A historic shift - Indians now the biggest group of property investors In London

In a fascinating turn of events, Indians have surpassed the English as the biggest group of property owners in London. This news has sent ripples of joy, pride and wit amongst Indians.

A recent report by Barratt London, a leading residential developer, reveals that Indians have surpassed the English as the largest group of property owners in London.

This demographic shift includes generations of Indian-origin residents in the UK, non-resident Indians (NRIs), foreign investors and students relocating to the capital for higher education. This report further highlights that savvy Indian property buyers invest between ₹30 million and ₹47 million in acquiring apartments and houses in London.

These investments meet various financial prospects — some buyers want to secure a long-term asset overseas and some families prefer comfortable accommodations for their child studying abroad.

With almost 100,000 Indian students studying in the UK as of 2024, Indian families are rapidly choosing to buy properties near top London universities such as Oxford, Cambridge and the London School of Economics instead of a monthly payment hassle.

On the other hand, Indian businessmen are expanding operations to London, creating solid demand for commercial and residential properties in the capital.

Growing influence of London property on Indians

London has always been one of the top contenders for Indian investors, thanks to its stability, appreciation potential, global connectivity and a sense of prestige. As per Barratt London, Indians are primarily investing in one to three-bedroom apartments — ranging from £290,000 and £450,000 (INR 3 crore to INR 5 crore).

Some of India’s most influential figures have secured properties in prime London areas -

• Mukesh Ambani purchased Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire in 2020 for a staggering ₹592 crore
• Lakshmi Mittal, another prominent Indian business tycoon, owns multiple luxury properties in London — including a £500 million (₹4,150 crore) mansion in Kensington Palace Gardens with 15 bedrooms
• In a successful deal, the Hinduja Brothers acquired Carlton House Terrace in 2006 for ₹612 crore. They later bought The Old War Office for ₹4,000 crore
• Ravi Ruia purchased the Hanover Lodge mansion in 2023 for ₹1,200 crore
• Adar Poonawalla secured Aberconway House near Hyde Park in 2023. Priced at ₹1,444 crore, this is one of London’s most expensive residences
• In addition to businessmen, Indian celebrities such as Shahrukh Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Shilpa Shetty and Sourav Ganguly have properties in London.

Why are Indians heavily investing in London real estate?

Indian buyers find London real estate appealing not just for prestige but also for its promising, lucrative returns. Industry gurus forecast the London property market to appreciate by nearly 18% by 2029.

Besides, unlike the dynamic Dubai and Indian markets, London’s real estate offers a much more stable and transparent landscape. Post-COVID interest rates have significantly dropped, marking a solid rise in house inflation — indicating now is one of the best times in the last decade or so to tap into London property.

London's real estate appeal

Several factors contribute to Indian property investors buying real estate in London -

• Long-term stability combined with consistent appreciation
• Favorable regulations for overseas investors
• Appealing rental yields and capital appreciation scope
• World-class education opportunities
• A longstanding, historic relation between Indians and the English
• Favourable environment for business expansion

Where are most Indians investing?

Most Indian property investors are attracted by London’s high-value areas that offer luxury, connectivity and growth potential.

Here are a few London areas with a significant number of Indian investments -

• Billionaires prefer Mayfair & Knightsbridge for their ultra-luxury residences
• Affluent professionals and families are moving to Kensington & Chelsea
• As London’s financial hub, Canary Wharf has become an appealing investment hotspot for young professionals, especially those in finance & tech
• Other areas with a strong Indian community presence are Wembley, Southall, Richmond & Ealing

Success stories & future investment opportunities

Recently, Barratt London’s Sterling Place proved to be a landmark achievement for Benham and Reeves’ Mumbai and Delhi clientele. This success reflects Indians actively shaping London’s real estate market.

How Benham and Reeves India assists Indian buyers navigate the London market

Navigating a foreign market from India requires trusted experience. Benham and Reeves, with nearly seven decades of experience in the London property sector, is a pioneer in assisting Indian investors. Since establishing our Mumbai and Delhi offices in 2011, our experienced team of agents have played a crucial role in assisting Indian investors in buying, managing and renting properties in London.

Our comprehensive list of services includes -

• Property Sourcing
• Price Negotiation
• Documentation Assistance
• Property Handover
• Furnishing Services
• Professional Property Rental & Management

With a network of 21 branch offices across London and a presence in over 13 countries, Benham and Reeves agents will ensure its Indian clientele receives prompt, on-ground support through their property journey.

If, as an Indian investor, you are planning to visit London, Benham and Reeves can facilitate property viewings in collaboration with our London team. Whether you travel for work or leisure, we can align viewings with your London itinerary to ensure a seamless property-viewing process.

Get in touch today to book your exclusive investment consultation!