Mortgage Advice in Headstone: Property, Schools & Local Area Guide
Headstone
A buyer’s guide to Headstone — property prices and council tax, schools and their real Ofsted position, transport, healthcare, flood risk, the local lending realities, and the questions worth asking before you commit.
- Quick Answers
- Prices
- Market
- Why Headstone
- Transport
- Schools
- Police & Fire
- Areas
- Healthcare
- Flood
- History
- Beyond the Mortgage
- FAQs
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That’s Family Finance is an FCA-regulated protection adviser (life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection). We do not arrange mortgages ourselves — we introduce you to carefully selected, award-winning, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers, with no obligation.
Figures in this guide were correct when it was produced and do change. Always verify council tax with the local council, school ratings with Ofsted and journey times with the operator before you rely on them. This guide is information, not financial or mortgage advice.
Mortgage Advice in Headstone: Property, Schools & Local Area Guide
Whether you're buying your first home in Headstone, remortgaging, upsizing or simply researching this established, leafy corner of north-west London — the historic Headstone and North Harrow area in the London Borough of Harrow, HA2, home to moated Headstone Manor (the oldest timber-framed manor house in Middlesex), the Headstone conservation area and a superb Metropolitan line and Overground commute — this guide covers what buyers and homeowners actually want to know.
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Quick answers about Headstone
Click any question to expand the full detail and sources.
Is Headstone a good place to live?⌄
Yes — an established, leafy and well-connected north-west London suburb.
Yes — Headstone (part of the North Harrow area, HA2) is an established, leafy and well-connected north-west London suburb in the London Borough of Harrow, about eleven miles from central London. It has strong appeal for families, first-time buyers and commuters: North Harrow on the Metropolitan line (direct to Baker Street, King’s Cross St Pancras and the City) and a separate Headstone Lane station on the London Overground, the historic moated Headstone Manor & Museum and its Great Barn at the heart of Headstone Recreation Ground, the leafy Headstone conservation area of interwar and Victorian housing, and Pinner Memorial Park and Harrow Arts Centre close by. The main things to weigh are London prices and the busy main roads (the A404 Pinner Road and Uxbridge Road).
Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Headstone | rightmove.co.uk — North Harrow
Is Headstone expensive?⌄
It is a sought-after Harrow suburb; averages often £500,000–£600,000.
Headstone and North Harrow are sought-after, established north-west London suburbs, so prices are firmly at London levels — overall averages are often in the region of £500,000 to £600,000, with purpose-built and converted flats offering the more accessible ways in (often around £300,000–£450,000) and larger interwar and detached houses running well beyond £900,000. The Metropolitan line and Overground connections, the schools, the parks and the historic character all support steady demand. Always verify current prices via Land Registry data or independent valuation advice for the exact property.
Sources: rightmove.co.uk — North Harrow | landregistry.data.gov.uk
Does Headstone have a Tube station?⌄
Yes — North Harrow (Metropolitan line), plus Headstone Lane Overground.
Yes — North Harrow is on the Metropolitan line (Zone 5), with direct trains into Baker Street, Finchley Road, King’s Cross St Pancras, Farringdon, Barbican, Moorgate, Liverpool Street and Aldgate for the City. There is also a separate Headstone Lane station on the London Overground (the Lioness line, the old Watford DC line), running to Harrow & Wealdstone, Watford Junction and down through Wembley Central and Willesden Junction to Euston. Harrow-on-the-Hill (Metropolitan line and Chiltern Railways) is also close. Always check current timetables and service updates before relying on a specific journey.
Sources: tfl.gov.uk — North Harrow
What is Headstone known for?⌄
Headstone Manor & Museum — the oldest timber-framed manor house in Middlesex.
Headstone is known above all for Headstone Manor — the oldest surviving timber-framed manor house in Middlesex, built around 1310 and surrounded by what is believed to be the only filled moat in the historic county — together with its Grade II* Great Barn of 1506, now run as Headstone Manor & Museum, the home of Harrow’s history, at the heart of Headstone Recreation Ground. The wider Headstone and North Harrow area is a leafy Metro-land suburb of interwar semis and Victorian villas, with a designated Headstone conservation area, and Pinner Memorial Park, the Heath Robinson Museum and Harrow Arts Centre all close by. It sits in the London Borough of Harrow, on the Metropolitan line and the Overground.
Sources: headstonemanor.org
Where is the nearest A&E to Headstone?⌄
Northwick Park Hospital (Harrow).
The nearest major hospital with a 24-hour A&E department is Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow (London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust), a short drive or bus ride away, with GP provision locally. Watford General and Hillingdon Hospital are also within reach. As NHS services can be reconfigured and travel times vary, always confirm the nearest current A&E and the arrangements directly with the NHS.
