The Ultimate Guide to Buying Property in Knightsbridge

20-June-2024
20-June-2024 14:40
in Private clients
by Sam Hodgson
Buying Property in Knightsbridge

Knightsbridge is quintessentially prime central London (PCL), epitomising luxury and exclusivity in one of the world's most desirable residential property markets.

At Clifton Private Finance, we proudly guide discerning clients through the nuances of this prestigious market, providing tailored financial solutions and expert insights.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the latest Knightsbridge property trends, pricing dynamics, and the unparalleled amenities that make this neighbourhood a crown jewel of prime central London property.

Our mortgage brokers specialise in high-value transactions, ensuring you capitalise on the exceptional opportunities Knightsbridge presents.

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Table of Contents

Knightsbridge Property Market Overview

Knightsbridge Rental Market

Prime London Property Market Forecast

Amenities and Attractions in Knightsbridge

How to Finance PCL Knightsbridge Property

Knightsbridge Property Market Overview

Knightsbridge remains the second most expensive area in London, attracting discerning buyers seeking the pinnacle of luxury properties. In 2023, this exclusive market witnessed an impressive 16 property sales exceeding £10 million, the highest number across the entire city. Let’s break down some of the data, provided by Coutts’s London Prime Property Index Q4 2023:

Sales Volume and Trends

Despite its exclusivity, Knightsbridge experienced a remarkable 15.8% annual growth in sales volume, underscoring the enduring allure of this prime neighbourhood. However, the market dynamics reveal intriguing trends across different price bands.

Price Bands and Averages Properties

Priced below £1 million saw an average sales price of £1,348 per square foot, reflecting an 18.2% decrease compared to the previous year. This could indicate a recalibration of buyer expectations in the entry-level segment.

The £1 million to £10 million price range, which captures a significant portion of Knightsbridge's luxury properties, saw an average of £1,891 per square foot, with a modest 4.2% decline.

For the ultra-luxury segment, properties priced above £10 million commanded an average of £2,271 per square foot, showing a slight 0.7% increase, suggesting resilience in demand for Knightsbridge's most exclusive offerings.

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Discounts and Time on Market

 A noteworthy trend is the average discount offered on sold properties, reflecting the negotiating dynamics in Knightsbridge's market:

  • Under £1 million: 13.1% discount
  • £1 million to £10 million: 11.6% discount
  • £10 million+: 64.9% discount

The time properties spent on the market before sale also varied, with the ultra-luxury segment taking longer to find buyers, likely due to the more rarefied pool of prospective purchasers.

Knightsbridge Rental Market

Despite recent slowdowns, the annual rental growth across the PCL property market remains noteworthy. It has slowed to 1.1%, which is the lowest rate since August 2021. However, it’s essential to recognise that this growth is still 28.3% above pre-pandemic levels.

This is the case also in Knightsbridge, according the Coutts’s London Prime Property Index, in 2023 there was a 3.51% average gross rental yield. Additionally, throughout the PCL property market, the supply of properties available to let has surged, with a substantial 20.3% year-on-year increase. This influx of available properties provides renters with more options.

Despite recent challenges (Brexit, the pandemic, and global uncertainties), buyers have remained active. It is certainly a compelling PCL property market for both domestic, UK, buyers and international buyers.

Prime London Property Market Forecast

The PCL property market has faced headwinds, with house prices experiencing a 2.8% year-on-year decline. However, it’s essential to recognise that the fundamentals of what attract buyers to central London remain strong. London’s status as a global financial hub, excellent transport links, iconic landmarks, and renowned educational institutions contribute to demand.

In fact, Savills predicts that PCL will be the only prime market to avoid price declines in 2024, with an anticipated growth of 3.5%.

Amenities and Attractions in Knightsbridge

Beyond the exceptional properties, Knightsbridge boasts a wealth of world-class amenities and attractions that contribute to its allure:

  • Harrods: The iconic department store is a landmark destination for luxury shopping and dining. It’s grand façade and elegant interiors house an unparalleled collection of luxury goods, from haute couture to exquisite jewellery
  • Hyde Park: Residents enjoy proximity to one of London's most beloved green spaces. This sprawling green expanse invites leisurely strolls, picnics, and serene moments by the Serpentine. From boating on the lake to attending open-air concerts, Hyde Park offers respite from the bustling city.
  • Museums: The Natural History Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum are cultural treasures.
  • Luxury Retail: Sloane Street and Brompton Road are home to high-end boutiques and designer brands. Here, you’ll find flagship stores of renowned fashion houses—Chanel, Dior, and Prada—lined up like a glittering catwalk.
  • Michelin-Starred Dining: Knightsbridge hosts several acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurants. From Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester to Zuma’s contemporary Japanese fare, food enthusiasts can savour diverse flavours in elegant settings.

How to Finance PCL Knightsbridge Property

Investing in Knightsbridge's exclusive property market requires securing appropriate financing. Clifton Private Finance offers bespoke finance solutions tailored to your long-term plans and investment objectives, including interest-only mortgage options that allow you to pay only the interest portion of the loan during the mortgage term, providing flexibility and cash flow management.

Our experienced mortgage brokers specialise in high-value property transactions in Prime Central London, ensuring you secure the most favourable terms and competitive interest rates for your Knightsbridge investment.

With comprehensive consultations, exclusive lender partnerships, bespoke mortgage structuring, and ongoing support from our dedicated team, Clifton Private Finance is your trusted partner for navigating Knightsbridge's property market.

Whether you're a UK buyer, an international investor, or seeking to remortgage your existing property, our tailored solutions can unlock the full potential of your Knightsbridge prime central property aspirations.

Call us at 0203 900 4322 or book a consultation to explore the opportunities awaiting you in the PCL property market.

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