From photogenic streets lined with huge mansions to elegant manors that are the picture of timeless charm, the richest areas in London will offer a peek into luxury living. ECA International revealed in 2023 that London is the fourth most expensive city in the world! Though we all know about the city’s rich history and culture, the posh areas are bound to leave you in awe. These wealthy neighborhoods in London are some of the fine examples of magnificent architecture, amazing style, and cutting-edge amenities that all come together to create an outstanding living experience. If the luxe and bling of the Big Smoke always pique your interest, why wait? Let’s take this ride to explore the most expensive neighborhoods in London!
Top 11 Posh Areas in London
Whether you are planning on just visiting the city or looking for rich neighborhoods to move to, here is a list of the top 11 posh parts of London. From Knightsbridge and Kensington, with their Georgian and Victorian-inspired architecture, to the very popular Notting Hill, which will make you feel like the main character of a movie, check out our list.
1. Knightsbridge
Best Known for: Exclusive shops and department stores like Harrods, Harvey Nichols
Tourist Attractions: Victoria and Albert Museum, Harrods, Wellington Arch
Average Home Purchase Ranges: £3 million - £25 million
Cost of Living: Rent would cost around £2,000, and you can spend a comfortable life on £3,500
If you're interested in London's richest area, Knightsbridge is renowned for its wealth and luxurious lifestyle. Known for its high-end shopping and dining experiences, Knightsbridge is lined with exquisite restaurants, designer stores, and exclusive boutiques, making it one of the richest areas in London. Being one of the posh parts of London, it boasts numerous luxury apartment buildings offering sophisticated living options. Knightsbridge also ranks among the richest places in London in terms of property values. There are a number of aesthetically pleasing and yet expensive boutiques to remind you of the chic surroundings to give you the feel of royalty. Plus, this rich area in London is also home to A-listers like Tom Hardy, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Kylie Minogue. While you are here, do not miss some of the unique and quirky restaurants in London!
2. Kensington
Best Known for: Victorian and Georgian architecture
Tourist Attractions: Natural History Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum
Average Home Purchase Ranges: £2 million - £30 million
Cost of Living: A single person's estimated monthly costs are £1,087 without rent, and the energy bill is around £153.04.
Kensington, a part of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, is one of the best places to live and the richest places in London. Beyond its royal and historical significance, the upscale homes and mansion flats contribute to its unparalleled charm. It is one of the old money areas of London, and Madonna, David Beckham, and Elton John are reported to live there. Moreover, some of London's most beautiful garden squares, such as Holland Park and Kensington Gardens, offer residents tranquil green spaces in the heart of the city. Kensington is full of luxury homes with special amenities, underscoring its status as an affluent London district. You can also find apartments designed in Georgian and Victorian style. If you wish to feed your aesthetic hunger, you must visit this richest area in London!
3. Chelsea
Best Known for: Affluent residential areas, high-end shopping, world-renowned football team, and beautiful gardens
Tourist Attractions: Stamford Bridge, Saatchi Gallery, Chelsea Physic Garden
Average Home Purchase Ranges: £2 million to over £15 million
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Chelsea, London, is high, with average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment around £2,000 and basic utilities costing approximately £150 per month.
Located on the River Thames, Chelsea is a vibrant posh area of London, long associated with style and elegance. You might have heard of Stamford Bridge, which is not only one of the best stadiums in the UK but also the home to much-revered Chelsea F.C.! On top of that, it is the richest borough in London widely popular for its fashionable boutiques, trendy restaurants, and vibrant art galleries. The famous Chelsea Flower Show attracts gardeners from all around the world. This posh London district’s charm lies in its combination of rich history and contemporary urban living. Undoubtedly, Chelsea makes it to the list of the poshest places in London because, who knows you might bump into Eric Clapton or Rowan Atkinson? Of course, it is one of the richest neighborhoods in London when it comes to real estate, the eclectic mix of architectural styles, from Georgian townhouses to stylish apartments to modern homes.
4. Mayfair
Best Known for: Luxurious shops, excellent restaurants, exclusive hotels, unique art galleries, and traditional pubs
Tourist Attractions: Grosvenor Square, The Palm Beach Casino, Savile Row
Average Home Purchase Ranges: £4 million - £20 million
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Mayfair, London, is high, with average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment around £2,500-£3,000 and dining out costs averaging £50-£100 per person per meal.
