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What’s Driving Demand for Apartments in Kensington

22.04.25

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Demand for apartments in Kensington has surged in recent months, despite a changing economic landscape. The Royal Borough has long been celebrated for the elevated lifestyle it offers residents, with an eclectic mix of modern conveniences and a vibrant cultural scene, as well as deep historical and royal significance.

According to PrimeResi data, demand within London’s prime residential market increased by +2.7% in the last quarter of 2024, with the overall increase in demand within Kensington alone increasing +1.4%. This, paired with elevated demand from international homebuyers and promising property price growth for the London property market reiterates the resilience of the PCL market and the continued appeal of apartments in Kensington.

As one of the most sought-after areas for both young professionals and families, we take a look at why Kensington is the place to be.

Prime Location and Connectivity

Kensington offers an unrivalled central London location, with excellent transport links that appeal to both domestic and international buyers. With quick access to key financial districts, top universities, and Heathrow Airport, the convenience of living in Kensington is a major draw for the area.

Location continues to be an important deciding factor for homebuyers. In fact, in JLL’s 2024 Buyers and Tenants Survey, 82% of buyers and 89% of tenants voted the proximity to shops and leisure facilities as “very important” or “important” to them.

100 Kensington, a new landmark residence in the heart of the borough, boasts great transport connections with several tube stations such as High Street Kensington, West Kensington and Earl’s Court all within a 15-minute walk.

Exclusivity and Prestige

Owning an apartment in Kensington is a mark of status. The area has a long history of being home to several royals and historical figures, big business leaders and celebrities – such as Elton John, Alfred Hitchcock and Madonna. It is also home to the official residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales.

The exclusivity of addresses like Kensington Palace Gardens, known as Britain’s most expensive street and “Billionaire’s Row”, reinforces the neighbourhoods’ global reputation as a highly desirable residential area.

Encapsulating the elevated lifestyle of the area, 100 Kensington is a lifestyle-led residential development where privacy and exclusivity are paramount.

It presents a rare opportunity for homebuyers to reside in a new landmark – one that not only includes world-class residential amenities but also boasts proximity to some of London’s most exclusive bars, restaurants and shopping and leisure activities.

Rebecca Thompson, Sales Director at SevenCapital said:

“100 Kensington boasts the tallest residential building in the Royal Borough, offering residents an exclusive front-row seat to spectacular views across London’s most iconic skylines – one that is truly unrivalled. It’s not just a residence; it’s a new landmark.”

High Demand from International Buyers

London has always been a hotspot for wealthy international buyers, particularly from the Middle East, the US, and Asia. Factors such as a stable political environment, favourable property ownership laws, and London’s status as a global financial and business hub contribute to sustained demand from overseas investors.

Recent research by Benham and Reeves, based on Land Registry data, has shown that despite significant changes in the UK’s political landscape and new tax policies, foreign homeownership still rose by 2.6% from the previous year, particularly in the Capital, with almost 27% of the total London properties sold in Q1 2024 acquired by foreign buyers, recording a 3% YoY rise. That data showed a huge preference for areas such as Kensington and Chelsea, Mayfair and Knightsbridge.

The research highlighted the sustained demand from Hong Kong buyers, which had increased 5.7% year-on-year. Similarly, there was a 5.5% year-on-year increase in homebuyers from the USA and a 12.9% rise in Chinese homebuyers – the largest among the top 20 nations.

Strong Investment Potential

Luxury apartments in Kensington are seen as a safe and secure asset and, with a history of resilient property values, buyers view property in the area as a long-term investment -whether for capital appreciation or high-end rental income.

While demand for apartments in Kensington has surged, so too has demand for rental properties in the area, reinforcing the desirability of the borough amongst buyers and renters alike. According to the Office of National Statistics, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea saw a significant rise in rental income in the 12 months to February 2025. Private rents rose to an average of £3,643 per month in February 2025, an annual increase of 12.1% from £3,249 in February 2024. This was higher than the rise in London (9.9%) over the year.

