Kensington Archives | London Property Consultants

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:

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.
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

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.

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…]

The most desirable streets in Prime Central London