Why prime central London continues to be a favourite of Indian investors

Property advice | 03.06.2024 | Benham and Reeves

For decades, wealthy Indians have been drawn to London’s cosmopolitan lifestyle, luxurious mansions, world-class shopping and entertainment.

Whether in search of investment properties for capital growth or holiday homes that serve as a base to holiday in Europe during the sweltering Indian summers — affluent Indians look to own a property in London, particularly in Prime Central London (‘PCL’), for the following reasons:

• To build a global property portfolio
• Benefit from consistent rental income together with continued capital growth
• Use as a vacation or transit home whilst on business or leisure

Some Indian investors also regard property investment in PCL as a trophy asset.

High-demand areas in prime central London

Prime Central London (PCL) is loosely described as the area surrounding Hyde Park, extending from Fitzrovia in the East to Holland Park (West Kensington) in the West.

Most high-net-worth Indian investors seek new developments with round the clock concierge services and modern amenities. In contrast, some prefer beautiful period homes in areas such as Hyde Park, Mayfair , Knightsbridge, Chelsea, Marylebone and South Kensington.

Cultural and tourist hub

Indian families prefer to live in central London neighbourhoods close to some of the world’s top shopping streets including Oxford Street, Regent Street and Kensington High Street. Nearly half a million tourists visit these areas every day.

Indian families prefer to live in central London neighbourhoods close to some of the world’s top shopping streets including Oxford Street, Regent Street and Kensington High Street. Nearly half a million tourists visit these areas every day.

Excellent Transport Links

With the recent Crossrail launch and plenty of Tube stations around Prime Central London travel around the Capital has never been easier. To travel beyond London, Eurostar services from King’s Cross St Pancras can take you straight to Paris in a couple of hours while Heathrow Airport is a an hour’s drive away.

Why Prime Central London

Wealthy Indians look to diversify their investment portfolio in PCL as the affluent, leafy neighbourhoods offer a lifestyle like no other, with picturesque streets lined with spacious mansions and some of London’s prestigious schools.

Budgets in this upscale neighbourhoods range considerably, from just under a million pounds for a buy-to-let for an investor wanting to add a new apartment to their portfolio to upwards of £10 million for a gorgeous London home.

Some of the PCL property markets are also driven by wealthy Indian students looking for a house in the Capital each September.

Here to help you

Since the onset of Summer holidays in India and in London, the Benham & Reeves offices in both countries are seeing a noticeable increase in enquiries from India.

If you want to buy a holiday home at Baker Street/Mayfair, or are relocating to London or want to expand your real estate portfolio, let the Benham & Reeves team help you find your dream home. Contact our local offices in Delhi and Mumbai or reach out to any of our 19 branches in London for additional information.