Is Kensington the most affluent area in London?

Kensington is a district in West London which is quickly making a name for itself as one of the most affluent and densely populated areas in the capital. Bordered by Notting Hill to the north, Brompton and Knightsbridge to the east, Chelsea and Earl’s Court to the west and Hammersmith and Sheperd’s Bush to the south, Kensington is located in a prime area for those looking to get into the heart of the City.

First mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086, Kensington has established itself as one of the most upper-class areas in Central London. Passed down from lord to lord, the area has roots dating back to William I of England, nonetheless.

Since that time much has changed in Kensington. Popular with young professionals of all ages, the borough boasts beautiful parks and grasslands including the Royal Park of Kensington Gardens, which neighbours with the world-famous Hyde Park, and Holland Park.

The area is also fruitful with other attractions, particularly retail. Kensington High Street is inundated with a variety of clothing and convenience shops and even picked up the title of London’s second best shopping street in 2005, after Oxford Street.

Kensington is also home to a large number of major organisations thanks to its affluent reputation. offices in the Kensington area are regarded as contemporary and highly desirable and, as a result, can fetch record high rental prices.

As a contrast to the modern office buildings, Kensington boasts a large number of classic houses, most notably from the Victorian era. Timelessly classic, this Victorian architecture helps to add to the affluent nature of the borough. Instead of building new houses, Kensington has instead chosen to convert its existing buildings into flats; helping to retain the area’s character and appeal. In addition to the older buildings, Kensington now also sports a number of imposing mansion blocks inhabited mainly by corporate families and friends.

So is Kensington the most affluent area in London? Well, there’s a good chance it could be! As an ode to its origins, Kensington now boasts some of London’s most expensive streets and garden squares. These include Edwardes Square, Earls Terrace and The Phillimores. In fact, in 2007 houses sold in Upper Phillimore Gardens for in excess of £20 million! Next time you’re looking for an affluent area in London; you know where to go!