Sources: lnwh.nhs.uk
Is Headstone right for you?
Every town suits some buyers better than others — here is how Headstone rates for the people who most often buy here, and why.
| Buyer type | Rating | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Families | ★★★★★ | Good and Outstanding schools nearby (Vaughan Primary and Whitmore High are Outstanding; Longfield Primary and Harrow High are Good), Headstone Recreation Ground and Headstone Manor, interwar family houses and a fast commute — a strong family suburb. |
| Commuters | ★★★★★ | North Harrow on the Metropolitan line (direct to Baker Street, King’s Cross and the City) plus a separate Overground station at Headstone Lane to Watford Junction and Euston — a superb commuter base. |
| First-time buyers | ★★★★☆ | Purpose-built and converted flats from around £300,000–£450,000 offer a way into a well-connected Harrow suburb with the Metropolitan line and Overground — though house prices are firmly at London levels. |
| Upsizers | ★★★★☆ | Handsome interwar semis and detached houses, plus Victorian villas in the conservation area, give real family space — at a premium, and threaded by busy main roads, but with schools, parks and a fast commute. |
| Buy-to-let landlords | ★★★☆☆ | Steady tenant demand from commuters and families near the stations supports lettings, but London prices and stamp-duty surcharges mean yields need careful checking; take advice before buying to let. |
An honest, at-a-glance summary of what Headstone does brilliantly — and what to weigh carefully — before you commit.
Headstone at a glance
The key facts buyers ask us about most, in one place.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| County & councils | London (London Borough of Harrow — unparished) |
| Postcode district | HA2 (with HA3 towards Headstone Lane) |
| Approx. character | An established, leafy and historic Metro-land suburb |
| Average house price | Overall often £500,000–£600,000; flats from ~£300,000, larger houses £900,000+; sources vary |
| Railway | North Harrow (Metropolitan line) — direct to Baker Street, King’s Cross & the City; Headstone Lane (London Overground) to Watford Junction & Euston |
| Nearest A&E | Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow (a short drive) — verify with NHS |
| Schools | Good/Outstanding schools in Harrow; Longfield Primary, Vaughan Primary (Outstanding), Whitmore High (Outstanding), Harrow High |
| Known for | Headstone Manor & Museum (oldest timber-framed manor house in Middlesex, moated; Great Barn 1506) & the Headstone conservation area |
| Character | A leafy suburb of interwar semis, Victorian villas and newer flats in the London Borough of Harrow |
| Roads | The A404 (Pinner Road / Uxbridge Road) & A312 close by; the A40 & M1/A406 within reach |
| Green space | Headstone (Manor) Recreation Ground, Pinner Memorial Park, Roxbourne Park & the Yeading Brook nearby |
| Council tax (Band D) | £2,511.07 for 2026/27 (Harrow + GLA; verified) — confirm your exact band |
Property prices & council tax in Headstone
Headstone and North Harrow are sought-after, established north-west London suburbs, so prices are firmly at London levels. The area offers purpose-built and converted flats, interwar semi-detached and detached houses, Victorian villas in the conservation area and a growing number of newer flats. Published figures vary by property and area, so treat the ranges below as a broad guide and verify for the exact home.
| Property type / area | Typical position in the market | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose-built & converted flats | Indicatively around £300,000–£450,000 | First-time buyers; downsizers; the more accessible ways in |
| Interwar semi-detached houses | Indicatively around £550,000–£800,000 | Families & upsizers wanting classic Metro-land space |
| Larger, detached & conservation-area houses | Indicatively around £850,000–£1,400,000+ | Families wanting the premium end of the suburb |
| Headstone / North Harrow average | Overall often £500,000–£600,000 (verify per property) | A broad benchmark for the area |
| New-build flats | Indicatively £350,000–£600,000+ | Buyers wanting a new home near the stations |
What income might you need?
These illustrative figures use roughly 4.5x household income and assume a typical deposit. They are a starting point for budgeting only — not a quote or advice.
£400,000
Flat
~£89,000
household income (guide)
£550,000
Area benchmark
~£122,000
household income (guide)
£850,000
Larger house (indicative)
~£189,000
household income (guide)
Headstone affordability & stamp duty calculator
A quick, no-obligation way to see roughly what you could borrow in Headstone and what stamp duty you'd pay. Illustration only — real figures depend on the lender and your circumstances.
