Already a popular choice for purchasers around the world, London has found itself again firmly in the global spotlight as the world’s most resilient urban hot spot, following insights from the hotly anticipated Knight Frank Wealth Report 2022 and based on criteria including wealth, investment and lifestyle.
While much was made of the mass exodus to the British countryside, the conversation has moved on, with more and more buyers now boomeranging back to the city – with London’s top-of-the-class status testament to its enduring appeal. As inflation rises, savvy investors are increasingly looking to safeguard their wealth, with property being the natural choice.
So, with much of the world’s global elite choosing the British capital as their preferred destination to live, spend time and invest, here we’ve rounded up some of the best properties on the market from the four corners of the capital – each of which celebrates the very best of London living.
North London
The leafy north London pocket of St John’s Wood is famed as the home of Lord’s Cricket Ground but is also now the home of One St John’s Wood – a rare new build address from developer Regal London.
Neighbouring the 410-acre Regent’s Park and overlooking the iconic sporting venue, there’s an exclusive collection of generous penthouses available – all finished to the high specification and with access to a suite of private residents’ amenities including a spa and wellness centre, entertaining spaces and 24-hour concierge. Prices are on application, for more information visit regal-london.co.uk.
East London
Despite the adjacent financial hub and its many thousand job roles, Canary Wharf Group, the privately-owned firm that controls the estate, is making a concerted effort to shrug off its ‘all work and no play’ reputation, making the estate a residential destination in its own right, rather than the endpoint of a commute. Along with the Elizabeth Line opening coming this year, more food, drink and hospitality operators are emerging, giving the area even more of a buzz, including Hawksmoor Wood Wharf and Emelia’s Pasta.
Answering the demand for homes in the area, Canary Wharf Group has recently launched 8 Harbord Square – a collection of 82 open-plan loft style apartments. Located in the heart of the new neighbourhood, Wood Wharf, homes are inspired by the history of the London docklands and Canary Wharf, as well as the warehouse districts of Lower Manhattan. Prices are from £775,000 and for more information, visit residential.canarywharf.com.
South London
There also are several exceptional new developments coming forward within the capital’s prestigious SW postcode – including King’s Road Park, which is located just 60 metres from Chelsea’s world-renowned King’s Road.
This new green neighbourhood will offer a beautifully appointed range of suites, one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments and penthouses, each boasting a private terrace or balcony and many with views across the surrounding landscaping. The extensive green space includes a public park and central square, while residents of the first phase will have access to a private courtyard garden inspired by quintessential English country gardens.
A unique offering for its residents, the garden will be complete with formal lawns, ornamental water feature and maze, knot garden, seating areas, and lounge with atrium providing a dedicated Wi-Fi-enabled outdoor workspace. With first completions scheduled for later this year, prices start at £700,000 and for more information, visit kingsroadpark.co.uk or call 020 3432 5831.
Nearby, Battersea and Nine Elms is fast emerging as a go-to for global investors. The latest address bringing new homes and green space to the area is Prince of Wales Drive, which sits in an idyllic spot neighbouring Battersea Park.
The final phase of the landscape-led neighbourhood, also by St William, is Upper Park Residences, where prices start from £785,000. Residents of the one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments enjoy spectacular views over Battersea Park, the River Thames, Battersea Power Station, and across to the City, as well as access to luxurious private amenities. These include The 1882 Club, a collection of hotel-style facilities including a games area, karaoke room, music room and library, private cinema room, viewing rooms, as well as a variety of working from home spaces and 24th floor bar and lounge. For more, information, visit princeofwalesdrive.co.uk or call 020 3813 9345.
West London
Over in west London, there’s a swathe of new addresses tempting high-net-worth buyers from across the global, the latest of which is Chiswick Green. Sitting opposite the charming Turnham Green and tucked behind Chiswick High Road, the newly launched collection of 137 apartments, penthouses and townhouses bring together a village-like location with the cosmopolitan lifestyle of central London within quick and easy reach.
The majority of apartments boast private balconies, and there are general communal terraces for residents too, many of which have far-reaching, uninterrupted views across the park, river and cityscape. Prices start from £580,000 and for more information, visit chiswickgreen.co.uk.
A few miles away, St James has recently unveiled the latest chapter at its major regeneration scheme, White City Living. Alongside 528 apartments, Westmont Club Residences adds to White City Living’s range of residents’ amenities including a remarkable 11th floor rooftop which is dedicated to a Mediterranean-inspired exclusive Beach Club, which features a rooftop beach, infinity pool, terrace, olive grove, and indoor and outdoor lounge and bars.
Located close to Holland Park, Notting Hill and Kensington, White City Living will also bring eight acres of landscaping, including a new five-acre public park, as well as fantastic transport connections, which put residents less than 15 minutes from the West End. Prices start from £690,000 and for more information, visit whitecityliving.co.uk.
Central London
Creating the capital’s most central new neighbourhood, Postmark, from Taylor Wimpey Central London, straddles two postcodes: EC1 and WC1 – bringing together the best of east and west.
In total, 681 beautifully-appointed homes – where prices start from £980,000 – will sit alongside new retail spaces and extensive public realm, including communal gardens and open squares, with residents of the two latest phases – Folio Gardens and Signature Place, enjoying access to an impressive Wellness Centre, complete with swimming pool, sauna, steam room, treatment room and state-of-the-art gym.
As well as being the most central, Postmark is also arguably the best-connected development in London, with five Underground stations within walking distance as well as the soon-to-open Crossrail at Farringdon and international connections from St Pancras International. For more information, visit postmarklondon.co.uk or call 020 8003 0976.