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The Ultimate Guide to Buying Property in St John's Wood
St John's Wood stands as a prestigious and sought-after neighbourhood, favoured by affluent families, successful professionals, and international buyers seeking a blend of urban sophistication and leafy tranquillity in Prime Central London.
This comprehensive guide explores St John's Wood's property market, delving into pricing trends, rental yields, and the exclusive amenities that make it a coveted residential destination.
Table of Contents
St John's Wood Property Prices
Typical St John's Wood Property Types
Popular St John's Wood Streets
Amenities, Schools & Attractions in St John's Wood
Comparison with Other Prime Central London Areas
How to Finance PCL St John's Wood Property
St John's Wood Property Prices and Market Trends
The property market in St John's Wood has demonstrated resilience and growth, particularly in the house sales segment. According to data sourced from Coutts’s London Prime Property Index Q4 2023:
Overall Market Performance
- The average sold price for all properties in St John's Wood was £1,631,386 from July 2022 to June 2023.
- Despite a 26.2% overall decrease in sold prices compared to the previous year, house prices increased by 12.1% to an average price per square foot of £1,604.
- This price per square foot is still 30% less than areas like Mayfair or Knightsbridge, offering relative value within Prime Central London.
House Sales
- There has been a significant increase in house sales, with volumes up by 41% and values up by 12% year-on-year.
- This growth demonstrates the area's appeal, particularly for larger properties with outdoor space.
Flat Market
- The market for flats has seen a decrease in volumes and values, with sales down by 14.1% year-on-year.
- This trend may reflect changing preferences towards larger living spaces and private gardens.
Price Trends by Property Type
- Detached Properties: Average selling price of £6,931,047
- Semi-Detached Properties: Average selling price of £5,667,000
- Terraced Properties: Average selling price of £4,835,217
- Flats: Average selling price of £1,005,871
Recent Market Indicators
Recent market indicators paint a nuanced picture of St John's Wood's property landscape. While prices have experienced a slight dip from their 2022 peak, falling by 2.7%, the area continues to demonstrate resilience in the face of broader economic challenges.
- The property market has seen a notable shift in dynamics, with annual sales volume growth declining by 22.4%. This slowdown in transaction activity might be attributed to various factors, including economic uncertainty and potential buyers adopting a more cautious approach. Despite this, properties that do come to market are still achieving strong prices, albeit with an average discount of 9.0% on asking prices.
- For investors, the average gross rental yield of 4.72% remains attractive, especially considering St John's Wood's prime location and enduring appeal. This yield suggests that rental properties in the area continue to offer solid returns, making it an enticing prospect for buy-to-let investors. It's worth noting that properties in the sub-£1 million price band are commanding an average of £972 per square foot, highlighting the continued premium placed on St John's Wood real estate, even at the lower end of the market.
Lastly, the average time on market before sale stands at 178 days, indicating that while properties are selling, the process is not rushed. This timeframe allows for considered decision-making by both buyers and sellers, contributing to a stable and mature market environment. Overall, these indicators suggest a market that, while adjusting to new realities, continues to offer significant opportunities for those looking to invest in one of London's most prestigious neighbourhoods.
Typical St John's Wood Property Types
St John's Wood offers a diverse range of property types, catering to various preferences and investment strategies:
- Detached Villas: St John's Wood is renowned for its grand detached villas, often set back from the road with substantial gardens. These properties typically range from £5 million to £20 million or more, depending on size and condition.
- Semi-Detached Houses: Elegant semi-detached properties are common in St John's Wood, offering a blend of space and character. Prices generally start from £3 million and can exceed £10 million for larger or recently renovated homes.
- Terraced Houses: The area features beautiful terraced houses, many with period features. These properties typically range from £2 million to £8 million, depending on size and location.
- Luxury Apartments: Modern and period conversion apartments are available, particularly around Regent's Park and near the High Street. Prices for these range from around £800,000 for smaller units to over £5 million for premium penthouses.
- Mansion Blocks: St John's Wood has several mansion blocks offering spacious apartments with period features. Prices typically start from £1.5 million and can exceed £4 million for larger units.
- Mews Houses: Charming mews houses can be found in quieter streets, offering a unique living experience. These properties usually range from £2 million to £5 million.