Illustration only, not a mortgage offer or personalised advice. Lenders' income multiples and criteria vary. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Borrowing ready-reckoner (around 4.5× income)
| Yearly income | Rough maximum mortgage |
|---|---|
| £40,000 | ~£180,000 |
| £60,000 | ~£270,000 |
| £75,000 | ~£337,500 |
| £90,000 | ~£405,000 |
| £120,000 | ~£540,000 |
Stamp duty (SDLT) in 2026 — England
| Portion of price | Standard rate | First-time buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Up to £125,000 | 0% | 0% (up to £300,000) |
| £125,001 – £250,000 | 2% | 0% (up to £300,000) |
| £250,001 – £925,000 | 5% | 5% on £300,001–£500,000 (no relief over £500,000) |
| £925,001 – £1.5m | 10% | — |
| Over £1.5m | 12% | — |
Worked examples: a £250,000 home = £2,500 stamp duty (£0 for first-time buyers); a £450,000 home = £12,500 (£7,500 first-time buyer); a £650,000 home = £22,500 (first-time buyer relief doesn't apply over £500,000). An additional-property surcharge of 5% applies to second homes and buy-to-lets.
SDLT rates as at 2026 (England & Northern Ireland). Scotland (LBTT) and Wales (LTT) differ. Figures are a guide — confirm with your conveyancer.
The Headstone property market in depth
Headstone and North Harrow offer a sought-after, in-demand suburban market — purpose-built and converted flats, interwar semis and detached houses, Victorian villas in the conservation area and newer flats — with the Metropolitan line and Overground connections, the schools, the parks and the historic character all driving demand.
| Property type | What to expect | Typical guide |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose-built & converted flats | The more accessible way in; popular with first-time buyers, downsizers and investors. | £300,000–£450,000 |
| Interwar semi-detached houses | The classic Headstone family home — a signature part of the Metro-land suburb. | £550,000–£800,000 |
| Larger, detached & conservation-area houses | Handsome larger homes and Victorian villas across the smarter roads — the top of the family market. | £850,000–£1,400,000+ |
| New-build flats | Newer flats near the stations — a growing part of the market. | £350,000–£600,000+ |
Headstone’s appeal — an established, leafy and historic north-west London suburb, with moated Headstone Manor and its Great Barn, the Headstone conservation area, Pinner Memorial Park and Harrow Arts Centre close by, and North Harrow’s Metropolitan line straight into Baker Street, King’s Cross and the City — makes it an in-demand market, from purpose-built and converted flats to interwar semis and larger detached houses.
That mix means budgeting and the right mortgage matter. Purpose-built, converted and new-build flats bring lease, ground-rent and service-charge questions that lenders assess carefully, while older interwar, Victorian and conservation-area properties can need survey work and have their own planning considerations, so advice pays off. A whole-of-market mortgage adviser helps you match the right lender to your plans — the kind of introduction we can arrange.
What makes Headstone so popular?
Headstone’s appeal is an established, leafy and historic north-west London suburb, with moated Headstone Manor and its Great Barn, the Headstone conservation area and big parks, straight into Baker Street and the City on the Metropolitan line.
Headstone Manor & Museum
Headstone Manor & Museum is the home of Harrow’s history — the oldest surviving timber-framed manor house in Middlesex, built around 1310 and ringed by the only filled moat in the historic county, with a magnificent Grade II* Great Barn of 1506 and free-to-explore museum galleries. It is the defining landmark of the Headstone area.
Headstone Recreation Ground & the parks
The manor sits at the heart of Headstone (Manor) Recreation Ground — a large park with playing fields, playgrounds and events — while Pinner Memorial Park, Roxbourne Park and the Yeading Brook green corridor give plenty more open space close by.
Harrow Arts Centre & the Heath Robinson Museum
Harrow Arts Centre at Hatch End and the Heath Robinson Museum in Pinner Memorial Park bring theatre, comedy, music and art within easy reach — a lively cultural scene for a suburb.
Transport & commuting from Headstone
Transport in Headstone is a real strength — North Harrow on the Metropolitan line, a separate Overground station at Headstone Lane and fast road links. These indicative times are a starting point — always verify current timetables before relying on a specific journey.
| Route | Approx. time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| North Harrow → Baker Street | ~25 min | Direct on the Metropolitan line, for the West End |
| North Harrow → King’s Cross St Pancras | ~35 min | Direct on the Metropolitan line, for the Eurostar & mainline |
| North Harrow → Liverpool Street / Aldgate | ~40–45 min | Direct on the Metropolitan line, for the City |
| Headstone Lane → Harrow & Wealdstone | ~4 min | On the London Overground (Lioness line) |
| Headstone Lane → Watford Junction | ~15 min | On the London Overground, for the mainline north |
| Headstone Lane → Euston | ~40–45 min | On the London Overground via Willesden Junction |
| Headstone → Harrow-on-the-Hill | ~5 min | A short hop, for Chiltern Railways & more Met line trains |
| Headstone → central London by road | ~40–60 min | Via the A404 & A40 — traffic dependent |
Getting around Headstone
Day-to-day mobility here is worth thinking through — the practical picture.
