How our team of trusted property experts have helped shape the high streets, business parks and communities in and around South London

Posted on 5 January 2026

Coca-Cola. The first gasoline-powered car (Karl Benz). The Statue of Liberty. Arsenal Football Club. Crufts. This eclectic group – which is joined by Hindwoods – share something in common: they were all launched or completed in 1886 and continue today. 

As Hindwoods gears up to celebrate 140 years in business during 2026, the team have looked close to home – and further away – for inspiration about how best to mark this anniversary. There is a lot of history to inspire Hindwoods at 140. It has advised through wars, recessions, booms, infrastructure projects and policy shifts. It has adapted as technology has changed property, and other industries, out of all recognition. It has responded to changing spending habits, shopping patterns, and even the move from high street to out-of-town (and back) – all of which have an impact on who is buying, selling and letting residential and commercial property, at what price, and where. The team of property experts, keeping alive the name of Victor Hindwood, have always responded to what is going on in the wider world, which has had a profound impact on residential and commercial property.

When Hindwoods first opened its doors, South London’s streets looked very different. But the fundamentals of trust in property advice were as relevant then as they are now. ‘That is why we wanted to emphasise the fact that we are ‘trusted property experts’,’ says Kevin Bright, Hindwoods Director. ‘We have clients who are second or even third generation of the same family. We know the large land and property owners in and around South London and have worked with many of them for decades.'

‘As Hindwoods celebrates 140 years in 2026, technology, demographics and transport have transformed how and where people live, work and shop, yet our role as trusted property experts remains to guide clients through change and not chase fads.’

To anchor the 140^th celebrations Hindwoods will tell some of the stories of partners, clients and friends in and around South London. That storytelling will focus on three areas that complement and enhance the day-to-day work that will continue around advising clients on new and existing property and land instructions. The three areas of focus are: 

• The High Street: reimagining it as a resilient, thriving, community hub and key business destination
• The Changing Population: translating demographic change into smart property decisions
• Transport nodes: how real-world connections unlock value and shape and change cities

‘We understand how the changes in our streets and our populations, and how advances in transport impact South London and the wider region,’ explains Kevin. 

The High Street

Having bought, let, sold and advised on thousands of high street properties across South London and beyond, Hindwoods has seen retail move from purely transactional to deeply experiential. Today, its teams use tech-driven market data alongside in-person conversations with independent traders, national brands and local authorities to understand which streets are evolving and how to position each retail unit for long-term success. 

‘Championing independents has always mattered to Hindwoods,’ says Kevin. ‘It is about advising small business owners on their first shop as well as helping landlords curate tenant mixes that strengthen the local community rather than just chase the highest short-term rent.’

The Changing Population

The ageing population is changing where people live and who rents or owns. For example, more people work longer and more people need longer-term care in residential homes. This, combined with changes in working patterns that mean increasing numbers work from home or have hybrid working patterns, is having a huge impact on cities everywhere. 

As a multi-disciplinary firm working across residential and commercial, block management and valuations, Hindwoods is well-placed to understand how demographic shifts affect everything from flat sizes and amenities to demand for clinics, co-working, cafes and community spaces.

Transport Nodes

In many ways transport remains the most important factor in city living. For London – and South London in particular – the mix of trains, trams, underground, overground, roads and tunnels, has shaped the way the city operates. It is a key factor in choosing were to live or set up a business. 

‘Our teams combine local insight into stations, bus routes, road and cycle networks with regional and national perspectives, helping clients understand not just where people are today, but where they will want to be tomorrow,’ says Kevin. 

‘For investors, developers and occupiers, transport nodes are about more than footfall. They are gateways to opportunity, community and convenience, and our role as trusted property experts is to guide decisions that work for all three.’

Leading with empathy

Hindwoods will shine a light on these three themes, which sit alongside three other things that are important to the work the firm does: understanding and using advances in technology; the importance of local communities; and leading with empathy, which means taking time to listen first and then come up with solutions that respect the pressures, ambitions and stories of people and businesses. 

‘As Hindwoods marks 140 years, our focus is firmly on the next chapter: using technology wisely, listening closely to clients and communities, and leading with empathy in every property discussion,’ says Kevin.

‘There are few other industries that can truly claim to remain people based, where relationships matter, and a handshake still counts. There are very few businesses that have lasted for 140 years, and fewer still that remain proudly independent.’

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We are looking forward to sharing the stories of our partners, clients and local community over the coming year. Look out for insights and events that celebrate them – and us. 

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