New analysis from prime London property brokerage Jefferies London reveals that foreign ownership of high-end London homes has increased over the past year, with Westminster recording the highest number of properties registered to overseas nationals.
Jefferies London examined the latest figures on foreign homeownership across the prime London market and found that the number of properties registered to individuals with an overseas correspondence address rose by 3.9% year-on-year, reaching nearly 64,000. In prime central London specifically, foreign ownership grew by 4.7%.
Among the prime central boroughs, Westminster remains the most popular, with 6,582 properties registered to foreign owners — the highest total and a 6.4% annual increase. Kensington and Chelsea ranked second with 4,002 foreign-owned properties, although its growth rate was more modest at 2.8%.
Hammersmith and Fulham saw the second-largest increase in foreign ownership, rising by 4.4% over the year and hosting 2,987 properties owned by foreign nationals.
Meanwhile, Camden and the City of London both posted a 4.2% rise, although Camden recorded a much higher volume of foreign-owned homes (2,349) compared to the City (647).
Hong Kong nationals remain the most prominent group among foreign owners in prime central London, accounting for 17% of foreign-owned properties. Other leading nationalities include Singapore (9%), China (7%), the United States (7%), and the UAE (6%).
“Prime central London has always been the crown jewel of global real estate, so it's no surprise it continues to attract high-end buyers worldwide, even with the rise of alternative markets like Dubai," said Damien Jefferies, Founder of Jefferies London, "While much of the demand stems from Asia, U.S. buyers also represent a significant segment — one we expect to grow further with Trump back in office.”
