In 2021, 27% of London’s high-end property was purchased by foreign investors, a decrease on pre-2020 numbers, mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hopes are high that numbers will increase in 2022 as the pandemic eases and life after Brexit gets back to normal. There is still a lot of interest from foreign buyers in London, and we are confident it will continue to be one of the world’s most sought after destinations for property purchasers.
As we look ahead to 2022 and beyond, the post-pandemic landscape and the growth of remote working could work in the market’s favour.
In a constantly evolving city like London, it can be hard to track what areas are hot and which are not. The city is brimming with new developments, exciting regeneration projects, and large-scale investment in property and infrastructure, just waiting to be availed of. As a foreigner moving to a new city, you wil likely be interested in a community feel, diversity, access to amenities, and great transport links. Based on our years of experience, we know just the locations that are popular with overseas investors looking for a base in London. If you are a non-UK national and looking to purchase property in London as a form of investment, 2022 could be the best year for you. Here are our five top locations for you to consider.
The Best Locations For Investments
Mayfair
Mayfair is a name synonymous with luxury and chic, and it is a well-deserved association. The area is visually stunning, posh, and home to some of the finest boutiques and eateries in the city. With almost 1000 shops, 400 restaurants, and just under 200 nightclubs, there is plenty for couples without children, professionals, and singles to do. Housing is divided amongst Edwardian apartment blocks and sprawling 18th-century mansions. In terms of culture, it has a range of art galleries, including the Royal Academy of Arts. You can reach anywhere you would want to go (in London) in under 30 minutes due to excellent transport links, and it is a short walk to nearby Kensington Gardens. But living in such a fine area does come at a price. You can expect to rent a studio for around £2000, and a two-bedroom home will set you back around £ 2.9 million.
For foreign residents, Mayfair has everything you could possibly want. Despite it being posh and home to many wealthy and even famous residents, there is also a strong community here, with many having lived and worked in the area for decades.
Maida Vale
Maida Vale is an extremely popular location for Brits and foreigners alike. It really does have a bit of everything, and it is particularly preferred by creatives, families, and professionals. It’s not as packed with shops and restaurants as some of the other areas, but it has enough, including fresh produce markets, to satiate your needs. It is also not big on nightlife unless you are a theater-goer, so it is best suited to those looking for a more laid-back vibe. The Bakerloo line serves Maida Vale, and cycling is popular- whichever method you choose, you can be where anywhere you need to be in under 45 minutes. In terms of property, there is a real mix. You can choose between stunning Victorian homes, period mansions, and 1930s apartment blocks divided into airy flats. This is a fantastic place to live, with plenty going on in the community throughout the air. However, it doesn’t come cheap, and you can expect to pay upwards of half a million for a studio and around £3 million for a four-bedroom property.
Chelsea
Chelsea is well known, posh, and very popular with expats and foreigners. If you want to live in an exclusive but still bustling part of town that is great for shopping, eating out, and has a little bit of nightlife, Chelsea is the place for you. Situated on the River Thames, Chelsea is known for its stunning surroundings and historical buildings. You can choose between sprawling mansions, detached family homes, and stunning and spacious apartments when it comes to property. The area is also home to several galleries with a packed schedule of events and exhibitions throughout the year. You can also visit the annual Chelsea Flower Show, check out the theatres, and visit Albert Bridge with its impressive views across the city. Amenities wise, there is pretty much everything you could ever need, including shops, markets, banks, gyms, designer and high-end boutiques, and shops selling international foods.
For foreign residents, Chelsea is a great option as it is home to London’s biggest American community as well as many other nationalities.
Moving to a new country and city can be quite intimidating, but if you pick the right area, you can find yourself feeling more at home, more quickly. If you are looking to invest in London property and want solid advice based on decades of experience in the London market, then contact us today. Over the years, we have built up a lot of experience in assisting expats and we are happy to share that with you. Let us help you find your home from home. We can help you source, negotiate, and bid on the perfect property, whether it is for you or buy-to-let.
Hampstead
Leafy Hampstead is one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in London, right on the doorstep of Hampstead Heath. Sprawled over 320 hectares, it is perfect for exercises such as running and swimming, and it enjoys astounding views. It is an affluent area, and when it comes to shopping, you can expect organic, artisanal, unique and boutique. There is little in the way of fast food and basic shops here. Houses and flats line narrow streets, but prices are predictably high. While it is a bit further out than some other areas, it enjoys great transport links that can get you where you need to go in 30-40 minutes. It is also served by several excellent state and public schools, several leisure facilities, and an interesting selection of restaurants and quaint bistros.
For foreigners, it is a great place to live due to its vibrant nature and a mix of different nationalities and cuisines. You will find there is no shortage of things to see and do, and finding your place in the community will not be a difficult matter.
Highgate
Highgate is the perfect mix between parks and green spaces, community, and access to great shops and amenities. It is served by multiple different public transport routes and is also easy to navigate on foot. It has typically been inhabited by creatives with its fair share of celebrities. It is also popular with families due to its community spirit and lots of events like festivals, clubs, and events taking place throughout the week. It is near Waterlow Park and Hampstead Heath Park, as well as Highgate Cemetery, where some of the country’s most famous intellectuals were laid to rest. There are also lots of sports facilities, concert halls, theaters, and galleries for you to enjoy at your leisure. You can cycle into The City, Canary Wharf, Westminster, and Shoreditch in between 20 and 40 minutes, making it great for those who want to commute into the city’s main business hubs.
If you are a family or a couple, this is a great place to settle. For those living in London for the first time, it is also a great place to find a community and be welcomed.
If you are looking to invest in London property and want solid advice based on decades of experience in the London market, then contact us today. We can help you source, negotiate, and bid on the perfect property, whether it is for you, or buy-to-let.
