Greeting from London, it has been a while since last post. Prime Central London property is navigating a significant downturn, with prices falling from recent peaks—some homes now selling for less than a decade ago. Sellers are accepting losses amid high taxes like Stamp Duty, budget uncertainty including potential mansion tax, elevated interest rates, and an exodus of wealthy buyers. This has led to cautious buyers, longer sales periods, and downward valuations by surveyors.
The encouraging truth is that deep-pocketed buyers continue to regard prime London real estate as a valuable long-term asset. They are making strategic acquisitions even as broader market challenges persist—a wise reminder that resilience rewards the patient.
Notable high-value transactions over £20 million have taken place in prime areas such as St John’s Wood, Notting Hill, Mayfair, Holland Park, Westminster, and Chelsea. For instance, filmmaker George Lucas purchased a £40 million mansion in St John’s Wood through an off-market deal in September 2025, marking one of the year’s most significant residential sales. Alongside this, American buyers like tech investor Matt Cohler have acquired properties in Notting Hill, underscoring sustained foreign investment.
This landscape enables wealthy, ready buyers to negotiate last-minute discounts, often securing deals at 10% below asking prices. It fosters a bargain environment for savvy, mortgage-free buyers who act decisively. Many such opportunities arise off-market or behind the scenes.
Family offices and wealthy individuals are also acquiring London commercial office blocks, capitalizing on declining values to convert them into prime spaces—affirming long-term confidence in London as a global hub. After all, good news for borrowing costs as lower interest rates will lighten the load for HNWIs eyeing London moves, enhancing appeal for family offices and business setups amid the city’s enduring global hub status. This supports strategic property plays and service expansions, even as the Bank stays cautious on cuts
As high-end property agents, we have faced a challenging year yet remain firmly in the game. This lovely Christmas holiday offers the ideal moment for reflection and recharge. Wishing you a joyful, blessing-filled holiday and a prosperous New Year.
A new film by Netflix, ‘My Secrett Santa (2025),’ would be a great start of the Christmas week! —with confidence and optimism, see you in 2026!
Eva@evassential