Why Are Families Moving to Highbury and Holloway in 2026?

Highbury and Holloway, once seen mainly as convenient inner-London postcodes, are now firmly on the radar of families planning their next move in 2026. With excellent schools, large green spaces, improving value compared to some neighbouring hotspots, and major regeneration projects underway, these pockets of Islington are rapidly becoming some of North London’s most appealing family neighbourhoods.

At the same time, the broader Islington market has cooled slightly, with the average house prices remaining relatively static. This provides buyers with more room to negotiate, offering a rate that is lower than during the 2022 peak. For families who want a Zone 2 lifestyle without paying “prime central” prices, that’s a compelling combination.

This is where Stadium Residential comes in. With over 90 years of collective property experience within the Stadium Residential management team, few agents can match their expertise, local knowledge, a customer-focused approach, and a consistently high review rating. The team has helped countless families relocate to Highbury and Holloway, utilising their in-depth understanding of streets, school catchments, and future developments to match buyers with the right homes, not just any homes.

1. Better Value Than Nearby Hotspots

Islington as a whole remains desirable, but there’s now a clear value gap between different neighbourhoods. Highbury and Highbury Fields can achieve higher prices due to their established residential character and family-friendly school catchments. These areas have average values of around £618,000.

While areas like Holloway and Tufnell Park (N7) offer a more accessible entry point, with average prices around £605,000, yet still benefit from similar transport links and rental performance. Other guides highlight that while Highbury, Canonbury and Angel are among Islington’s most expensive districts, Holloway is one of the more affordable parts of the borough, making it attractive for families who want to stay central without the higher prices.

For Holloway, recent data suggests average flat prices of around £527,000, with houses averaging approximately £1.5 million; many of these offer gardens. With London’s house price growth relatively muted, 2026 is increasingly seen as a window of opportunity where families can move into these areas on more realistic terms.

2. Green Space and Outdoor Lifestyle

For many families, the big draw is that Highbury and Holloway don’t feel like typical inner-city areas. Highbury is home to Highbury Fields, the largest open space in Islington, at around 11.75 hectares (29 acres). It offers tennis courts, a playground, Highbury Pool and Fitness Centre, and broad lawns that are ideal for weekend games, picnics and meet-ups. Multiple local guides list Highbury Fields as a top family park in the borough, and it is a primary reason people choose to live there.

Holloway is also gaining green credentials. The major Holloway Park development on the former prison site will bring 985 new homes, a new 1.4-acre public park with play areas and a nature garden, plus new pedestrian routes that improve walkability through the area. This injection of open space and family-friendly design is one of the reasons more buyers are looking at Holloway with fresh eyes.

For families who want a balance of city convenience and outdoor space, the combination of Highbury Fields, Paradise Park and the upcoming Holloway Park is a serious selling point.

3. Strong Schools and Education Options

Schools are often a deciding factor for families when choosing where to live. Highbury and Holloway are well-served in this regard, with a cluster of highly regarded primary and secondary schools within easy reach.

Islington, as a borough, performs strongly at the primary level: 78% of pupils meet expected standards in reading, writing, and maths, compared to 62% nationally, and 27% reach the higher standard – more than three times the England average. Outstanding and Good schools, such as Ambler Primary School, Gillespie Primary School, and St John’s Highbury Vale, attract families keen to secure places while staying close to central London.

In and around Holloway, there are multiple primary schools, as well as well-regarded secondaries like Highbury Fields Schooland St Mary Magdalene Academy, both of which are highly rated and often cited by parents as key reasons to move into the area. Stadium Residential’s own guide to high schools in Islington notes that Highbury and Holloway are particularly popular among families who want a mix of strong schools and easy transport links.

4. Fast, Flexible Transport Connections

Another major reason families are choosing Highbury and Holloway is transport. Highbury & Islington sits on the Victoria line, London Overground and National Rail services, offering 5–10 minute journeys into the West End and the City. Holloway Road and Arsenal stations on the Piccadilly line also make commuting straightforward, while numerous bus routes connect to Camden, King’s Cross, Shoreditch and beyond.

For parents balancing office commutes, school runs, and weekend activities, this level of connectivity is invaluable: you get a Zone 2 lifestyle, but with a calmer, more residential feel than some inner-city postcodes.

5. Community Feel, Cafés and Culture

Highbury in particular has developed a reputation as a leafy, community-minded neighbourhood with Georgian and Victorian homes, independent cafés, and family-friendly restaurants. Local guides frequently describe it as one of North London’s most sought-after family districts, thanks to its mix of architecture, amenities and relaxed vibe.

Holloway, traditionally viewed as more urban, has undergone significant changes in the last decade. It’s now described as a bustling, gentrified area with good schools, a mix of families and media workers, multicultural communities, and relatively more affordable housing than some nearby hotspots. This blend of diversity and accessibility appeals to buyers who want authenticity and energy, not just a dormitory suburb.

Add in proximity to Emirates Stadium, vibrant local high streets, and easy access to wider Islington amenities, and it’s clear why many families are choosing to put down roots here instead of moving further out.

6. Future-Proofed by Regeneration

Beyond Holloway Park, wider regeneration across Islington and North London is helping to future-proof these neighbourhoods. Local “liveable neighbourhood” schemes around Holloway Road aim to calm traffic, improve air quality and make streets more people-friendly.

Analysts have also noted that while London’s house price growth has slowed, some areas are expected to outperform over the long term. These include areas with strong fundamentals (good schools, transport, parks, and regeneration). Highbury and Holloway tick all the boxes, making 2026 an attractive moment for families to move in ahead of the next upswing.

How Stadium Residential Helps Families Move to Highbury and Holloway

Choosing the right street, school catchment and property type in Highbury or Holloway can feel complex, especially if you’re juggling work and family life. Stadium Residential specialises in making that move simpler.

With over 90 years’ collective experience, the Stadium team combines expert local knowledge with a genuinely customer-focused, hands-on approach. Our high review ratings reflect a track record of listening carefully to families’ priorities, from school preferences to commute times, and then shortlisting homes that truly fit.

If you’re considering a move to Highbury or Holloway in 2026 and want advice grounded in real local insight, get in touch with Stadium Residential today. Our team can help you understand the market, explore the best streets for families, and find a home that suits your life now and for the years ahead.