#1. The Apprentice Mansion: £11,950,000
Ever wonder where those aspiring entrepreneurs lived while battling it out on The Apprentice? This most expensive house in London has a reality TV pedigree. Located on the desirable Daleham Gardens in Hampstead, Victory House is a 10,000 sq ft mansion that was featured in the 2016 series.
But this is no ordinary house. Following a seven-year renovation, it now boasts six bedrooms, four reception rooms, and a dedicated “wellbeing centre” complete with a spa, pool, gym, and steam room – perfect for de-stressing after a tough day in the boardroom (or, you know, just everyday life). Initially listed for £11.95 million after its TV debut, this most expensive detached house in London is now valued at around a cool £16.5 million.
#2. Hyde Park’s Crown Jewel: £210,000,000
Prepare to be astounded. This is not just a house; it is a London landmark. Overlooking the serene expanse of Hyde Park, this most expensive house in London redefines opulence. Sold for a staggering £210 million in 2020, it is one of only seven “private palaces” in the city, and its history is as fascinating as its price tag.
Previously owned by Saudi royalty, this 62,000 sq ft mega-mansion boasts 20 bedrooms, 45 rooms in total, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The current owner? None other than the founder of a Chinese property giant, adding another layer of intrigue to this already legendary property.
#3. Cornwall Terrace: £25,000,000
Overlooking the lush greenery of Regent’s Park, this unique “double house” on Cornwall Terrace is a rarity in the world of the most expensive houses in London. Comprising two Grade I-listed homes seamlessly joined together, this property offers a staggering amount of space and potential.
It was last sold in “shell condition” with no internal walls or fixtures, allowing the new owners to design the most expensive house with a home cinema in London, a private art gallery, or whatever their heart desired. Last listed for sale with a £25 million price tag, this is a genuinely bespoke residence in one of London’s most coveted locations.
#4. Sloane House: £170,000,000
Once owned by Formula One heiress Petra Ecclestone for nearly a decade, Sloane House underwent extensive refurbishment under her care to make it a serious contender for the title of the most expensive house in London. Originally a Georgian mansion, Ecclestone transformed the property into a 20,000 sq ft palace with eight bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, and a basement “wellness level” that rivals the most exclusive spas.
But the extravagance does not stop there. Think a custom-made gold bar (because why not?), a state-of-the-art gym, a children’s soft play area, a beauty salon, and a five-meter-long fish tank in the kitchen – home to 64 different species! After an extensive renovation, Ecclestone initially listed Sloane House off-market for a cool £170 million. This most expensive house in Chelsea made waves across the pond and was listed with a US agency for a staggering $230 million (£189 million).
#5. House of Gucci, Grafton Street: £55,000,000
This is a London home that is a piece of fashion history! Located on Grafton Street in the heart of Mayfair, this neoclassical mansion served as Gucci’s global headquarters from 1998 to 2010. Imagine the iconic designs that graced these halls! Here, Tom Ford, Gucci’s creative director, held court in the first-floor drawing room, a space adorned with 20-foot-high gold-leaf ceilings, vast windows, and Georgian fireplaces.
However, the Gucci legacy does not end there. The mansion underwent a two-year renovation before the fashion house moved in, complete with bespoke Gucci furniture, including black calfskin sofas and chairs. Add to that a swimming pool and spa facilities, and you have a residence that exudes both style and sophistication. Dubbed “Mayfair’s finest house currently for sale,” this property was listed for £55 million.
#6. Avenue Road’s Unrepeatable Residence: £110,000,000
Hidden away on Avenue Road in St John’s Wood, this mega-mansion is not just one of the most expensive houses in London, it is practically a fortress of exclusivity. It was last listed for an eye-watering £110 million, and this nine-bedroom behemoth offers a level of luxury that is rarely seen, even in London.
Its triple-height underground swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym, and private cinema amaze people. But that is not all. An underground art gallery connects a two-bedroom staff cottage to the main house. Who needs a hallway when you can have an art exhibition? Planning restrictions mean a home of this scale will likely never be built again in central London. That makes this property truly one-of-a-kind.
#7. Park Modern Penthouse: £60,000,000
Prepare for penthouse perfection! Soaring above Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, this five-bedroom apartment in the Park Modern development is vying for the title of the most expensive flat in London. And as it was last listed with a £60 million price tag, it is undoubtedly in the running.