Historical Appeal and Royal Connections

Kensington and Chelsea gained Royal borough status back in 1901, with Kensington Palace housing several members of the British royal family since the 17th century, including Princess Diana, and more recently Prince William and Princess Catherine. It is still actively used as a royal residence to this day and its gardens are a popular relaxation spot for residents and tourists alike.

Top-Tier Education

Proximity to world-renowned educational institutions makes an attractive choice for families and international buyers seeking the best for their children, and Kensington certainly does not disappoint.

The borough is home to some of the best state schools in London, including Kensington Primary School and Holland Park School – both rated “outstanding” by Ofsted – as well as private schools, such as Thomas’s Kensington, Pembridge Hall and Wetherby-Pembridge.

Further education is also well catered for in Kensington. Imperial College London, renowned for its science, engineering, medicine, and business programs, consistently ranks among the world’s best, whilst the Royal College of Art, a leading institution for art and design, attracts students aiming for careers in London’s creative industries.

The historic Royal College of Music, one of Europe’s top conservatoires, has been training musicians since 1883 and is located across from the famous Royal Albert Hall.

World-Class Shopping and Dining

Kensington offers some of the best shopping and dining in the UK, with Kensington High Street being a popular destination in West London . This lively street is home to a variety of shopping options, from high-end fashion boutiques to well-known brands and independent shops, including Massimo Dutti, Urban Outfitters, and Zara.

Just a short distance from the high street is Knightsbridge, home to two of the world’s most prestigious department stores: Harrods and Harvey Nichols, both of which feature luxury fashion, home goods, jewellery, and more. Sloane Street, nearby, is lined with iconic fashion labels such as Valentino, Gucci, Armani, and Louis Vuitton.

Kensington also boasts 9 Michelin Starred restaurants, with more than 50 Michelin Starred restaurants within the wider area, still within close proximity. Independent eateries and cafes offer an eclectic mix of cuisines, whilst local wine shops such as Jeroboams offer regular wine tasting events.

Green Spaces and Lifestyle Benefits

Despite being in the heart of London, Kensington offers and abundance of lush green spaces like Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, and Holland Park. The mix of urban convenience with access to nature is highly appealing to affluent buyers looking for a balance between city life and tranquillity.

Holland Park is a tranquil green oasis in West London, renowned for its landscaped gardens, and the serene Kyoto Garden, offering a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. It includes the famous Japanese Kyoto Garden, plenty of sports facilities, cafes and children’s playgrounds, making it a popular choice for nature lovers, families and sports enthusiasts alike.

Hyde Park, London’s largest royal park, lies just less than 2 miles from 100 Kensington apartments and hosts two art galleries, a dedicated open-air events space as well as the renowned annual Winter Wonderland. Its famous Serpentine Lake features boating hire and its very own swimming area complete with a charming café and glorious views.

Regeneration

Kensington is in line for a bright future, with the proposed Earls Court Regeneration set to transform the area further. The 40-acre scheme will include vast public open and green spaces as well as 2.5million sq. ft of workspace focused on clean and climate tech, and three new cultural venues. Once complete, the Earls Court regeneration will provide up to 100 new cafes, restaurants and shops for residents of West Kensington.

According to recent research by JLL, property prices in areas surrounding tech hubs increased 15% over the London average in the three years following the announcement of a new occupier.

Luxury Apartments in Kensington

Kensington remains a top-tier destination for luxury homebuyers due to its combination of history, prestige, prime location, and world-class amenities. Whether for lifestyle, investment, or prestige, demand for high-end apartments in this iconic London district shows no signs of slowing down.

100 Kensington presents a new horizon. Boasting perfectly landscaped private gardens, world-class on-site amenities and an impressive 29-storey residential tower – the tallest to be built in this prestigious neighbourhood – this is a rare opportunity to live in a new landmark, overlooking this storied, royal neighbourhood.

Find out more about 100 Kensington, its amenities and register your interest, here.