London property investment

London property investment

We receive a lot of enquiries from Taiwanese investors interested in investing in stable overseas markets. London is one of the leading names in these conversations. The city offers a large, diverse property market, consistent rental demand and a range of investment options. Buyers have access to prime central London to well-connected commuter locations.

Another advantage is choice. You can buy a property in a globally recognised address such as Kensington or Chelsea or target professional tenants around Canary Wharf or King's Cross. Stratford, Woolwich and Ealing offer convenient transport connections and regeneration continues to revamp the market.

We are based in London and have been working in the property market for more than sixty years. So whether you are buying for rental income, long-term capital growth, a future home or part of a wider portfolio, we can help. Our team can also handle sourcing, mortgages, buying, letting, management and resale - all on your behalf.

Why invest in London

London can easily be considered one of the world’s leading property markets. It is home to many acclaimed financial, technology, education and creative industries, creating a diverse pool of potential tenants. Transport is another major part of the investment story. The Elizabeth line has made areas such as Acton, Ealing, Southall, Hayes and Woolwich much better connected to central London, Canary Wharf and Heathrow.

Fast rail services connect places such as Watford and Reading with central London. The fastest direct trains from Watford to Euston take around 16 minutes and from Reading, commuters can reach Paddington in around 25 minutes.

Easy accessibility means investors do not have to stay within the most expensive parts of Zone 1 to benefit from strong tenant demand. A well-connected property further out can offer a combination of purchase price, rental demand and long-term potential.

The key investment areas

Prime central London

Kensington & Chelsea, Marylebone, Westminster, Fulham, Paddington and Notting Hill

Prime central London
  • 01

    These are areas where many overseas investors begin their London property journey. They are some of London’s most established and recognised addresses, home to historic properties, luxury developments, premium retail and restaurants nearby.

  • 02

    Most investments are about location and long-term wealth preservation. Supply in these established areas is naturally limited. This is especially applicable for properties within a good location and strong architectural character. Rental demand is consistent, thanks to professionals, international executives and families who want to live close to central London.

Financial, tech and riverside business centres

Canary Wharf, London Bridge & Bermondsey, South Bank, Vauxhall and Nine Elms

Financial, tech and riverside business centres
  • 01

    Opt for one of these locations if you are targeting London’s professional workforce. Canary Wharf is one of the city’s leading financial centres. London Bridge and Bermondsey sit close to the City and offer a mix of established homes and modern developments. South Bank has developed into a major residential, cultural and business destination.

  • 02

    Vauxhall and Nine Elms have undergone major regeneration, with new homes, offices, restaurants and public spaces. Nearby Battersea Power Station is home to Apple's UK headquarters, adding another major employment base to the wider area.

  • 03

    The rental market here is driven mainly by professionals who prefer modern homes surrounded by good transport connections and easy access to work. Many developments here also offer amenities such as concierge services, gyms and residents' lounges.

Premier commuter belt and transit hubs

Watford, Acton, Ealing, Hayes, Southall, Woolwich and Reading

Premier commuter belt and transit hubs
  • 01

    London’s property market does not stop at Zone 1. Fast train links and the Elizabeth line have made well-connected locations outside the centre increasingly attractive. They work as desirable choices for tenants who choose more space without giving up access to London.

  • 02

    Acton and Ealing offer a combination of established residential neighbourhoods and Elizabeth line connectivity. Hayes and Southall, both on the same line, offer fast, direct access into central London. Watford sits a little further out but remains firmly commuter territory. Direct trains from here to Euston take as little as 16 minutes. Reading extends the corridor furthest, with fast services into Paddington. It is also an established employment centre in its own right, rather than a purely residential satellite.

  • 03

    Woolwich, on the Elizabeth line, gives direct services towards Canary Wharf, central London and Heathrow. It is a strong option for tenants targeting the City or Docklands.

East London and regeneration

Stratford, West Ham and Royal Docks

East London and regeneration
  • 01

    East London has changed dramatically over the past two decades. Regeneration here remains an important part of its investment story. Stratford is one of London’s major transport hubs, within proximity to Underground, Elizabeth line, DLR, Overground and National Rail connections.