By Tube
North Harrow is on the Metropolitan line (Zone 5), with direct trains to Baker Street, King’s Cross St Pancras and the City (Moorgate, Liverpool Street, Aldgate) — a fast, frequent commute, with Harrow-on-the-Hill close by for extra services.
By Overground & mainline
A separate Headstone Lane station runs on the London Overground (Lioness line) to Harrow & Wealdstone, Watford Junction and down to Euston — a genuinely useful second route, and Harrow-on-the-Hill adds Chiltern Railways to Marylebone.
By car
The A404 (Pinner Road and Uxbridge Road) and A312 give links to the A40, the North Circular (A406) and the M1 — though they also bring traffic on the busiest roads, and parking varies by street.
For the airport
Heathrow is reachable by road via the A312 and A40/M4, and Luton via the M1 — genuinely handy for flights, with connections onward from the mainline stations.
On foot & by bike
North Harrow’s parades, Headstone Recreation Ground, Pinner Memorial Park and the Yeading Brook green corridor give walkable amenities and green space, with cycle routes across the area — though the main roads shape where it is pleasant to walk and cycle.
For the commute
Headstone suits West End and City commuters especially (via the Metropolitan line), plus Overground users to Watford and Euston and drivers using the A404 and A40 — a well-connected north-west London suburb.
Schools in Headstone
Harrow is one of London’s stronger boroughs for schools, and Headstone and the surrounding North Harrow area have several well-regarded Good and Outstanding primaries and secondaries. Because catchments and admissions matter — and Harrow is competitive for school places — confirm the current position directly for a specific address.
| School | Type | Inspection | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longfield Primary School | Primary (state, co-ed, 3–11) | Good | A popular community primary on Duke’s Avenue in North Harrow (HA2), close to Headstone, rated Good at its latest inspection (July 2023) — check catchment and admissions. |
| Vaughan Primary School | Primary (state, co-ed, 3–11) | Outstanding | A community primary on Vaughan Road in West Harrow, near Headstone, judged to remain Outstanding at its latest inspection (March 2024) — check catchment and admissions. |
| Whitmore High School | Secondary (state, co-ed, 11–18) | Outstanding | A large, well-regarded secondary with sixth form on Porlock Avenue (HA2), whose latest inspection (March 2025) judged all areas Outstanding — check the current catchment and admissions. |
| Harrow High School | Secondary (state academy, co-ed, 11–18) | Good | A secondary school in central Harrow rated Good at its latest inspection (November 2023) — check catchment and admissions. |
| Pinner Wood School | Primary (state, co-ed, 3–11) | Outstanding | A large, popular community primary on Latimer Gardens in neighbouring Pinner (HA5), rated Outstanding at its most recent graded inspection (December 2023) — check catchment and admissions. |
| Cedars Manor School | Primary (state, co-ed, 3–11) | Requires improvement | A community primary in nearby Harrow Weald (HA3) whose latest inspection (April 2025) found it Requires improvement, with early years remaining Good — read the latest report, and check catchment and admissions. |
Map, Police & Fire Services in Headstone
A useful local guide should show the practical services buyers actually check — policing, fire cover, emergency healthcare and the local crime context for Headstone.
Interactive map of Headstone — view it on the online guide at thatsfamilyfinance.co.uk.
Popular parts of Headstone & nearby
Where you buy in the Headstone and North Harrow area shapes both your budget and your character — from North Harrow’s station and parades to the leafy Headstone conservation area, the streets around Headstone Recreation Ground and the roads towards Pinner and Wealdstone. A quick orientation.
Local highlights & days out from Headstone
Headstone packs a nationally important medieval manor, a Great Barn, big parks, a lively arts scene and a fast Metropolitan line commute into one suburb. A few of the best-loved local highlights.
Sports, leisure & community in Headstone
For a suburb, Headstone offers a huge amount — a nationally important historic manor, big parks, a lively arts scene and a fast commute.
Days out & culture
Headstone Manor & Museum, the Heath Robinson Museum in Pinner Memorial Park and Harrow Arts Centre give an unusual amount of culture and days out for a suburb — with central London a short Metropolitan line ride away.
The parks & the outdoors
Headstone Recreation Ground, Pinner Memorial Park, Roxbourne Park and the Yeading Brook green corridor give walking, running, playgrounds and playing fields close by.
Shopping & eating out
North Harrow’s parades, nearby Pinner village and the wider Harrow town centre (with St George’s and St Ann’s shopping) give a good range of shops, restaurants and amenities.
Healthcare & local services in Headstone
Healthcare access is reasonable for the area — GP provision locally, and a major A&E a short drive away at Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow.
