The Most Expensive Places to Live in London

For many years now, London has been among the world’s most expensive cities to live. A big factor which has contributed to that is the capital’s pricey property market. London’s lush green spaces and traditional pubs add to its charm, making it a highly desirable place to live. In terms of the average house price, London has seen a substantial increase over the years. Particularly in affluent neighbourhoods in London, the high property prices are a testament to the luxury living that the city offers, with luxury apartments being key features in these prestigious areas. Even the cost of living in these richest areas in London reflects their exclusivity. It is estimated that there are nearly 5,900 streets in Greater London on which the average home price is above £1 million. These streets are often lined with stunning architecture and elegant Georgian houses, blending history with modernity. In comparison, in East England, there are about 1,900 millionaires’ streets and in Scotland – just 109.

The most expensive boroughs by average house price as of 2024:

1. Kensington and Chelsea: Consistently top of the most expensive areas list, known for its luxurious properties, high-end shopping. This area also boasts iconic landmarks like Hyde Park and South Kensington’s famous museums.
2. Westminster: Home to some of the most famous landmarks in London – Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben. It’s also the seat of five major business districts that draw both professionals and tourists.
3. Camden: Known for its vibrant markets and rich musical history. This borough also has lively city centre areas with a mix of cultural landmarks and traditional pubs. North West London, including areas like Hampstead, St. John’s Wood, and Primrose Hill, is known for its affluent status and historical significance.
4. Hammersmith and Fulham: This central London area offers a bustling urban feel with a riverside charm. It’s an area where you might spot some of the world’s wealthiest people enjoying fine dining restaurants or visiting art galleries.
5. Islington: Known for its wonderful Georgian townhouses. Islington’s Georgian architecture and tourist attractions draw visitors and residents alike.
6. Wandsworth: Offering a mix of industrial heritage and green spaces. Its proximity to lush green spaces like Richmond Park makes it appealing to those who love nature.
7. Richmond upon Thames: Known for its royal parks and beautiful Thames-side views. This area, with its tree-lined streets and elegant Georgian architecture, is often considered among the richest neighborhoods in London.
8. Lambeth: While Lambeth is diverse, areas such as the South Bank and parts of Clapham are particularly pricey. The borough’s regeneration efforts have turned these areas into prime London property hotspots.
9. Southwark: The borough has experienced significant regeneration and is home to expensive developments. Its leafy streets and proximity to cultural landmarks like the Tate Modern make it a magnet for high-end buyers.
10. Hackney: Desirable places in central London like Shoreditch and Stoke Newington are trendy, desirable, and thus, more expensive. Hackney’s rise has been meteoric, with average house prices soaring alongside its popularity.

In 2024 not many people can afford to move to the following streets:

• Kensington Palace Gardens, W8
• Grosvenor Crescent, SW1X
• The Boltons, SW10
• Courtenay Avenue, N6

Courtenay Avenue’s location near Regent’s Park, one of London’s largest parks, adds to its appeal. Regent’s Park, bordering affluent districts like St. John’s Wood and Primrose Hill, defines high-status neighborhoods with its green spaces, luxury living, and access to prestigious educational institutions.

Apart from these, Notting Hill in West London has always been one of the posh areas in the city. Its iconic landmarks, like the Portobello Road Market, attract many, but living here comes with a hefty price tag. Notting Hill is also home to some of London’s most luxurious apartments, offering residents both opulence and convenience. With the right moving pros by your side such as a licensed man and van in Neasden NW2, NW10, at least the relocation process itself can be affordable.

Pictured: The Boltons

Kensington Palace Gardens, W8, Central London

The most expensive street in the English capital is Kensington Palace Gardens. This is also a hotspot for mansions. Nearby, the serene Kensington Gardens offers a peaceful escape amidst the city life. Not far away, Imperial College London adds an academic prestige to the area. West London, especially areas close to the Natural History Museum and Hyde Park, has always been a prime location for the elites. The blend of culture, education, and luxury here is unmatched, making it a coveted area. Some of the biggest and most lavish residential properties can be found namely here. If you want to live in W8, you must keep in mind that the average property price in the area is £38.79 million. Ouch!

But if you can afford to splash such a massive sum of money, you will have neighbours like Lakshmi Mittal and Roman Abramovich. The interesting thing about this street is that it does not have an opulent or flashy appearance. Instead, it is rather quiet and it offers a lot of privacy to the billionaires who live here. It’s not surprising, considering this street’s proximity to Kensington Palace and its impeccable security. What is more, the area around the street is safe due to its close proximity to Kensington Palace – the official residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea also boasts of world renowned department stores, fashionable and expensive shops on Oxford Street, and rich history evident in every corner. So, security in this part of London is always at the highest possible level.

Grosvenor Crescent, SW1X, known for luxury apartments

Many of the properties on Grosvenor Crescent are Grade II listed. That and the fact that the street is located just a short walk away from Buckingham Palace have an effect on the sky-high property prices in SW1X. Living here places you among cultural landmarks and some of the finest dining experiences in London. South West London, with neighbourhoods like Belgravia, are home to several Michelin starred restaurants, and the streets are lined with designer high end shops and boutiques. The average home price here is said to be £24.98 million. The street is set in one of the most prestigious districts in London – Belgravia – and it features a selection of not more than 30 houses… all of which are very expensive! This area is also close to Grosvenor Square, another symbol of London’s grandeur. Central London’s Bond Street is another location boasting of luxury, from its designer boutiques to stunning garden squares. The Embassy of Belgium has been across the street since 2006.

The Boltons, SW10

The average property price on The Boltons is £23.25 million. While exploring the richest neighbourhoods in London, one cannot miss the charm of Holland Park and its green spaces, adding to London’s reputation for combining urban and natural beauty. The Boltons is also known for its proximity to the lively South Kensington area and its tourist attractions. Unfortunately, many of the homes in SW10 remain empty for the better part the year as their super-rich owners prefer to spend their days at more exotic locations. Yet, the region offers iconic views of the River Thames and underground swimming pools in certain elite properties. Even with its reputation, the tree-lined streets of The Boltons can sometimes feel eerily quiet. That is why The Bolton can feel like a ghost street at times. So, if you plan to move here, do use quality packing services in London but don’t expect your neighbours to attend your Sunday barbecues.

Courtenay Avenue, N6, surrounded by lush green spaces

This street is located in Hampstead and if you want to buy a home here, you will need to spend an average of £21.67 million. Primrose Hill in North London is another such coveted area, offering panoramic city views, while the Victoria and Albert Museum nearby reflects the city’s cultural affluence. Courtenay Avenue’s location near Regent’s Park, one of London’s largest parks, adds to its appeal. In return, you will get to live in a spacious and absolutely stunning home close to Hampstead Heath. The street itself cannot be accessed by random people since it is blocked with security barriers – London’s version of a gated community.