The development was completed in 2023, and the views alone are enough to justify the hype. Imagine waking up to panoramic vistas of London’s iconic green spaces—it is the ultimate urban oasis. But Park Modern offers more than just a stunning location. This nine-story development boasts valet parking, a residents-only restaurant, and a dedicated wellness floor.
#8. Chelsea Barracks Townhouse: £58,000,000
Step into a world of high-end luxury at Chelsea Barracks, a prestigious development in the heart of Belgravia. This 15,000 sq ft townhouse was listed for a cool £58 million, making it a contender for the most expensive house in London for sale at the time. Boasting seven bedrooms, a private spa with a 12-meter swimming pool and treatment rooms, a cinema room, and both a private garden and roof terrace, this home offers every imaginable amenity.
But the luxury doesn’t stop there. A private garage, passenger and service lifts, and a separate mews house for guests ensure both convenience and privacy. Situated in an exclusive enclave of just 13 townhouses, 64 apartments, and a mews house, this property offers a rare combination of space, sophistication, and exclusivity.
#9. 60 Addison Road: £25,000,000
Tucked away on one of Holland Park’s most desirable streets, 60 Addison Road is a Victorian beauty with a modern heart. This exceptional family home, recently sold for a cool £25 million, offers a lifestyle of unparalleled luxury and convenience.
Rebuilt in the early 2010s behind its charming façade, this house is an entertainer’s dream. Imagine hosting lavish gatherings in its expansive living spaces or enjoying movie nights in your private cinema. And for those who prioritise wellness, there’s a 40-foot indoor swimming pool and a fully equipped gym.
Its location is also second to none, with the open spaces of Holland Park, High Street Kensington, and Notting Hill shops and restaurants just a short stroll away. This home seamlessly blends grandeur and practicality with a passenger lift serving all floors and a carriage driveway with automated security gates.
#10. 14 Half Moon Street: £14,500,000
Step back in time and into literary history at 14 Half Moon Street, a Grade II listed townhouse in Mayfair with a past as colourful as its present. Last sold for £14.5 million, this four-bedroom home was once a haven for Oscar Wilde and his bohemian circle. Imagine the witty conversations and scandalous gatherings that unfolded within these walls! It’s even said to be the setting for the first act of Wilde’s iconic play, “The Importance of Being Earnest.”
But this townhouse offers more than just a fascinating history. Refurbished to the highest standards, it boasts a cinema room, gym, steam room, lift, and a private roof terrace – perfect for enjoying the vibrant Mayfair atmosphere. Located steps from Green Park and a stone’s throw from world-renowned restaurants, bars, and shops, 14 Half Moon Street offers a unique blend of history, luxury, and location.
Why are London’s Luxury Homes So Expensive?
If you have ever wondered what drives the astronomical prices of London’s most coveted properties, a combination of factors makes these homes truly exclusive and highly sought-after by the world’s elite.
- Location, Location, Location: Prime locations like Kensington Palace Gardens (home to billionaires and royalty!), Belgravia, and Knightsbridge offer a cachet that’s hard to beat. These neighbourhoods boast stunning architecture, exclusive amenities, and a sense of prestige that comes with a hefty price tag.
- Feature Envy: Forget your average home cinema or swimming pool. London’s most expensive houses feature private spas, underground art galleries, and wine cellars that would make a sommelier swoon. These unique features elevate these properties beyond the ordinary, making them truly exceptional.
- A Touch of History: Properties with links to royalty, celebrities, or significant historical events hold a special allure. Imagine living in a house once owned by a Saudi prince or where Oscar Wilde penned his iconic plays. These historical connections add a layer of intrigue and desirability that drives up prices.
- Fortress of Solitude: Security and privacy are essential for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Many of these homes boast state-of-the-art security systems, private gates, and secluded locations, ensuring peace of mind and an escape from the public eye.
- London Calling: As a global financial hub and cultural centre, London attracts wealthy buyers from around the world. This influx of foreign investment significantly drives up property prices, particularly in the luxury market.
Conclusion
Looking Ahead, London’s luxury property market shows no signs of slowing down. As the city continues attracting global wealth and investment, we expect prices to remain high, with a growing demand for sustainable features, innovative technology, and bespoke design.
One thing is for sure – London will continue to be a playground for the world’s elite, and its most expensive houses will remain symbols of wealth, status, and exclusivity.
