Balfe Street, Islington

Brickworks says

This two-bedroom flat in King’s Cross occupies the top floor of a Grade-II-listed Victorian terrace, built around 1847 by George Crane. The current owner bought it 16 years ago and set about creating a tranquil city retreat. Thoughtfully renovated, it's touches like bespoke cabinetry that truly ground this flat, ensuring it’s ready for life as it happens.

The living room centres around a flueless fire, while the kitchen keeps things fuss-free, with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, integrated appliances and space to dine. The bathroom has a distinctly hotel-like feel, with a lightwell above the shower letting daylight in where you least expect it. There’s also a cocooning, colour-drenched study, and the principal bedroom’s architectural angles are a reminder of the building’s Victorian bones.

Outside, King’s Cross couldn’t be closer, with its restaurants, cultural spaces and transport links that put London, the wider UK and international travel within easy reach. The nearby canal offers a slower way through the city too; a useful reminder that even here, there’s room to take your time.

The owner says

What I loved most about living here is how peaceful and light-filled the flat feels, despite being so central. The transport connections are excellent, making it easy to get around. And I particularly enjoyed the lateral layout, with everything on one level.

Points to consider

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC):
Current Energy Rating C. Potential Energy Rating C.

Council Tax:
Band C in the borough of Islington.
£2,108 in 2026/27.

Utilities:
Current monthly costs are approx:
Electricity £34
Gas £25
Water £46
These figures naturally change seasonally.

Tenure:
Leasehold, with 96 years left on the lease. The freeholder is Islington Council.

Service charge:
£1,009 per annum. This covers building insurance and ground rent.

Ground rent:
£10 per annum.

Neighbours:
In the building, there are three flats in total.

Ews1:
The building is exempt.

Getting around:
Balfe Street is a three-minute walk from King’s Cross St Pancras (Zone 1), putting an impressive spread of Tube lines, national rail services, international trains and bus routes within easy reach. The Regent’s Canal is close by, too, offering a more leisurely route through the city, whether on foot or by bike.

Onward plans:
The current owner is selling chain-free.

Anything else:
Once known as Albion Street, Balfe Street sits at the crossroads of King’s Cross’s residential streets and its thriving commercial quarter. The result is an energetic mix of residents, workers and visitors, with the 67-acre King’s Cross estate just a short walk away. Tech, media and science companies sit alongside restaurants, cultural spaces and public squares, with neighbours ranging from Google and Meta to AstraZeneca and Universal Music Group.

The legal bit

While we strive to create true-to-life photographs, floor plans and descriptions, our marketing material is only a guide. Purchasers should always visit in person, ask relevant questions and triple-check details. Brickworks takes our duty of care incredibly seriously and takes all reasonable steps to ensure all presented information is correct. However, we sometimes rely on the accuracy of the information provided to us by the seller and others. Also, please note that we often round up/down total floor plan measurements and/or use approximate distances.