The area has GP provision locally, with dentists and pharmacies around North Harrow and Pinner; the nearest major A&E department is at Northwick Park Hospital (Harrow), with Watford General and Hillingdon also within reach. GP and dental registration availability changes over time, so always check directly with a practice about its current catchment before relying on it for a move.
Living in Headstone
Day to day, Headstone is an established, leafy and historic north-west London suburb — moated Headstone Manor, Headstone Recreation Ground, the conservation area and a strong sense of community, with Baker Street and the City on the Metropolitan line. Here is a sense of everyday life.
Headstone and North Harrow have the amenities of a thriving, settled suburb — shops, restaurants and supermarkets around North Harrow and nearby Pinner and Harrow town centre, well-regarded primary and secondary schools, Headstone Manor & Museum, Harrow Arts Centre, and Headstone Recreation Ground and Pinner Memorial Park for green space. The big everyday pluses are the connectivity, the schools, the parks, the history and the sense of an established community.
Connectivity for working is generally good — superfast (and in places gigabit) broadband reaches much of the area, so home and hybrid working is very possible, complemented by the Metropolitan line and Overground for office days. The main trade-offs are the busy main roads (the A404 Pinner Road and Uxbridge Road bring traffic on the busiest streets), London prices, conservation-area planning controls on some homes, and (on flats) lease and service-charge questions — but for connectivity, schools, history and a settled suburban life it is a strong choice.
| Everyday amenity | In Headstone? | Nearest / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary schools | Yes (several) | Vaughan (Outstanding), Longfield (Good), Pinner Wood (Outstanding) and others; check catchment |
| Secondary schools | Yes (well-regarded) | Whitmore High (Outstanding, with sixth form); Harrow High (Good); check catchment |
| GP & hospital | Local / A&E a short drive | GP provision locally; major A&E at Northwick Park Hospital (Harrow) |
| Nearest A&E | A short drive (Harrow) | Northwick Park Hospital (London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust) |
| Tube station | Yes | North Harrow (Metropolitan line) — direct to Baker Street & the City; Headstone Lane Overground close |
| Shops | Yes (North Harrow, Pinner & Harrow town centre) | Local parades plus Pinner village and Harrow’s shopping centres |
| Green space | Yes | Headstone Recreation Ground, Pinner Memorial Park, Roxbourne Park & the Yeading Brook |
Working & connectivity in Headstone
More people than ever work from home or hybrid, and Headstone is well set up for it — so it's worth being realistic about connectivity.
Superfast broadband reaches much of Headstone and North Harrow, with gigabit-capable full-fibre available in parts of the area (and in most new-build schemes), so home and hybrid working is very possible — complemented by the Metropolitan line and Overground for office days. Coverage can still vary by exact address, particularly in older Victorian and interwar houses, so check the specific property on the providers' and Ofcom's coverage checkers before you commit.
| Connectivity | Typical picture |
|---|---|
| Fixed broadband | Superfast reaches much of the area; gigabit full-fibre in parts and most new-builds — check the exact address |
| Mobile coverage | Generally good across the suburb |
| Tube for office days | North Harrow (Metropolitan line) — direct to Baker Street & the City; Headstone Lane Overground close |
| Road & air | A404, A312 & A40 to the wider network; Heathrow via the A312/M4, Luton via the M1 |
Flood risk in Headstone
On flooding, most of Headstone sits on higher ground at lower risk of river flooding, but low-lying land and surface water in heavy rain can affect some streets, and the Yeading Brook and the moat around Headstone Manor are local considerations, so it is worth checking carefully for a specific home.
Cost of living & running a home in Headstone
Beyond the mortgage, it helps to picture the ongoing costs of a home here. Indicative only — always confirm for a specific property.
| Typical ongoing cost | Indicative figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Council tax (Band D, 2026/27) | £2,511.07 | Harrow + GLA precept (verified) — confirm your band |
| Buildings insurance | Varies — check flood risk | Surface-water flood risk near the Yeading Brook and low-lying spots can affect premiums; get a quote and flood check before committing |
| Water & wastewater | ~£450–£750/yr | Affinity Water / Thames Water area — check the supplier for the address |
| Broadband | ~£30–£50/mth | Superfast widely available; gigabit full-fibre in parts and new-builds — check the address |
Financing a home in Headstone
An established, well-connected and historic north-west London suburb is a rewarding thing to buy into — a few points on the mortgage side are worth understanding first.
