Few places can claim to hold more eclectic charm than London. Even those who have lived in the capital for years and bemoan its transport delays, soaring house prices and drizzling weather, could never imagine living anywhere else. And it’s not hard to see why.
With a different show opening every night, over 300 languages floating through the city air, and somewhere ready to cure your craving for any and all cuisine, 24 hours a day — in the words of Samuel Johnson, “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.”
With this in mind, we called upon friends at leading real estate agencies, Knight Frank and Sotheby’s to give us their insider’s insight on where in the capital you should to be staking your own proprietary claim in 2019.
For the culture vulture: Bloomsbury
Famed for being the namesake of the intellectual ‘Bloomsbury Set’ which counted Virginia Woolf amongst its members, Bloomsbury is still a hub for some of the city’s finest educational institutions, remaining amongst the most culturally rich areas of the capital. And, 2019 could be the perfect time to invest in your own slice of the pie.
According to Daniel Daggers, London Super Prime & US Ambassador for Knight Frank — and a brilliant follow on Instagram — Fitzrovia and Bloomsbury provide residents with a “rugged atmosphere, not dissimilar of that felt in the Soho of New York a decade ago.”
Tempted to make your move in Fitzrovia? You could do a lot worse than this three bedroom penthouse on Great Portland Street.
Photo courtesy of Knight Frank
Photo courtesy of Knight Frank
Photo courtesy of Knight Frank
For wide open spaces: Bayswater
Bayswater is well known for its close proximity to London’s greatest green space, Hyde Park. Its residents can boast a palace, lake and horse riding stables virtually in their front garden – and all in Zone 1. Its cultural and social mix, reflected in the amazingly varied restaurants and food stores that line up along Queensway, lends the area some unusual contrasts.
And, according to Daniel, it is a property hotspot with great potential. He predicts, “there will be a huge amount of development in the next five years which will without doubt attract new buyers to this neighbourhood. One major consideration is that you can buy property in Bayswater at close to half the price of Knightsbridge — and enjoy better views of Hyde Park!”
If this all sounds like the place for you, then this three bedroom penthouse in Hampshire House offers the finest views you could hope for.
Photo courtesy of Knight Frank
For an exciting new development: Kings Cross
The gateway to Europe and so much more, King’s Cross is a cosmopolitan, vibrant area of North London — and now the proud beneficiary of one of the most impressive and transformative regeneration projects in London.
“With 50 new buildings, over 2000 new homes and 10 new public squares, the 67 acre regeneration area of King’s Cross is one of London’s most talked about areas” says Daniel. “Tech giants such as Facebook and Google relocating headquarters to the area and a host of new retail space culminating in the recent opening of “Coal Drops Yard have rendered Kings Cross an area that’s seriously going places.”
Want to live within spitting distance of the Eurostar? This penthouse situated in St. Pancras Chambers.
Photo courtesy of Knight Frank
For keeping ahead of the curve: Earls Court
Earl’s Court is in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea and, while not as grand as Kensington, it does possess its fair share of fine period architecture including noble terraces and tall, red-brick Victorian homes.
Daniel agrees, “Earl’s Court is on the boundary of RBKC and is still one of the most affordable spots within the borough. It is home to several beautiful garden squares and also to Lillie Square — a residential development that is part of the regeneration plans for the area. This is one to watch.”
Want to be ahead of the curve with your London property investment? Why not look around this 4 bedroom flat for sale in Wetherby Gardens?
Photo courtesy of Knight Frank
For being at the heart of the action: Covent Garden
Covent Garden is world-renowned as a shopping district and entertainment hub but is now fast becoming the next place to purchase a premium home. People want to step out of their front doors and be right in the midst of the activity.
We spoke with Guy Bradshaw, Head of Residential Sales at UK Sotheby’s International Realty, who offered us some insight into why demand is growing around this fabulous area.
He explains, “the new residential offering coming through in Covent Garden is being driven by the conversion of office to residential. Developers are attracted to the elegant architecture in the area and are creating new homes that are luxurious but offer good value for money.”
There could also be some serious money to be made, thanks to Covent Garden’s draw for university students. “This part of London is hugely driven by the luxury student market as a number of top-class universities are right on the doorstep, including LSE, Kings College London and UCL. This student market offers the potential for consistent rental income and strong yields to investors.”
If you’d like to get to the heart of the city’s action, then Adelphi Terrace is a boutique development of 12 new apartments which have been individually crafted to deliver the epitome of luxury in Covent Garden.
Photo of Adelphi Terrace courtesy of Sotheby’s International Realty
For a waterfront view: St. Katharine's Docks
A vibrant and dynamic London quarter steeped in heritage — St. Katharine Docks are home to a collection of high-quality offices, restaurants and bars. Situated opposite the Tower of London, and just a short stroll from Tower Hill underground, the area also has some of the best transport links in London.
Guy tells us, “St Katharine’s dock will always conduct a premium over neighbouring areas in prime central London as it is the only marina in Central London. This gives it a real USP which can’t be matched elsewhere in the city — and this, combined with the fact that waterfront homes are in high demand, offers a sound investment opportunity.”
“This exceptional part of London combines city living and beautiful waterside views, all within walking distance of some of the UK’s most iconic landmarks.”
Looking for your own waterfront apartment? This apartment offers the perfect blend of industrial chic and modern living, just minutes from the Tower of London.
Photo courtesy of Sotheby’s International Realty
For timeless glamour: Mayfair
Last year, Mayfair knocked Knightsbridge off the top spot as London’s most expensive area, and we spoke with some of the borough’s longest-serving residents to talk us through the perfect Mayfair day.
If their talk of endless parties, world-class restaurants and outrageously stylish neighbours left you turning green with envy, then maybe it’s time you joined them. According Guy, you can’t possibly regret it.
“Mayfair will always offer a ‘trophy home’ postcode to buyers which will never go out of fashion” he says, “and those looking for a long term investment will struggle to find a safer place to buy in the Capital.”
Sold? This spectacular Grade I listed home is located in one of the most coveted addresses in Central London.
Photo courtesy of Sotheby’s International Realty
Looking to set your sights a little further afield? Take a look at our round-up of the international property hotspots to invest in this year…
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