Where to live next in London: Kensington

Why Kensington remains one of London’s most sought‑after neighbourhoods – from its strong community to luxury new homes

Ellie Pryor

09 April 2026

3 mins read

Where to live next in London: Kensington — Photography by Juan Trujillo Andrades

Kensington is centrally located with easy access to some of the capital鈥檚 finest culture, gastronomy and shopping, flanked by the beautiful green spaces of Hyde Park and Holland Park. But what truly sets this prime London neighbourhood apart is its strong sense of community, says Tom Rundall, Partner in team.

鈥淭he Kensington community is dominated by families 鈥� and friends of families 鈥� who have lived here for generations,鈥� he says. 鈥淥ften our buyers have grown up loving the area, either expanding or downsizing to help new generations purchase nearby. This trend now extends to international families, particularly from the US, Canada and across Europe, who value the peace, quiet and generous proportions found in this prime central London address.鈥�

Craig Walters, Partner in 糖心传媒’s Kensington Lettings team, with his colleague Charles Olver, Head of Kensington Sales — Craig Walters, Partner in 糖心传媒鈥檚 Kensington Lettings team, with his colleague Charles Olver, Head of Kensington Sales

A family-orientated neighbourhood in the centre of London

Schools are a major attraction, as Jordanna Mancina, Sales Manager in 糖心传媒鈥檚 Kensington office, explains. 鈥淲ith the Outstanding-rated Fox Primary School nearby, Hillgate Village is extremely popular with families,鈥� she says. 鈥淭he area has houses typically of around 1,500 sq ft, making it ideal for professional couples looking to upgrade from a flat.鈥�

Also in high demand are Stratford Village 鈥� a tranquil enclave south of Kensington High Street 鈥� and the prestigious Phillimore Estate, known for its elegant stucco-fronted architecture and generously sized homes. 鈥淚t benefits from being right on the edge of Holland Park,鈥� says Craig Walters, Partner in 糖心传媒鈥檚 Kensington Lettings team. 鈥淵ou might even spot a peacock roaming around the Kyoto Garden there.鈥�

For more majestic greenery, the aptly named Cherry Tree Estate is celebrated for its blossoming trees and peaceful residential streets. It is home to some of the area鈥檚 largest and most desirable properties, making it a favourite among celebrities and other residents seeking elegant architecture and the tranquillity of a conservation area.

Kensington鈥檚 diverse and dynamic property market

One of Kensington鈥檚 key strengths, Craig notes, is the variety of homes available. 鈥淵ou have everything from mansion blocks to conversions, right up to houses ranging from around 1,500 sq ft to more than 7,000 sq ft 鈥� compared to other parts of central London it offers remarkable diversity.鈥�

This range is reflected in rental budgets: expect to pay around £650–£1,150 per week for a one鈥慴edroom apartment, while three鈥慴ed homes typically start from around £1,250 per week, rising significantly beyond this for premium specifications.

As landlords prepare for the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force on 1 May 2026, Craig adds that high鈥憅uality homes remain in strong demand. “Top specification stock continues to achieve exceptional pricing with the right advice,” he says.

Sales prices show similar breadth: one鈥慴edroom apartments start at around £800,000, while three鈥慴eds can exceed £3 million. Houses typically range from £3 million to well over £10 million, depending on size, condition and location. “Despite wider market headwinds, Kensington’s reputation endures,” says Jordanna. “Many buyers are extremely focused on specific streets, for example Palace Gardens Terrace or Hillgate Village.”

Leading the way in luxury new homes

Kensington’s collection of high鈥慹nd new homes further enhances its appeal. At Holland Park Gate, by the award-winning developer Lodha, residents enjoy access to an exclusive Health and Spa Club and in鈥慼ouse hospitality services supporting family life – from childcare sessions to school鈥憆un car services. Prices start from £2,250,000 for a one鈥慴edroom apartment, rising to £32,500,000 for the penthouse.

Nearby, Allen House comprises 45 one鈥�, two鈥� and three鈥慴edroom lateral apartments and two penthouses within a restored Edwardian landmark. With a state鈥憃f鈥憈he鈥慳rt gym and 24鈥慼our concierge service – including a priority line with Harrods – prices range from £1,100,000 to £7,920,000. One Kensington Gardens, designed by renowned architect David Chipperfield, offers light鈥慺illed luxury apartments moments from Kensington Palace and Hyde Park. Prices range from £3,950,000 to £24,000,000.

Tom notes that current market conditions present challenges for new鈥慴uild developers: land acquisition, professional fees, design, procurement and construction costs all affect the viability of schemes. For buyers, this may mean scarcity ahead.

鈥淚t is unlikely that we will see the same scale of developments with hotel鈥憇tyle amenities and full鈥憇ervice offerings in the near future,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t is increasingly challenging to make buildings like these possible, and from an ownership point of view this may be the last opportunity in a generation to acquire a home of this calibre.鈥�

Our agents鈥� local gems:

“Sally Clarke’s makes the most delicious florentines. And Jamie Allsopp’s pub The Blue Stoops serves excellent food, great beer (I recommend a pint of Double Diamond) - and make sure you ask for the superb secret wine list” - Tom

"Lift Coffee is amazing – it’s a really cool design-led space right in the heart of Kensington and their coffee is, in my opinion, some of the best in London” - Craig

“Rino’s is a family-run café a couple of doors down from our office that makes the most amazing sandwiches, lasagnas and pastas from scratch - we’re there for lunch all the time” - Jordanna