Headstone’s London prices and strong demand mean the right mortgage matters — from purpose-built and converted flats to newer new-build homes and interwar, Victorian and conservation-area houses. Flats, new-builds and shared-ownership schemes bring lease, ground-rent and service-charge questions, and period, Victorian, interwar or conservation-area properties are cases lenders and insurers assess carefully, so a survey is wise on an older home and a lease review is essential on a flat. Getting the right lender for your circumstances is where good advice pays off.
A whole-of-market approach really helps here. That's Family Finance introduces you to carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers who search across lenders to fit your circumstances, and we make sure your protection is set up properly alongside it. Talk to us →
Conveyancing & the searches to expect in Headstone
A few standard checks are worth their weight when buying in Headstone — especially the lease on a flat, conservation-area controls and flood risk near the Yeading Brook.
History, heritage & famous connections
Headstone takes its name from the ancient manor at its heart. Land here belonged to the Archbishops of Canterbury from the early medieval period — recorded as far back as the ninth century — and the moated Headstone Manor was built around 1310 as the archbishops’ chief residence in Middlesex. Dendrochronology has dated its oldest timbers to that period, making it the earliest surviving timber-framed building in the historic county, ringed by what is believed to be the only filled moat in Middlesex. The Great Barn was added in 1506.
For centuries Headstone remained a rural manor of farms and hay meadows on the edge of Harrow, until the coming of the Metropolitan Railway in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries opened the area to London. North Harrow station and the great wave of interwar Metro-land housebuilding covered the old fields with the semis and villas that define the suburb today, while the leafy heart around the manor was later protected as the Headstone conservation area. The manor itself was bought by the local authority in 1925, passed to the London Borough of Harrow on its creation in 1965, and reopened as Harrow Museum — now Headstone Manor & Museum — in 1986, preserving a thousand years of local history at the centre of the suburb.
Headstone through the ages
A quick timeline of the moments that shaped the town you would be buying into.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Medieval | Land at Headstone belongs to the Archbishops of Canterbury; the moated manor is built c.1310 as their chief residence in Middlesex. |
| 1506 | The Grade II* Great Barn is added — a vast English-oak framed barn beside the manor. |
| 19th–early 20th c. | The Metropolitan Railway reaches the area; North Harrow station opens and Metro-land housebuilding begins. |
| Interwar | Mass housebuilding covers the old fields with the interwar semis and villas that define the suburb. |
| 1925 & 1965 | The manor is bought by the local authority (1925); Headstone becomes part of the new London Borough of Harrow (1965). |
| 1986 | The manor reopens as Harrow Museum — now Headstone Manor & Museum — preserving the site’s history. |
Famous connections
A few of the people and stories that put Headstone on the map.
Headstone Manor & the Great Barn
Headstone Manor & Museum — the oldest surviving timber-framed manor house in Middlesex (c.1310), moated, with a Grade II* Great Barn of 1506 and free museum galleries.
The Headstone conservation area
A protected conservation area of Victorian villas and interwar houses around the manor and Pinner View — leafy, historic and carefully preserved.
Harrow Arts Centre & the Heath Robinson Museum
Harrow Arts Centre and the Heath Robinson Museum — theatre, music and art within easy reach of the suburb.
Looking beyond the mortgage
Buying a home in Headstone is a major commitment — and the mortgage is only part of the picture. Whatever you buy, the right protection makes sure the home stays yours if life does not go to plan.
Life cover
Pays out a lump sum if you die during the policy term — typically arranged to clear the mortgage so your family can stay in the home.
Critical illness cover
Pays out if you are diagnosed with a serious illness the policy covers — helping you keep up payments while you focus on recovery.
Income protection
Replaces part of your income if you cannot work due to illness or injury — often the most overlooked, and most valuable, cover of all.
That's Family Finance is an FCA-regulated protection adviser — life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection are what we do. We don't arrange mortgages ourselves; we introduce you to carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers, and make sure your protection is set up properly alongside it. Talk to us →
Things people don't always tell you about Headstone
Beyond the brochure, a few honest points worth weighing before you commit to buying here.
Headstone compared with nearby towns
How Headstone sits against the places buyers most often weigh against it — a quick, indicative comparison.
| Town | Rough average price | Station? | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headstone / North Harrow | ~£500k–£600k | Yes (Metropolitan line & Overground) | Historic Harrow suburb; Headstone Manor; the conservation area; a fast Met line commute |
| Pinner | ~£600k–£900k | Yes (Metropolitan line) | The pretty, village-flavoured neighbour to the north-west, on the Metropolitan line |
| Harrow-on-the-Hill | ~£550k–£900k | Yes (Metropolitan line & Chiltern) | The historic hill town to the south, with the famous school and a fast commute |
| Wealdstone | ~£400k–£550k | Yes (Overground & Bakerloo) | The more affordable, regenerating neighbour to the east |
| South Harrow | ~£400k–£600k | Yes (Piccadilly line) | The suburb to the south, on the Piccadilly line into central London |
Pros & cons of living in Headstone
An honest, balanced summary to weigh up.
