10 Wealthy London Areas for Luxury Living

Some things stand the test of time and one of those is Monopoly. When Waddingtons acquired the UK licence for the boardgame in 1935, in needed to centre on the most wealthy places in London. As such, a certain piece of research was required.  

The managing director of Waddingtons, together with his secretary, travelled from Leeds to London to identify 22 locations that would feature on the board. Places we love, including Bond Street, Mayfair and Marylebone, all made the cut.  

So, are the original Monopoly locations still the most wealthy areas in London 90 years later? Or should the board be revised to include the newer richest areas in London, such as Notting Hill and Battersea? 

What is the wealthiest area of London?  

Wealth can be measured in many ways: property prices, super rich neighbours, average income, family lineage, connections and even whether your local supermarket is Fortnum & Mason. Most commonly, people living in wealthy places in London score highly on all of the above. 

Repeated research has tried to establish the high-profile locations that are synonymous with luxury and there is a ‘top ten’ that repeats itself time and time again: 

1. Belgravia 
2. Chelsea 
3. Fitzrovia 
4. Hampstead 
5. Holland Park 
6. Knightsbridge 
7. Mayfair 
8. Marylebone 
9. Notting Hill 
10. Richmond 

There are some notable mentions not on this list of wealthy areas of London, such as St John’s Wood, Regent’s Park, Sloane Square, Bloomsbury and Dulwich Village. 

Why live in a luxury property in London?  

Why not? Affluent, affable areas are often those with leafy streets that feel a world away from the urban jungle: think central London living with a more village feel. Inside, luxury properties are opulent, impressive and high tech – it’s 6* boutique hotel living on a permanent basis.  

Additionally, when you purchase a luxury property in London, you also purchase status: a coveted statement address; an asset in one of the world’s most influential capital cities, and a base in the midst of iconic landmarks, cultural institutions and financial districts. 

Types of luxury property in London to rent or buy  

Prime London is a melting pot of architectural styles, with handsome period properties dominant. Take your pick from Victorian, Georgian and Regency townhouses, ‘villa’ style homes, and mansions from the great architect Decimus Burton, Henry Holland and John Nash.  

At the other end of the spectrum are sleek penthouse apartments and modern masterpieces. Seek out Ernő Goldfinger’s 20^thcentury residences, Art Deco mansions blocks in Marylebone and Kensington, and gleaming towers at Nine Elms, Battersea and Chelsea Riverside. 

Wealthy places to live in London  

Belgravia

This is the neighbourhood of elegant squares, and Belgravia brims with prime properties. Belgrave, Eaton and Chester Squares each have a green oasis at their heart, while homes designed by Thomas Cubitt remain popular with the elite. In Belgravia, you’ll live check-by-jowl with Michelin starred restaurants, including Gordon Ramsey’s Pétrus, shop at the boutiques along Elizabeth Street and Motcomb Street, and soak up the Sloane Square lifestyle. 

Average Belgravia property prices

• Flats – £2,767,413 
• Terraced – £6,016,222 
• Semi-detached – £5,450,000 

Knightsbridge

Wealthy places in London don’t come much wealthier than Knightsbridge. Period townhouses and cute mews set along cobbled streets jostle for attention with lavish new developments, including The Knightsbridge Apartments and One Hyde Park. Knightsbridge is home to arguably the world’s most upmarket corner shop, Harrods, although Harvey Nichols might disagree. Residents enjoy Hyde Park as a close neighbour and are on the cusp of ‘museum mile’ for first-class culture. 

Average Knightsbridge property prices 

• Flats – £3,558,147 
• Terraced – £3,580,438 

Mayfair

If you have £20 million to spend, you’ll find a fantastic property in Mayfair. Lateral living is very much in favour, with ultra-generous apartments located in buildings such as The Curzon, while you’ll find quadruplex apartments along Mount Street and Park Lane. Mayfair’s proximity to Grosvenor Square, Savile Row, Old Bond Street, Claridge’s and private clubs, such as Annabel’s, ensure an ‘old money’ atmosphere is maintained, although the Halcyon Gallery and The Chancery are a nod to the contemporary.  

Average Mayfair property prices

House prices in Mayfair have an overall average value of £2,929,214  

It’s a valid point that wealthy places in London haven’t changed for generations: these neighbourhoods have remarkable staying power grounded in heritage and high quality. Excitingly, there are contenders for the crown: Battersea, Nine Elms and Notting Hill could all hold their own against Mayfair and Marylebone if the Monopoly board was ever revised.  

Looking for a luxurious property?

We are proud to sell and rent residences in the most wealthy areas of London. Contact us for a professional and private property experience and discover luxury new build homes in London – as well as many period properties.