Why Westminster property places you right into London’s beating heart
For home movers and investors buying property in Central London, there is no more iconic location than Westminster. Put down roots here and the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey will become the backdrop to your daily life.
As every Westminster area guide will tell you, the area is immersed in history. But it’s also a place where history is made each day. Walk the streets and you can’t avoid bumping into politicians, broadcasters and high-profile individuals from the world of business. You might even spot the occasional limousine ferrying members of the royal family to yet another public event.
An ideal location
One of the greatest advantages of living in Westminster is its central location. World renowned tourist sites, well-kept open green spaces and the busy river Thames are all within walking distance. Meanwhile the West End, Chelsea and Belgravia are just minutes away by car or public transport. Across the river, Battersea and the South Bank provide more leisure opportunities, plus a wide range of exceptional cultural experiences.
Choosing the right Westminster property
Westminster boasts some spectacular architecture. You’ll find a diverse mix of styles and periods here, from Georgian and Victorian townhouses to stunning contemporary apartments with views of the river. The grandeur of Westminster’s buildings is an apt reflection of the area’s status: at first glance everything appears to have been built on a grand scale. However, you can also discover tranquil back streets away from the hustle and bustle, where the architectural style is simpler.
Whether you are looking for a pied-a-terre, a serviced luxury penthouse or a family home, you will almost certainly find a property to match your budget and lifestyle.
A great place to eat out and enjoy life
Westminster is famous for cosy pubs like the Red Lion, where politicians gather to gossip and wind down after a day in parliament. You’ll also find a wide range of vibrant cafes and fine dining restaurants catering to international tastes.
- Stroll to the Tate Gallery at Millbank to view its impressive collection of artworks or listen to a classical concert at Westminster Abbey. Residents can also attend seasonal attractions such as Trooping the Colour at Horse Guards Parade.
- Take a short trip by car or public transport to access attractions such as the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the BFI Southbank or visit the West End’s famous shopping streets and theatres.
A world-class education
Thanks to the work of outstanding state schools and internationally renowned private institutions such as Westminster School, this area has an impressive record for education. The local council is also extremely proud of the above-average results achieved for children with special educational needs.
Extensive transport links
Westminster’s transport links are the envy of many other London boroughs as it is served by a number of underground (tube) lines and bus routes.
- Take the Circle and District and Jubilee lines from Westminster station or pick up the Northern and Bakerloo lines from nearby Embankment station.
- The Elizabeth line, available at Bond Street or Paddington stations, runs a direct service to Heathrow Airport.
- Neighbouring Victoria station offers travellers a choice between the Victoria line tube, overground trains (with fast, direct services to Gatwick Airport), national coaches and an array of buses.
- Alternative Westminster travel options include London taxis, Santander cycles and Uber’s riverboat services.
What about property prices in Westminster?
This is one of the most prestigious parts of London, so it’s not surprising to find that Westminster property comes with an appropriate price tag. Over the past year, Rightmove noted that the average property cost £1,489,179.
Naturally, prices vary depending on property type. During the past year apartments sold for an average of £1,239,991 while the average price for terrace houses was £2,832,375.
The good news for buyers is that Westminster prices have softened: this year Rightmove observed a 22 per cent drop in values when compared with peak prices achieved in 2022.
Despite economic challenges at home and abroad, the UK housing market has proved remarkably resilient. Experts have predicted that prime central London property (PCL) could see a modest rise next year, with values steadily increasing from 2027 onwards. By 2029 PCL values are forecast to grow by 9.6 to 10.01 per cent.
Where can I find out more?
Prime central London is a fast-moving and complex marketplace. That’s why home movers and investors who want to buy property in Westminster should always seek specialist help.
Daniel Cobb is a family-run business that has built its success through a customer-centred approach, and we have been handling London property sales since the 1990s. We are ideally placed to guide you through the complexities of buying a home in this sought-after area, so why not get in touch with our Westminster office today?