area to all local suburbs and an express coach service between Southall, Leicester and Birmingham.
Southall is roughly divided into three parts; Dormers Wells, around Lady Margaret Road, Southall Broadway, and Old Southall/Southall Green, roughly south of the railway. All these areas offer easy access to the station and a wide range of property is available. Exciting new developments in the area in recent years have also encouraged canalside living, with impressive modern apartments overlooking acres of country park, which feel a world away from the bustling Southall Broadway.
5 reasons we love Southall
- The Grand Union Canal and green spaces
- The incredible food
- The smells and sounds of Broadway
- The Elizabeth Line
- Bend it like Beckham fame!
A walk along Southall Broadway is a feast for the senses. The main shopping area on Uxbridge Road is always buzzing with life and laughter; the smell of Indian sweets and treats and the sound of bhangra music fill the air. The area is adorned with colourful saris, gold jewellery and bright fabrics. Around Diwali is an especially good time to visit with great discounts on silk and jewellery. Southall Market is also open four days a week, with Saturday its busiest day, and there is a huge variety of offerings, from food to clothes and electronics. Southall doesn’t have the chains we expect from a UK high street, and the contrast of mostly independent businesses is thoroughly refreshing. But, if Primark is more your bag, Ealing Broadway is just up the road!
Food lovers are spoilt for choice with a huge range of places to eat. The offerings are largely dominated by Punjabi, Sri Lankan, Pakistani and South Indian cuisines, and all budgets are catered for with street food, fine dining and everything in between. These are some of the best Asian restaurants you will find in London. Local favourites include Raunka Punjab Diyan for Indian food, Manjaros for Caribbean cuisine, and Steakout for a proper burger! There are also plenty of takeaway options, including Harry’s Fish Bar which comes highly recommended.
The area’s cultural diversity is also reflected in the local amenities. There is a Punjabi Theatre Academy, and a programme of regular arts activities for all ages at the Dominion Arts Education Centre. Southall Library boasts an extensive selection of books in Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu and a wide selection of dual language books for children. All faiths are served by places of worship in Southall. Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, one of 10 Gurdwaras in Southall, opened in 2003 and is the largest Sikh Temple outside of India; they welcome visitors. There are also two large Hindu Mandir temples, 10 Christian churches and six mosques.
Fitness fans are also well catered for, with Southall Sports Centre, home of London Progress Table Tennis Club, and the local Dormers Wells Leisure Centre offering residents a range of high-quality facilities.
Fact File
Average property price in Ealing (July 2025) – £580,477
Property breakdown*
Detached – £1,367,865
Semi-detached – £855,969
Terraced – £691,481
Flat – £414,339
*According to the Land Registry House Price Index
Famous Residents
• “Godfather of bhangra” Channi Singh OBE
• Author Tim Lott
• Politician Sir Lesley Murphy
• Television presenter Nick Knowles
• Rapper/MC Ms Scandalous
Homes on the market…
SOUTHALL
Voyage – Launching January 2026
From £TBC
This exciting new development from Sovereign Network Group in the heart of Southall offers one, two and three bedroom apartments available through Shared Ownership.
The development sits in the heart of Southall’s regeneration zone and these beautiful contemporary light-filled homes feature open-plan living areas, high-quality fitted kitchens with integrated appliances, modern bathrooms and private balconies.
Ideal for commuters, Southall station is just a four-minute walk away, from where the Elizabeth Line provides fast access to central London.
For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Southall Park and a variety of other green spaces are on the doorstep. There is a selection of shops, restaurants and delicious street-food to suit all tastes, and cafes nearby too.
Voyage is more than just a home, it offers a lifestyle where connections, comfort and convenience all come together to create a lively and inclusive community.
sng-voyage.co.uk
CGIs are for illustration purposes only. Materials, specifications and elevation positioning may vary
First Time Buyer is an exciting bi-monthly glossy which takes a stylish and comprehensive look at all the options available, setting them out in an entertaining and informative way, and helping potential customers navigate their way through what is often a daunting and complex process. We dispel the myths, reinforce the facts and arm the reader with the tools necessary to make their homeownership dreams a reality.
