London Still the Prime Location for Overseas Buyers

2024-06-24

Industry News

When you take a look at all London has to offer, it’s little surprise to hear that significant numbers of international buyers consider it top of their wish list when it comes to securing a property. Homeownership in the city is proven over the long term to be an invaluable investment, whilst each borough provides a unique lifestyle choice that’s both personal and inclusive. Here, we’re going to explore why the capital continues to be such a big draw for overseas buyers…    

Cultural and International Diversity 

Over 2000 years of history has shaped London into the vibrant metropolis it is today. A cultural melting pot, over 300 languages are spoken, more than any other city in the world. This, of course, means the food you can find here is spectacular, and the theatre and music scene is always at the cutting edge. Then there’s the abundance of high-profile sporting events, meaning that, whatever the time of year, there’s something to cater for every taste. 

Business and Design 

London remains, as ever, a major business and financial hub that draws the top professionals from around the globe, from the EU, Asian and US markets, in part thanks to its business-friendly regulation. In many ways an international headquarters, Reuters recently named London the top financial centre, ahead of New York. It also has outstanding transport links, making travel in and out of the city easy to navigate.  

Meanwhile, the incredible range of diverse, historical and innovative architectural features on display across every neighbourhood mark the city out as somewhere truly special. No two places in town are the same and are often distinguished by designers and architects from various disciplines. Home to renowned design schools like the Royal College of Art, Central Saint Martins and Brunel, the forms that originate here influence what’s happening across continents. In short, what the New York Times called, ‘the design capital of the world’.    

Art and Natural Beauty 

Deeply woven into the fabric of the city, London’s art scene is the third largest in the global market, according to the 2024 Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report. The report also notes that the UK in general remains a hub for the sale of some of the world’s most valuable artworks. For many, the primary allure of the UK capital is its rich tapestry of iconic and emerging institutions, galleries and museums. 

From Big Ben to Buckingham Palace, London is home to a range of iconic buildings that, when seen up close, are nothing short of spectacular. Equally impressive, however, is the natural beauty that can be found in and around the city. London’s greenspaces are famously expansive, giving locals the room they need to relax, decompress and take a break from the rigours of daily life. Some of the most impressive include Kew Gardens, Regent’s Park, Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath. 

Tourism and Educational Excellence 

Over the course of 2024, there are an expected 39.5 million visits to the UK, coming to enjoy the country's rich history and traditions. London will draw an impressive 30 million of these tourists, keen to take in the sights, and experience the shopping, restaurants and nightlife, whilst perhaps enjoying a show in the legendary West End. There will also be unexpected moments, as this is a city that’s always evolving, never quite the same from one year to the next.

London can also claim some of the leading centres for higher education, with top-ranking universities including Imperial College London, UCL, King’s College London and London School of Economics and Political Science. The education young people obtain here carries immense value regardless of where they go next, and with such a multicultural student population, they’re guaranteed a positive, exciting and formative experience.