From Silicon Valley to Mayfair: The Surge of American Buyers in London’s Super-Prime Real Estate Market

Silicon Valley tech executives, exuberant retirees, and families in search of schools attended by monarchs – these are just a few of the Americans flocking to London, snapping up the city’s most sought-after super-prime properties. London has long been a mosaic of myriad people – indeed, this is part of the city’s appeal – but since the pandemic, Prime Central London has witnessed an influx of American buyers seeking some of the most opulent homes in the country, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down.

Data shows that four in ten properties in London valued above $15 million were sold to American buyers last year, amounting to half a billion in revenue. While London has long been a favourite for American celebrities – Gwyneth Paltrow, Stanley Tucci, and Angelina Jolie are just a few – the latest influx of Americans is far more broad, ranging from corporate executives setting up base near the office, to families seeking cultural enriching lifestyles in vibrant areas like Notting Hill.

London has been a prime residential address for centuries. Dating back nearly two millennia, this alluring capital is a beautiful display of culture and history, from Roman antiquity right through to postmodernity. The result is a dazzling city abounding with charm and character, from cobblestone streets lined with stucco-facade houses to world-famous schools that welcome royalty, politicians, and everyone in between. What makes the London property market appealing to American investors is the splendour of its historic houses and estates, recently popularised by shows such as Bridgerton and Downton Abbey – both of which portray a highly romanticised, dreamy vision of English high society. 

Sales trends within UK Sotheby’s International Realty indicate that Americans are in fact leaning toward these Regency-style, historic homes in and around London, from country estates in Surrey, to contemporary apartments tucked away in Grade II-listed buildings in Knightsbridge. 

Historic charm is just one part of the story, though. 

A recent report indicates that many of the American buyers in London are venture capitalists and tech executives, lured by the growing number of HQs in the capital. Apple has a notable new HQ in the newly-restored Battersea Power Station, while Meta has opened offices in King’s Cross, bringing with it a well-paid workforce. Another West Coast Venture Capital giant in London is Sequoia Capital, which opened a new office in Marylebone after the pandemic, again attracting an increased presence of Americans in the area.

The demographic of Americans moving to London has hugely diversified over the past few years. One trend that has remained consistent is families gravitating toward areas like Notting Hill and Holland Park, which offer spacious homes, extensive green spaces, and proximity to excellent schools. St James is particularly popular with American families seeking a traditional, community-focused lifestyle in the city, with doorstep access to public parks, theatres, and shopping areas. 

Working professionals tend to spread further afield, preferring more central addresses like Belgravia and Knightsbridge. These glamorous districts are dotted with private members’ clubs and five-star restaurants, attracting a highly cosmopolitan demographic looking for a location that offers both work and play. It isn’t just working Americans here though – these areas are equally treasured by American retirees seeking a leisurely and convenient place to live for part of the year. This is more true of the newly-developed super-prime properties in London, such as One Hyde Park, which offer hotel-like living amenities.

After the pandemic, a dwindling pound set against a surging dollar produced a kind of ‘discount’ effect for Americans seeking properties in Prime Central London. As the dollar surged, 70% of American buyers in 2023 invested in super-prime real estate with cash, reflecting an ability to invest quickly and efficiently even in a competitive property market. 

Compared with some US states, excluding New York, Florida, and California, the London property market is highly lucrative, with annual capital appreciation rates floating between 3 and 5% post-Brexit. Consistent demand and relative political stability further appeals to American investors in the UK, bringing security to long-term investments in the capital.

Prime Central London is attracting an increasing number of American families, but another UK locale that has seen an uptick is the Cotswolds, which is the UK’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Known for its honey-hued houses and verdant countryside, this beautiful rural area is made up of small, community-centric villages, local retailers, and exquisite stone cottages. A string of American celebrities, including Taylor Swift, have recently moved to this sought-after area, reflecting its anglophile appeal. The Cotswolds is particularly attractive to high-net-worth families seeking private living with excellent connectivity to some of the country’s top schools. 

Explore: Homes for Sale in the Cotswolds