| In its favour | To weigh carefully |
|---|---|
| An established, leafy, historic Harrow suburb | A busy suburb threaded by big roads |
| Metropolitan line & separate Overground station | London prices for the space |
| Good and Outstanding local schools | Traffic on the A404 Pinner Road / Uxbridge Road |
| Moated Headstone Manor & the Great Barn | Flats and new-builds need lease checks |
| The Headstone conservation area’s character | Conservation-area planning controls on some homes |
| Headstone Recreation Ground & Pinner Memorial Park | Surface-water flood risk near the Yeading Brook |
| A settled, established community | Victorian & interwar homes need careful survey & checks |
Villages & areas around Headstone
Many buyers who love Headstone look just outside it too — a quick guide.
Who tends to move to Headstone?
Understanding your fellow buyers helps you read the market and pitch an offer.
Families
People wanting good schools, parks and space with a fast commute — Vaughan Primary and Whitmore High (Outstanding), Longfield Primary and Harrow High (Good), Headstone Recreation Ground and Headstone Manor, with the Metropolitan line into town.
Commuters
People wanting a fast commute — North Harrow on the Metropolitan line direct to Baker Street, King’s Cross and the City, and a separate Overground station at Headstone Lane to Watford Junction and Euston.
First-time buyers
People wanting a way into a well-connected Harrow suburb — purpose-built and converted flats from around £300,000–£450,000 with the Metropolitan line and Overground — though house prices are firmly at London levels.
What your money buys in Headstone
A rough sense of what different budgets tend to secure — indicative only, and hugely dependent on position and condition.
Your move to Headstone, step by step
A simple order of play that keeps things on track.
1. Get your budget straight
Work out your deposit and the true monthly cost (mortgage, council tax, insurance, which flood risk can affect, and SDLT), and get a mortgage in principle so you can move quickly in an in-demand suburb.
2. Do your homework on the property
Check surface-water flood risk (especially for low-lying homes and near the Yeading Brook), get a full building survey (wise on Victorian and interwar homes), review the lease on a flat or new-build and any conservation-area controls, check the school catchment, and confirm your commute — before you fall in love.
3. Line up the right people
A whole-of-market mortgage adviser, a good surveyor and a local conveyancer will save you time, money and stress. We can introduce you to the first.
Already live in Headstone?
This guide isn't just for people moving in. If you already own here, a few moments now can save a lot later.
If your current mortgage deal is within about six months of ending, it's usually worth reviewing your options rather than drifting onto your lender's standard variable rate, which is often more expensive. And whether or not you're moving, it's worth checking that your protection still matches your life. We can introduce you to a whole-of-market, FCA-regulated mortgage adviser, and review your life cover, critical illness cover and income protection alongside it.
Review my options →In summary: buying in Headstone
If you are weighing up a move to the town, here is the honest bottom line.
Quick tips before you buy in Headstone
- Enjoy the suburb — moated Headstone Manor & Museum, Headstone Recreation Ground, Pinner Memorial Park and Harrow Arts Centre on the doorstep.
- Make the most of the transport — North Harrow is on the Metropolitan line (direct to Baker Street, King’s Cross and the City), with a separate Overground station at Headstone Lane.
- Note the setting — an established, leafy and historic suburb threaded by the A404 Pinner Road and Uxbridge Road.
- Check surface-water flood risk for low-lying homes and near the Yeading Brook and the manor moat, and confirm insurance.
- Confirm the council tax and band — Headstone (Harrow) Band D is £2,511.07 for 2026/27 (verified).
- Budget realistically — prices are firmly at London levels, and flats need lease checks; use a whole-of-market adviser.
- Verify the nearest current A&E (Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow) with the NHS.
- Get a full building survey on a Victorian or interwar home, and on a flat review the lease, ground rent, service charge and any shared-ownership terms.
- In the Headstone conservation area, check the planning controls before you plan alterations or extensions.
- For schools, check catchment for Vaughan, Longfield and Pinner Wood (primary) and Whitmore High and Harrow High (secondary).
- Explore Headstone Manor, Headstone Recreation Ground and Pinner Memorial Park to get a feel for the area.
- Note North Harrow’s parades and nearby Pinner village for everyday shopping and eating out.
- Get a mortgage agreement in principle before you start viewing in earnest.
- Review your protection at the same time as your mortgage — important for family buyers.
- Take your conveyancer’s advice on the lease, flood, boundary, conservation-area and standard searches.
Nearby areas worth considering
If you are weighing Headstone against the surrounding area, these are the places buyers most often compare.
