The number of prime central London homes owned by overseas nationals has increased over the past year, with new analysis revealing a 4.7% rise in foreign ownership in the capital’s most prestigious postcodes.
According to data compiled by boutique property brokerage Jefferies London, nearly 64,000 properties across the capital are now registered to individuals with overseas correspondence addresses – a 3.9% increase year-on-year. In the prime central segment, the pace of growth is even higher, driven by sustained international demand despite economic headwinds.
Westminster leads the market with 6,582 homes now registered to foreign owners, a 6.4% rise – the steepest annual increase among the capital’s most exclusive boroughs. Kensington and Chelsea remain the second most popular location, with 4,002 titles registered to overseas individuals. However, the borough recorded the smallest year-on-year growth at 2.8%.
Hammersmith and Fulham saw the second-largest annual increase in foreign ownership, rising 4.4% to 2,987 properties. Camden and the City of London both saw 4.2% increases, though volumes differ significantly – Camden recorded 2,349 foreign-owned homes compared with 647 in the City.
HONG KONG LEADS OVERSEAS OWNERSHIP
Hong Kong nationals account for the largest share of foreign-owned homes in prime central London, representing 17% of the total. Buyers from Singapore (9%), China (7%), the United States (7%), and the United Arab Emirates (6%) also make up a significant portion of the international buyer base.
The data highlights London’s enduring appeal as a safe haven for global capital, particularly in prime neighbourhoods. Jefferies London noted that while domestic market activity has moderated in response to higher interest rates, international demand remains resilient, supported by currency advantages and the city’s political and legal stability.
JEWEL IN THE CROWN
Damien Jefferies, Founder of Jefferies London, says: “Prime central London has always been the jewel in the crown of the global property market and so it’s no surprise that it continues to attract high-end buyers from all over the world, despite growing popularity for other emerging destinations such as Dubai.”
And he adds: “Whilst this interest has predominantly come from Asia, there are a range of nationalities that make up the fabric of prime London foreign homeownership, one of which is the United States and, with Trump now back in office, we expect this segment of the market to strengthen over the coming months.”
