London – one of the most renowned cities in the world. Home to some 9 million people, it is a global hub for business, finance, tourism, real estate, investments, and society. Each year, thousands of foreigners flock to this great city to follow their dreams and their careers. But when it comes to starting a property search in London, knowing exactly where to start can be somewhat daunting.
Sprawled over 1572 square kilometres, it is split into 32 local authority districts between Inner London boroughs and Outer London boroughs. These districts are then divided into a further 73 Parliamentary constituencies, each of which has its own distinct style and flair. The Central London sub-region, comprising Camden, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Southwark, Westminster and the City of London, tends to be the most expensive, decreasing as you move further out towards the suburbs.
Due to the pandemic and a shift towards online working, you may have more flexibility as to where you can be based. This opens up the entire city and its most desirable areas to you, meaning you don’t have to just focus on what is convenient. London is your oyster, and we are here to guide you.
If you consider starting a property search in London, here are some of the best locations to live and work for foreigners.
Notting Hill Gate
If you are young, hip, and trendy, Notting Hill Gate is the perfect place. Located in Kensington and Chelsea, it is a short distance from the city’s centre, making it ideal for those that want to be and work centrally. Home to an enticing selection of cafes, restaurants, and shops, it draws in an eclectic mix of residents from all over the world. Sitting on the Central, District, and Circle Lines, you can reach where you need to go in just a few minutes, and it is ideally placed for those working in the City. The area is also home and near several publishers, investment managers and media companies. If you are buying, expect to pay an average of £1.7 million for a 2-3 bedroom property with studios going for significantly less. When it comes to renting, you are looking at an average of £660 per week, or around £716 per week for a two bed. Prices can rise to just under £2,000 a week for larger properties or even more for ultra-high-end. It really depends on what you are after. If you want luxury in London’s most sought after postcode, you will have to pay for it.
Baker Street
Located in the City of Westminster, Baker Street is known worldwide for its connection to the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. But it will be no mystery why it is one of the most sought after locations in London. The area is home to many shops and commercial premises, even linking to the world’s best shopping district- Oxford Street. But it also has some stunning residential properties tucked away above the streets. Asides from its fantastic housing options, there are plenty of things to see and do in your spare time. You can go to Paddington Street Gardens for a stroll or enjoy a quick snack or coffee in one of the many stylish eateries. Of course, there is plenty of shopping to do and a few museums and cultural sites and exhibits. Average prices hover just below a million for a two-three bedroom apartment. In terms of renting, you are looking at between £450 and £17,000 a week, depending on whether you go for a studio or a sprawling townhouse.
St John’s Wood
Also situated in the City of Westminster, St John’s Wood stretches between Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill, Edgeware Road, Swiss Cottage, and Hampstead- all some of London’s most desirable areas. The area is famous for Abbey Road Studios and several world-famous cricket clubs. Avenue Road is also one of the country’s most expensive postcodes with mega-mansions going for over £30 million, on average. If that is not quite your budget, do not fear. There are plenty of more affordable but stunning properties on the market. The average property price is over £20 million, but this is pushed up by some of the higher-end properties such as villas and large mansions. You can purchase a terraced property for around £3.4 million or a flat for £1.05 million. In terms of rental properties, the average is around £1,368 per week for a 2-3 bedroom property. When it comes to amenities, there are several well-renowned private schools, including The American School in London and Arnold House. You have the St Johns Wood underground station on the Jubilee Line, the South Hampstead overground line, and multiple bus routes for transport.
Kensington
Kensington is an affluent area in the famous West End of the city. Two of its most popular areas for foreigners looking to live and work in London include High Street Kensington and South Kensington. In terms of rental prices, you could be paying anything between £365 and a staggering £17,000 per week, depending, of course, on whether you are in the market for a studio flat or a Victorian mansion. On average, you could expect to pay around £1,720 per week for a three-bedroom flat or duplex. Kensington is home to the Royal Albert Hall, a plethora of upmarket boutiques and shops, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and Kensington Gardens. In terms of transport links, you can get around on the tube via High Street Kensington, South Kensington and Gloucester Road, which are on the Circle and District lines. You can also access the Piccadilly line and Earl’s Court from stations located in the area. You can access both the City of London and Canary Wharf via the underground in between 25 minutes and one hour, depending on where in Kensington you are living.
Swiss Cottage
Swiss Cottage is a part of Hampstead and is adjoined by Chalk Farm, Camden Town, Belsize Park, St John’s Wood and West Hampstead. It is also within easy walking distance of one of the capital’s finest parks- Regent’s Park. Home to just over 12,000 people, the area is served by Swiss Cottage and Finchley Road tube stations and the South Hampstead railway station. There are many things to see and do, from IMAX cinemas to historical libraries and theatres. It also offers plenty in the way of leisure including swimming pools and climbing, and of course, excellent places to eat and drink. It is also a stone’s throw from Primrose Hill, full of great picnic spots and spectacular views. The average property price in Swiss Cottage stands at around £802,000 and peaks at approximately £2.2 million. To rent, the average is £800 a week, or about £930 for a one-two bedroom flat.
Bayswater
Located within the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in West London, Bayswater is one of its most diverse and cosmopolitan parts and is known for its streets and garden squares lined with Victorian stucco houses. There is a wide variety of cuisines available in the area due to the large populations of Greeks, French, Brazilian, Italian, and Arab residents. Bayswater is a mainly residential area, but you are just a stone’s throw away from Knightsbridge and its high-end shops and Hyde Park, which is perfect for strolling, relaxing, and exploring. You can travel to the City of London and Canary Wharf in less than 40 minutes, and it sits on the Circle and District underground lines. You can expect to pay an average rental price of £660 per week for a two-bedroom apartment in Bayswater.
If you are considering a move to London and you want help in finding the perfect place to rent, or buy then contact us today. With decades of experience in the London market, and countless happy customers, we can provide you with advice on what area and what property is best to suit your needs, budget, goals, personality, and dream!
