Prime buyer demand across London’s high-end housing market strengthened during the second quarter of 2026, with family-focused neighbourhoods leading the recovery despite continued economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
The latest Prime London Demand Index from Benham and Reeves found that demand for homes priced between £2m and £10m rose to 14.5% during the second quarter, up one percentage point on the previous quarter and 2.2% higher than a year earlier.
The research measures demand by the proportion of homes listed for sale that have already been sold subject to contract.
Clapham recorded the strongest level of demand, with almost half (47.6%) of prime homes securing a buyer. Wandsworth (43.3%), Chiswick (37.8%), Putney (32.5%) and Islington (32.4%) also ranked among the strongest-performing markets.
ENCOURAGING PERFORMANCE
Clapham also recorded the biggest quarterly improvement in buyer activity, followed by Wandsworth, Barnes, Maida Vale and Chiswick, suggesting family-oriented areas continue to outperform more traditional prime central London locations.
The super-prime market also strengthened, albeit more modestly. Demand for homes priced above £10m increased to 3.7% during the quarter, with Pimlico recording the highest level of activity after half of all properties in the price bracket found a buyer. Maida Vale, Highgate, Chelsea, Knightsbridge and St John’s Wood also saw notable levels of demand.
Marc von Grundherr (main picture, inset), Director of Benham and Reeves, says: “Considering the economic and geopolitical uncertainty that has persisted through the first half of the year, the performance of London’s prime property market during the second quarter has been particularly encouraging.
“What stands out is the continued strength of the capital’s established family markets. Areas such as Clapham, Wandsworth, Chiswick, and Barnes are proving especially popular with buyers who remain committed to securing quality homes in desirable locations, despite wider market uncertainty.”
ATTRACTIVE DESTINATION
And he adds: “We’ve also seen the super-prime market continue to hold firm. While activity at the very top end of the market can fluctuate significantly due to lower transaction volumes, demand remains present and buyers continue to engage when the right opportunities become available.
“London’s global appeal remains one of its greatest strengths. Whether purchasing a family home, a long-term investment, or a trophy asset, buyers continue to view the capital as a safe and attractive destination.
“As a result, we expect demand across both the prime and super-prime sectors to remain resilient through the second half of the year.”
