Property: The Low-Down

Prices: Studios start at about pounds 95,000, and one-bedroom flats at pounds 110,000, but the upper limits can be considerably higher. Houses typically cost pounds 350,000 to pounds 500,000, but well located properties can sell for pounds 800,000.

Properties: Some flats have a balcony or roof terrace or other distinctive feature, such as the 18th-floor three-bedroom ex-council flat for pounds 147,000 through Marsh and Parsons. Many period properties, such as on Lakeside Road, are mini-council estates in disguise.

Transport: Two stations at Hammersmith, one for District and Piccadilly Lines, the other for the Hammersmith and City Line. Also a major bus station. Get the Central Line at Shepherd's Bush. The M4, A40(M), M3 and A4 take you to Heathrow, the West and South-west.

What is the White City development? The site, which is being developed by Chelsfield, covers 37 acres and will include a dome-like multi-function area "to replicate a town-centre square open until midnight for concerts and with meeting places," says Mr Wilson. The reconstruction is expected to take about four years and employ up to 5,000 people. The Vanderbilt Club, where Princess Diana played tennis, will be relocated. The area will be accessible via the familiar listed art-deco arch at the Shepherd's Bush roundabout.

Art and Entertainment: The main venues are the Empire, Bush Theatre, Riverside Studios, Lyric, Apollo (previously the Hammersmith Odeon) and Cosmic Comedy Club. Events also take place in the Irish Centre and the Polish Arts Centre.

Employers: The largest employer in the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham is the BBC, based at White City. Other main firms include Coca Cola, Disney, EMI, HarperCollins, Haymarket, Polygram, Seagram and United International Pictures.

Dining and Boozing: Exotic eateries and fancy florists are blooming on Shepherd's Bush Road along with the second-hand furniture shops. On Shepherd's Bush Green is the popular Australian pub Walkabout and several shiny new cafes and restaurants.

Brook Green: The actual green is large enough to be both peaceful and active, containing a playground and tennis courts. It is bordered by St Paul's School for Girls, the Ecole Francais and a few large period houses. The original brook's legacy in the form of subsidence may still affect one side of Aynhoe Road, according to estate agent Adam Hesse.

Local contacts: Finlay Brewer 0171-371 4171; Lane Fox 0171-499 4785; Marsh & Parsons, 0171-602 0025; Townends 0171-602 5666; Winkworth 0171-371 4466.