Popular St John's Wood Streets
St John's Wood boasts several highly desirable streets, each with its own character:
- Avenue Road: Known for its grand detached houses and substantial plots, Avenue Road is one of the most prestigious addresses in St John's Wood. Properties here often exceed £20 million.
- Hamilton Terrace: This long, tree-lined street features a mix of large detached houses and elegant terraces. Prices typically range from £5 million to £15 million.
- Clifton Hill: A quieter residential street with a mix of period houses and modern developments. Properties here generally range from £3 million to £10 million.
- Acacia Road: Famed for its beautiful detached and semi-detached houses, many with sizeable gardens. Prices typically start from £5 million.
- Loudoun Road: Offers a mix of period houses and newer apartment developments, with prices ranging from £1 million for flats to over £10 million for houses.
- St John's Wood High Street: The bustling heart of the area, featuring a mix of shops, cafes, and apartments. Residential properties here typically start from £800,000 for smaller flats.
St John's Wood Rental Market
The rental market in St John's Wood remains robust, attracting both long-term tenants and those seeking short-term luxury accommodations:
- The average gross rental yield in St John's Wood is 4.72%, which is attractive for Prime Central London.
- Demand is particularly strong for larger family homes with gardens, reflecting the area's appeal to affluent families and international renters.
- One and two-bedroom apartments are popular among young professionals and couples, with monthly rents typically ranging from £2,000 to £5,000.
- Larger family homes can command rents from £5,000 to over £20,000 per month, depending on size, condition, and location.
- The proximity to American School London drives demand from international families, often leading to premium rents for suitable properties.
Amenities, Schools & Attractions in St John's Wood
Schools
St John's Wood is home to several prestigious schools, including:
- American School in London: A highly regarded international school
- Arnold House School: An independent preparatory school for boys
- Abercorn School: A co-educational preparatory school
- The proximity to these schools is a significant driver of property demand in the area.
World-Class Attractions
- Lord's Cricket Ground: The world-famous cricket venue is located in St John's Wood
- Regent's Park: One of London's most beautiful royal parks is just a short walk away
- Abbey Road Studios: Made famous by The Beatles, this iconic recording studio attracts music enthusiasts from around the world
High-End Dining and Shopping
- St John's Wood High Street offers a selection of upscale boutiques, cafes, and restaurants
- The area is known for its village-like atmosphere with a range of independent shops and eateries
Comparison with Other Prime Central London Areas
St John's Wood vs. Regent's Park
- While St John's Wood saw a slight price decline of 2.7%, Regent's Park experienced a 3.0% annual decrease.
- Regent's Park had a higher proportion of properties sold at a discount (81.0%) compared to St John's Wood.
- The average discount in Regent's Park was 10.0%, slightly higher than St John's Wood's 9.0%.
- Quarterly sales volumes in Regent's Park dropped by 28.1%, more significantly than in St John's Wood.
St John's Wood vs. Primrose Hill
- Primrose Hill also saw a 2.7% annual price decrease, similar to St John's Wood.
- However, Primrose Hill had a higher average discount for sold properties at 17.0%.
- Properties in Primrose Hill spent longer on the market, with an average of 224 days compared to 178 days in St John's Wood.
- Interestingly, Primrose Hill saw a 14.9% annual price increase in the £10 million+ price band, indicating strong demand for ultra-luxury properties.
St John's Wood vs. Kensington
- Kensington has a higher average property price, with some areas commanding over £2,000 per square foot compared to St John's Wood's £1,604.
- However, St John's Wood offers more space and greenery, which has become increasingly desirable post-pandemic.
- Both areas attract international buyers, but St John's Wood has a particular appeal to American families due to the American School.
How to Finance PCL St John's Wood Property
Investing in St John's Wood's exclusive property market requires tailored financing solutions. Clifton Private Finance offers bespoke mortgage options designed to meet the unique needs of high-net-worth individuals and international buyers.
Our services include
- Interest-only mortgages: Allowing you to manage cash flow more effectively
- Large loan expertise: Specialising in multi-million pound property transactions
- International buyer solutions: Navigating the complexities of non-resident financing
- Bespoke structuring: Creating mortgage packages that align with your long-term financial goals
With our deep understanding of the Prime Central London market and extensive lender relationships, we ensure you secure the most competitive terms for your St John's Wood investment.
