Homes you can afford in the heart of London if money isn't an issue
If you’re keen to live in central London and are blessed with a healthy budget, Westminster is well worth considering.
Rich in history and culture, many of the city’s landmarks, museums, theatres and galleries are in walking distance, or you can escape the tourist hotspots with a stroll along the Thames.
When you need to venture future afield the transport links are unbeatable, with three Tube lines and fast access to Gatwick airport from nearby Victoria station.
And, being home to parliament, the prime minister and Buckingham Palace, there’s a visible police presence in the area, which residents find reassuring. Residential stock is made up of period houses and conversions, purpose-built flats and some new developments.
‘Prices start from around £500,000 for a one-bed, purpose-built flat of around 400sq ft. Due to a lack of new properties coming to the market, prices remain stable which means buyers are less in a position to negotiate the asking price,’ says Pavol Miksa of Chestertons.
‘The area is popular with professionals who are looking for a pied-à-terre as well as owner-occupiers. We also register enquiries from parents who are helping their children to get on the property ladder.’
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Chimes, by Lifestory, is a mix of one, two and three-bedroom flats in two six-storey blocks which are split into quarters to reflect Big Ben marking the time at 15 minute intervals. A 24-hour concierge, screening room, gym, a guest suite for overnight visitors, a residents’ lounge and kitchen, a courtyard garden and roof terrace are among the amenities, and prices start from £1.55million.
See Chimes Westminster
One, two and three-bedroom homes are also on offer at One Queen Anne’s Gate, set behind an original façade next to St James’s Park. Those currently on the market range from a spacious 779sq ft one-bedroom apartment at £1.975million to an almost 3,000sq ft lateral three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment that will set you back £10.2million. Residents have use of a club lounge, gym and treatment rooms and concierge, and there’s underground parking.
Visit Savills and Beauchamp Estates
First-time buyers needn’t despair as this summer Notting Hill Genesis will be launching 28 one-bedroom, shared ownership flats at Castle Lane. Part of the restoration of four Victorian buildings and expected to start from £191,250 for a 25% share of £765,000, they will initially be available to people living or working in the borough of Westminster who can register their interest now.
See Notting Hill Genesis for more
Property ladder
First rung: £430,000
A bright flat on the ground floor of a mansion block close to St James’s Park. Consists of a double bedroom, open-plan kitchen/living area and a modern bathroom.
See more at Foxtons
Step up: £1.15million
This big two-bedroom, two-bathroom flat is on the third floor of a portered building and has a large reception room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony.
Visit Hamptons
Top rung: £4.25million
Set over five storeys, this spacious house includes five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a double reception room, an open-plan kitchen/dining room and patio garden.
Go to Savills for further details
Vital statistics
Average house price: £1,131,962
Average rent: £7,848pcm
Council tax (Band D): £864.13
Commuting time: In Zone 1
Annual Travelcard: £1,536
Amenities: Branches of Tesco Express, Sainsbury’s Local and Little Waitrose; chain stores and restaurants in Cardinal Place and along Victoria Street; Strutton Ground weekday market; eateries in Nova Victoria; Market Halls food hub; get a whiff of political intrigue when lunching at The Cinnamon Club, a curry house favoured by MPs; The Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey form part of a Unesco World Heritage site; Tate Britain; three theatres: Victoria Palace, Apollo Victoria Theatre and The Other Palace; Curzon cinema
Open space: St James’s Park; Victoria Tower Gardens
Schools: Above average GCSE and A-Level results; wide choice of Ofsted-rated outstanding and good state primaries and secondaries and independents
Crime: Higher than average
Who lives there? Professionals; politicians; out-of-towners who can afford a pied-a-terre
Famous faces: Actors Tom Hiddleston and Carey Mulligan were born in Westminster
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