North Harrow
The station district at the heart of the area — the Metropolitan line, parades and interwar housing around Headstone.
Pinner
The pretty, village-flavoured neighbour to the north-west — on the Metropolitan line, with Pinner Memorial Park and a historic high street.
Harrow-on-the-Hill
The historic hill town to the south — the famous school, the Metropolitan line and Chiltern Railways.
Wealdstone
The more affordable, regenerating neighbour to the east — the Overground and Bakerloo line close by.
South Harrow
The suburb to the south, on the Piccadilly line into central London — a more affordable way in.
Family Protection
Whichever area you choose, the right life cover, critical illness cover and income protection matter just as much as the mortgage.
Talk to us →Speak to Us
Researching Headstone or a nearby area? We are always happy to point people in the right direction.
Get in touch →Frequently asked questions
Is Headstone a good place to live?
Is Headstone expensive?
Does Headstone have a Tube station?
What is Headstone known for?
Where is the nearest A&E to Headstone?
Does Headstone have good schools?
What salary do you need to buy in Headstone?
How much is stamp duty on a Headstone property?
How much is council tax in Headstone?
Which police and fire services cover Headstone?
Is Headstone a safe place to live?
What is there to do in Headstone?
What is broadband like in Headstone?
Is Headstone good for families?
Is Headstone good for commuters?
What searches should I expect when buying in Headstone?
Is flooding a problem in Headstone?
How do I get started with a mortgage for Headstone?
Can existing homeowners in Headstone benefit from a mortgage review?
Useful resources
Need help?
Whether you're researching Headstone, planning a move, reviewing your finances or simply exploring your options — we're always happy to point people in the right direction.
By submitting your details you agree that your contact information will be passed to a carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage adviser.
That's Family Finance is an FCA-regulated protection adviser (life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection). We do not arrange mortgages ourselves — we introduce you to carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers.
Transport information is approximate and can change; North Harrow has its own Underground station on the Metropolitan line (Zone 5), with direct trains into Baker Street, Finchley Road, King’s Cross St Pancras, Farringdon, Moorgate, Liverpool Street and Aldgate, a separate Headstone Lane station on the London Overground (Lioness line, the old Watford DC line) to Harrow & Wealdstone, Watford Junction and down through Wembley Central and Willesden Junction to Euston, Harrow-on-the-Hill (Metropolitan line and Chiltern Railways) close by, and for drivers the A404 (Pinner Road and Uxbridge Road), the A312 and the A40 link to the wider network — always verify current timetables and service updates at tfl.gov.uk before travelling. Ofsted information is based on the most recent publicly available reports. Harrow is competitive for school places; Headstone and the surrounding area have several Good and Outstanding primaries and secondaries (Vaughan Primary, Whitmore High and Pinner Wood are Outstanding, with Longfield Primary and Harrow High both Good, and Cedars Manor in Harrow Weald judged Requires improvement at its latest inspection) — confirm catchment and admissions with each school and the London Borough of Harrow. From September 2024 Ofsted no longer awards a single overall effectiveness grade at routine state-school inspections; read each school’s latest report in full. Healthcare: the nearest major hospital with a 24-hour A&E is Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow (London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust), a short drive away, with Watford General and Hillingdon Hospital also within reach, and GP provision locally; NHS services can be reconfigured and travel times vary, so always verify the nearest current A&E and arrangements with the NHS. References to Headstone Manor & Museum, the Great Barn, Headstone Recreation Ground, the Headstone conservation area, Pinner Memorial Park, the Heath Robinson Museum and Harrow Arts Centre are for context. Crime information is general — check current data at police.uk. Flood-risk: most of Headstone sits on higher ground at lower risk of river flooding, but some low-lying streets and land near the Yeading Brook and the moat around Headstone Manor can be affected by surface-water flooding in intense rain, which can affect insurance; always check the exact postcode at check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk and confirm buildings insurance availability and cost before committing. Council tax: Headstone is in the London Borough of Harrow (unparished); the Band D total for 2026/27 is £2,511.07, made up of the London Borough of Harrow basic share of £2,000.56 (including the adult social care precept) and the Greater London Authority (Mayor of London) precept of £510.51; confirm your exact band with the London Borough of Harrow. Property prices are indicative and based on recent public sold-price data — Headstone is an HA2 suburb where overall averages are often around £500,000 to £600,000, with flats from around £300,000 and larger houses beyond £900,000, with a wide range by property and area; verify current values via Land Registry or an independent valuation for the exact home. Salary and affordability figures are illustrative only and do not constitute financial advice. Stamp duty figures should be verified using the official GOV.UK SDLT calculator.
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. That's Family Finance is an independent, FCA-regulated firm (No. 1038034).
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