Private gardens are commanding premiums of more than £205,000 across prime central London as wealthy buyers continue to prioritise outdoor space in the capital’s most exclusive postcodes.
Research from Enness Global, released to coincide with this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, found that just 36% of homes currently listed for sale across prime central London offer garden space, underlining the scarcity of outdoor areas in the capital’s luxury market.
The analysis found that homes with a garden in prime central London command an average premium of £205,256 – equivalent to 18% above wider market pricing.
Across London as a whole, 52% of homes listed for sale offer a garden, with buyers paying an average premium of £68,817, or 10%, for outdoor space.
GREEN FINGERS
Chelsea topped the rankings for garden availability within prime central London, with 42.8% of homes currently listed for sale featuring private outdoor space.
Belgravia followed closely behind at 42.6%, while Notting Hill ranked third at 40.2%. Victoria (40.1%), Knightsbridge (39.2%) and Holland Park (39%) also performed strongly.
The research suggests outdoor space continues to be one of the most sought-after features among high-net-worth buyers, particularly following lifestyle shifts seen since the pandemic.
Enness Global also highlighted five key trends shaping luxury gardens across London this year, including outdoor entertaining spaces, wellness-focused gardens, naturalistic planting, garden studios and year-round outdoor living areas.
BIG INVESTMENT
Mark Latchford (main picture), Landscape Design Director at HollandGreen, says: “Prime London gardens are increasingly being viewed as true extensions of the home itself, rather than simply external space.
“We’re seeing significant investment into outdoor rooms, integrated entertaining areas and wellness-focused features that allow homeowners to use their gardens throughout the year.
“There is also a growing emphasis on softer, biodiversity-led planting schemes and more naturalistic landscapes, reflecting both changing aesthetic preferences and increasing environmental awareness amongst high-net-worth buyers.”
DESIGN SOPHISTICATION
He adds: “At the same time, flexibility remains hugely important, with demand continuing for garden studios, offices and multifunctional outdoor buildings that support modern lifestyles and hybrid working patterns.
“Overall, the most successful luxury gardens today combine functionality, wellbeing, sustainability and design sophistication into a seamless outdoor living experience.”
TOP FIVE TRENDS SHAPING HIGH-NET WORTH GARDENS IN 2026
The ‘outdoor room’
Gardens are increasingly being designed as seamless extensions of the home itself, with significant investment being directed towards outdoor kitchens, covered seating areas, built-in dining spaces and fully integrated entertaining zones that can be used throughout the year.
Rewilded and naturalistic planting
Highly manicured gardens are gradually giving way to softer, meadow-style planting schemes and biodiversity-led landscaping, reflecting growing demand for outdoor spaces that support local ecosystems whilst also delivering visual impact.
Wellness-focused outdoor spaces
Features centred around health and wellbeing continue to command strong demand within the prime market, including cold plunge pools, swim spas, outdoor showers and dedicated yoga or meditation areas.
Garden studios and flexible spaces
High-quality garden offices, studios and multi-functional outdoor buildings remain highly sought-after, with buyers continuing to prioritise flexibility and usable ancillary space within the home environment.
Evening entertaining and year-round use
Atmospheric lighting, fire pits, outdoor heating and layered landscaping are increasingly being used to create gardens that function beyond the summer months, reflecting a broader shift towards year-round outdoor living.