Mayfair is a synonym for class and wealth, also making this one of the richest areas in London. It is not only one of the posh places in London but also one of the best neighborhoods in London for many reasons, owing to the avenues lined with grand homes and opulent apartments to exquisite Georgian buildings. The proximity of popular attractions like Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace boosts the area's appeal. Mayfair generally ranks as one of London's richest areas and has been catching the attention of investors and celebrities for decades. Being in one of the most expensive areas in London, it is renowned for its luxury shopping stores, Michelin-starred restaurants, and exclusive private membership clubs.
5. Hampstead
Best Known for: Intellectual, liberal, artistic, musical, and literary associations
Tourist Attractions: Hampstead High Street, Burgh House, Holly Bush
Average Home Purchase Ranges: £2 million - £20 million
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Hampstead, London, is generally high, with average monthly expenses for rent ranging from £1,500 to £3,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Additional living expenses such as groceries, transportation, and leisure activities can amount to approximately £800 to £1,200 per month.
Hampstead is one of the posh parts of London, with peaceful green surroundings that serve as a welcome break from the city's rush. Though it’s one of the most expensive neighborhoods in London, Hampstead is where Helena Bonham Carter, Ricky Gervais, and Liam Gallagher found their abode. Thanks to its green streets and beautiful intellectual environment, the area has always drawn artists, writers, and creators. Being one of the rich areas in London, Hampstead features elegant Georgian, Victorian, and landscape-integrated modern villas. This posh area in London boasts many of the best restaurants in London, making it one of the most desirable neighborhoods on earth.
6. Belgravia
Best Known for: Elegant Georgian architecture, high-end boutiques, and exclusive restaurants
Tourist Attractions: Ian Fleming Blue Plaque, The Grenadier, Walk the Embassies
Average Home Purchase Ranges: £3 million - £30 million
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Belgravia, London, is high. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from £2,000 to £3,000, and dining out at mid-range restaurants costs around £50 to £100 per person.
Belgravia, being one of the richest parts of London, is the height of elegance that features majestic white stucco homes and prestigious garden squares. It's so close to Buckingham Palace that you might even see a royal wave! It makes sense that this posh area in London would serve as the setting for stories of generosity and high society in both literature and movies. Residents in one of these expensive parts of London enjoy having access to upscale stores, including boutique fashion houses and designer showrooms. Crowned as one of the luxurious neighborhoods in London, Belgravia is also an ideal place for you if you love charming independent bookstores. In addition, this rich area in London is thriving with a dynamic environment – you can indulge in a world of culinary delights and immerse yourself in cultural riches at nearby museums and galleries.
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7. Notting Hill
Best Known for: Most desirable and Instagrammable areas, with iconic pastel-coloured houses and a thriving market
Tourist Attractions: Holland Park, Graffik Gallery, Electric Cinema
Average Home Purchase Ranges: £2 million - £30 million
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Notting Hill, London, is high, with average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranging from £1,500 to £2,500. Dining out can be pricey, with meals at mid-range restaurants costing around £15 to £30 per person.
Thanks to the well-known movie of the same name, this posh area in London, located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, has gained international recognition. The vibrant streets and varied ambience of Notting Hill in the film inspired the romance in the story itself! Of course, the fame of Notting Hill goes far beyond its popularity in films because it is one of the poshest places and affluent areas in London. Though Hugh Grant and David Beckham are rumored to have resided in this rich area in London, the diverse population appeals to many. Moreover, one of Europe's biggest street festivals, the vibrant Notting Hill Carnival, brings the streets to life with buzzing music, vibrant costumes, and mouth-watering street cuisine, making it one of the richest areas in London. Of course, like seen in the movie, the quaint bookstores add charm to the area, as well as some of the best libraries in London nearby.
8. St. John's Wood
Best Known for: Lord's Cricket Ground and Abbey Road Studios
Tourist Attractions: Hyde Park, Primrose Hill, St John's Wood Church Grounds
Average Home Purchase Ranges: £2 million - £15 million
Cost of Living: The cost of living in St. John's Wood, London, is relatively high, with average monthly rents for a one-bedroom apartment ranging from £1,500 to £2,500. Other expenses like groceries, dining out, and transportation are also on the higher side compared to other areas in the city.