  • 02

    It is also home to Westfield Stratford City and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. West Ham is close to Stratford and home to extensive transport connections. The Royal Docks is a major regeneration area, with new residential and commercial development continuing across the wider district.

Education and innovation hubs

King's Cross, White City, Camden and Colindale

Education and innovation hubs
  • 01

    London's universities and technology sector create an important source of tenant demand. King's Cross is attractive because of its combination of education, business and transport. Central Saint Martins is based here, while major technology companies have also established offices in the area.

  • 02

    White City has developed into a major science, technology and innovation district around Imperial College London's White City Campus. This has resulted in consistent demand from professionals and students. Colindale offers an affordable entry point compared to many central locations and has strong transport links through the Northern Line. It is also home to Bang Bang Oriental, one of London's best-known Asian food destinations.

North London

Hampstead and Islington

North London
  • 01

    Hampstead is known for its historic homes, village atmosphere and access to Hampstead Heath. It is the perfect choice for those seeking privacy, green space and a more established residential environment. Islington is closer to central London and has a more urban feel, surrounded by Georgian houses, restaurants, cafés and excellent transport connections into the City and West End.

South and west outer zones

Richmond, Kingston upon Thames, Sutton, Dulwich and Clapham

South and west outer zones
  • 01

    Richmond is home to lush, green surroundings, a strong residential environment and easy access to central London. Kingston is preferred by families as it is home to a range of well-regarded schools, shopping options, green parks and rail connections. Sutton is particularly well known for its selective and high-performing schools and Dulwich has a strong independent school presence and a village-like feel.

  • 02

    Clapham offers a more central alternative, with large green spaces and good connections to the rest of London. The investment logic here is tenant stability. Family-oriented properties in these neighbourhoods are attractive to landlords looking for longer tenancies.

Benefits of investing

Benefits of investing

London gives investors access to several different property strategies within one market. As an investor, you can choose from a prime central property focused on long-term value, a modern apartment aimed at professional tenants, a home close to a major university or a family property in a well-established school district.

The important thing is to look beyond the headline price or advertised rental yield. Location, tenant demand, transport, property type, service charges, financing costs and future resale demand - all affect the actual investment. Professional management also makes a difference for overseas buyers considering the London property market.

Buying process

Buying process

In England, an offer is not legally binding until contracts are exchanged. Your solicitor or conveyancer will handle the legal work, including searches and enquiries. Once contracts are exchanged, the purchase becomes legally binding. Completion then takes place when the funds are transferred and ownership passes to you.

Based on your investment strategy, the London market offers new-build, off-plan and resale property options. Our experienced Taiwan Office can assist with property selection, viewings, negotiations, mortgages, solicitors and the purchase process, right through to letting and property management.

Read more about our full buying process here.

Why choose Benham & Reeves Taiwan

We have been working in London property for more than sixty years. This vast experience has given us an extensive understanding of London's different neighbourhoods, property types and investment markets. For Taiwanese investors, our role goes beyond finding a property. We help you understand why a particular area may suit your investment strategy, what type of tenant it attracts and how the property could fit into your portfolio.

Our experienced agents assist from the initial search through to purchase, letting, property management and eventual resale.

Frequently asked questions

London offers a large and diverse property market, strong tenant demand and a wide choice of investment areas. You can choose between prime central locations, professional rental markets, university and technology hubs, commuter locations and family-oriented neighbourhoods.

Yes. Overseas buyers can purchase residential property in London. You will need to consider the legal process, financing, SDLT and your tax position before buying.

Non-UK resident buyers generally pay a 2% SDLT surcharge on top of the applicable residential SDLT rates. If you already own another property, higher rates may also apply. Rental income is taxable in the UK and Capital Gains Tax are applicable when a non-resident sells UK property.

Yes. Some UK lenders offer mortgages to overseas buyers. The amount you can borrow and the terms available will depend on several factors. This includes your income, deposit, assets, nationality and financial circumstances.

Yes. We can help overseas landlords with letting and ongoing property management, including tenant management, rent collection, inspections and maintenance. This means you can own a London property while managing it from overseas.

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Benham & Reeves Taiwan Limited

Level 37, No. 7, Xinyi Rd, Sec 5, Xinyi Dist, Taipei city Taiwan 110

+886 978 553 040