London’s most exclusive areas are renowned the world over for their high expense, stately charm and elegant streets. Homes cost upwards of well over £1 million to buy (with the most expensive streets seeing upwards of £20 million as an average), making renting a more realistic option for many tenants. Perhaps unsurprisingly, they are all located in ritzy West London, making this area of among the most exclusive in the UK and Europe. Here are London’s most exclusive postcodes:
1. Knightbridge (SW1X)
Located along the south side of Hyde Park and further west, Knightsbridge is a district containing many of the most expensive and luxurious properties in the city. Pair with this the incredible variety of Michelin stars restaurants, high-quality hotels and expensive luxury retail outlets, and you have all the hallmarks of exclusivity. The area has been the choice location for the capital’s lords and ladies throughout the nineteenth century and hosts many embassies and gentlemen’s clubs. With London favourite Harrods just a stone’s throw away, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more quintessentially opulent image of London and its wealth.
2. Kensington (W8)
With average homes starting at £1.5 million, Kensington borders Knightsbridge and is a more densely-populated area than its neighbour. The area is renowned for Kensington Palace, its museum-laden South Kensington district and a host of impressive old-world buildings. Counting Sir Richard Branson among its esteemed residents in an area aptly described as “Billionaire’s Row”, Kensington gets its name and prestige from history, as a manor house area granted by the King (William the Conqueror) to his advisor, Geoffrey de Montbray. That exclusivity has seemingly stuck with time.
3. Mayfair (W1K)
Mayfair, or more particularly North Mayfair, holds some of the most famous and elegant public squares in London, including Berkeley Square and Grosvenor Square. With a host of celebrity tenants, owners and establishments, one can visit such incredible eateries as Nobu or have a pint at the Punch Bowl, a pub owned by Guy Ritchie and Madonna.
4. Belgravia (SW1W)
More central than other spots on this list, Belgravia is a district renowned for its expensive homes, parks and public squares. Prime Ministers have called this area their home (Neville Chamberlain, Margaret Thatcher and Stanley Baldwin), while billionaires like Roman Abramovich reside here in luxurious splendour. The area is just west of Buckingham Palace, placing it in close proximity to British royalty. Expect serious shopping prestige with the world-famous Sloane Street leading up to the ornately lined Sloane Square.
5. Chelsea (SW3)
A former bohemian haven of great British literary talent, Chelsea has always had one foot in fashion and one foot in creativity. Many renowned 60s celebrities still call this place their home (a remnant of its central role in the Swinging Sixties) and the area has grown to accommodate a very 21st century feel through innovative new construction works and services. You can check out Chelsea properties and flats to rent in Chelsea here, including everything from ultra-modern to classic, Victorian homes.
