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The most desirable streets in Prime Central London

Simon Barnes

Property expert Simon Barnes gives a low down on some of the most desirable streets in Prime Central London

“Property in prime central London is a two-tier market:
  1. The first tier is made up of a limited number of properties in most price ranges which can be found in the right condition and perfect location and which, are offered at the proper price.
  2. The second tier consists of a large number properties located ‘on the fringe’, perhaps on the wrong side of the street, lacking key amenities or not presented in absolutely the best condition.”

ON MAYFAIR

Charles Street - London's most desirable streets
Charles Street, Mayfair

Simon Barnes says: “There are really only ten most desirable streets in Mayfair.” Here are Simon’s top four:

Charles Street – Simon Barnes says: “A street with houses that contrast in style and architectural features, with some narrower than others.  At the rear, you will see that others back closely onto houses in Hay’s Mews to the north and Clarges Mews to the south.”

Upper Grosvenor Street – “Refined elegance with some fine houses, this is old Mayfair as we know it.”

Mount Street – “Now rivalling Bond Street as a chic shopping destination with stylish flagship boutiques and heritage brands – Mount Street has a vibrant village feel.”

Green Street – Simon Barnes says: “In reality, even in the prestigious location Green Street, Mayfair there are perhaps only four or five houses that I would recommend buyers view.”

ON KENSINGTON

Simon Barnes says: “It’s the same story in Kensington.

Holland Villas Road – houses on one side of Holland Villas Road back on to the noisy Holland Road, while houses on the other side back onto the very much quieter large houses of Addison Road.”

ON BELGRAVIA

Simon Barnes says: “At first glance the houses lining the smart streets in Belgravia appear identical.

Cadogan Place – “One of Belgravia’s most desirable and prestigious streets.  At the eastern end houses are white stucco fronted buildings, yet at the southerly end they are plainer with brick facades. While the white facades may seem attractive, all these houses back closely onto their mews houses. The brick fronted houses are much better; more space at the rear, quieter and altogether a better location.”

Mayfair images

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Belgravia low on bling – big on baronets

Belgravia lies in the City of Westminster and the Borough of Kensington & Chelsea with large swathes being owned by The Grosvenor Estate.  It is one of the wealthiest districts in the world and hosts a variety of understated but expensive luxury property in Prime Central London. 

Belgravia was developed back in the 1820’s when, in 1824, wealthy landowning aristocrat Richard Grosvenor, 2nd Marquess of Westminster commissioned building contractor Thomas Cubitt to develop the area.  Norfolk born Cubitt designed and constructed grand terraces featuring fine stucco fronted houses leading to the focal points of Belgrave and Eaton Square. 

Eaton Square
Eaton Square

Rather like Mayfair, following the Second World War the large residential houses became vacant and commercial organisations took them over, leading to embassies and charitable concerns occupying the properties and eroding the residential aristocratic character of the district.  Gradually during the 21st Century, there has been a return to converting more of these properties back to residential homes.  Currently, the level of ‘super rich’ owners in Belgravia is at its highest since 1939.  The likes of Charles Saatchi, the art collector, oligarch Roman Abramovich, former James Bond actors Sir Sean Connery and Sir Roger Moore, are all present day residents. [Read more…]

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The importance of the London postcode

A third of my clients in recent years have been looking to acquire property in London for investment purposes, and as such, knowledge of the intricacies involved in finding the right property, in the right location, at the right price, has never been more important.

Traditionally in a buoyant market, investors have taken all kinds of risks, buying unseen property in secondary locations and previously untested markets. Since the beginning of the recession, the London market has become incredibly challenging, and it is now crucial that investors ‘buy right’ and resist the temptation to take risks.

St Pauls2

Central London postcode areas

The choice of the London postcode is arguably the single most important consideration in the buying process. If budget allows, the appeal of fringe areas pegged as ‘up and coming’ should be resisted in favour of the more established addresses such as Mayfair, Belgravia, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill and Kensington. Although it is true that these prime locations come with a higher price tag than their lesser-known neighbours, it will always be money well spent.

In a strong market, properties in fringe locations will sell, but may take longer to do so than their counterparts in established addresses. However, in a weaker market these kinds of property will quickly become less appealing as serious buyers are inclined to wait for something with a stronger investment guarantee. [Read more…]

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Belgravia is one of the wealthiest districts in the world

Noted for its immensely expensive residential properties, Belgravia takes its name from Viscount Belgrave and, under the scrupulous control of The Grosvenor Estate, the now familiar high quality of property and exclusive retailer is maintained.  As a consequence, Belgravia can continue to boast its international appeal as one of London’s most desirable addresses in which to live, work, eat, shop and socialise.

Properties rarely come to the market in Belgravia, but when they do there is always a queue of wealthy international buyers hoping to become the successful bidder. The domestic market is less evident in this post code and instead we see a global mix of European, Asian, Middle Eastern and South African buyers either already in situ, or looking to acquire their perfect trophy home in the heart of the Capital.

Eaton Square Belgravia
Eaton Square Belgravia

 

The most notable addresses in Belgravia are the squares and crescents – Wilton Crescent, Chester Square, Belgrave Square and Lowndes Square. All of these prime addresses benefit from close proximity to some of London’s finest eateries and designer shops, with the promise of more to come. But perhaps the most high profile of them all is Eaton Square – one of London’s largest.  The houses in Eaton Square are spacious and impactful, although not the largest houses in Belgravia.

There are only a handful of single dwellings left but the most sought after properties are undoubtedly the lateral flats, particularly those on the ground, first or second floors.  

If the combination of style, quality and elegance are what you require in a property and its surroundings, then you need look no further than this most special of addresses.  And of course you will always be assured of a very sound investment.

Contact H. Barnes & Co – Tel: 020 7499 3434

Our service will be committed, impartial and utterly discreet; and it can also be tailored to suit any requirements you might have.
CONTACT H. BARNES & CO