This is one of the posh parts of London, with calm, green surroundings, and is a pleasant getaway from the rush of city life. Not to mention that it is close to the wonderful Regent's Park, where you can enjoy scenic walks and embrace nature. St. John’s Wood’s beauty offers more than tranquil green spaces. This richest area in London gives you the opportunity to find your casa in chic apartment buildings with a range of living arrangements. Of course, it has become one of the most expensive neighborhoods in London for a reason: its proximity to central business districts and local hotspots ensures desirable amenities for luxurious properties. Needless to say, St. John's Wood achieves a perfect mix of giving an escape and remaining connected and conveniently situated for all of your needs, making it one of the richest parts of London.
9. Primrose Hill
Best Known for: Pastel-coloured houses that line the park and for the fantastic views from the top of the hill
Tourist Attractions: Go Blue Plaque Spotting, Buckingham Palace, British Museum
Average Home Purchase Ranges: £2 million - £10 million
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Primrose Hill, London, is relatively high. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment can range from £1,500 to £2,500 per month, while dining out may cost around £40-£60 for a meal for two. Utilities and transportation expenses add up to approximately £150-£200 per month.
Apart from being one of the rich areas in London, Primrose Hill is also a creative retreat that draws celebrities, artists, and others looking for a peaceful escape. This posh area in London features symmetrical facades, decorative details like cornices and bay windows, and pastel or cream paints, making it one of the must-visit places for anyone studying at the best architecture schools in the world. However, there’s a lot more to the breathtaking architecture; you can get swept away by the amazing cafés, where you can have a cup of tasty coffee while soaking up the atmosphere of the rich area in London. The charming village feel, narrow streets lined with Victorian terraces, and the slowed pace of life offer you the chance to uncover hidden gems in the richest part of London.
10. Richmond
Best Known for: Tranquil riverside location, historic houses, and one of London's biggest green spaces
Tourist Attractions: Richmond Park, Richmond Bridge, The Royal Botanic Gardens (Kew Gardens)
Average Home Purchase Ranges: £1 million - £6 million
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Richmond, Virginia, typically includes expenses such as rent, which can range from $900 to $1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, and around $700 to $1,200 outside the city center. Other costs like groceries, utilities, and transportation add up to an average monthly expenditure of $2,000 to $3,000 for a single person.
The expansive Richmond Park, with its enchanting herds of deer and dreamlike vistas, is sure to captivate you, making it one of the richest areas in London. This tranquil neighborhood is situated opposite the River Thames, offering stunning views and lovely riverside walks that are sure to take your breath away. Whether you're seeking inspiration or moments of peace, this posh area in London has it all. The housing options in Richmond cater to a range of preferences, from elegant vintage homes exuding timeless appeal to modern condos and riverside apartments. Beyond its natural beauty, this richest part of London boasts a lively town center filled with luxury shops and fantastic restaurants. Whether you're in the mood for high-end fashion, fine dining, or a cozy spot for a cup of tea, this posh area in London has you covered. It underscores its status as one of the most expensive places to live in London!
11. City of Westminster
Best Known for: Being the political hub of the United Kingdom, housing the Houses of Parliament
Tourist Attractions: Houses of Parliament, National Gallery, Tate Britain
Average Home Purchase Ranges: £2 million - £10 million
Cost of Living: The cost of living in the City of Westminster, London, is generally high. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from £1,500 to £2,500 per month. Additionally, basic utilities and groceries may amount to around £200 to £300 per month for a single person.
The City of Westminster is recognized as one of the rich areas in London for a variety of reasons. It includes some of the upscale neighborhoods in London, such as Mayfair, Belgravia, and Knightsbridge, which are known for their luxury boutiques, fine dining establishments, and high-end real estate. This concentration of wealth contributes to its reputation as one of the poshest areas in London. Additionally, the City of Westminster is home to numerous iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey and celebrities like David Cameron, Robert Pattinson, and Dua Lipa. Though it is extensively known for its landmarks, tourism further enhances the local economy and shapes it as one of the richest parts of London.
From fancy mansions to beautiful townhouses, these posh neighborhoods in London represent the highest levels of wealth and comfort. The stunning architecture, peaceful surroundings, and access to exclusive amenities make these places truly special. If you are also dreaming of living in any of these richest areas in London, don’t forget to check out the top tips for moving to London. Of course, you have nothing to worry about your accommodation as long as you book with amber. Affordable accommodation options in the richest part of London will not only shape your dreams but also change the way you perceive your life. Meanwhile, don’t forget to let us know in the comments in which of these richest places in London you would like to stay!
