The Chelsea Flower Show has blossomed this week, drawing attention to Chelsea. Annabelle Dixon explores this popular corner of London.
It’s time to dive into gorgeous flowers, striking (and sometimes weird and wonderful) garden designs, and the latest tips from the green-fingered experts. Yes, this week’s Chelsea Flower Show will feature everything from the amazing RHS gold medal winners to the beautiful, bold and sometimes whimsical things you’ll see at the world’s largest flower show.
And the backdrop for this horticultural spectacle? Chic and wealthy enclave of Chelsea, one of the most exclusive and expensive areas of the capital.
But what makes Chelsea such a popular place to live? We take a look at this coveted pocket of London.
Chelsea Bridge is one of the most beautiful in London.
1. Valuable bricks and mortar – and an average home value of over £2 million.
Let’s not beat around the bush: Chelsea property prices are not for the faint of heart. According to an analysis of Land Registry data by the Hamptons, the average price of a house with a SW3 zip code was a mind-boggling £2.5 million last year. This is up 19% since 2019 and 83% since 2008.
With numbers like that, you won’t be surprised to know that in 2022 it was the fifth most expensive postcode area in England and Wales, behind only its neighbors Kensington (W8), Sloane Square and Belgravia (both SW1) and Grosvenor. Square (W1).
The Hamptons added that it was one of eight areas where the median price had passed the £2 million mark. To be fair, this is not typical first-time buyer territory.
However, Chelsea are not completely immune to economic headwinds. The housing market in Chelsea has been quiet for those in need of a mortgage after last year’s mini-budget, says Nick Hubner, senior sales manager at the Hamptons in Chelsea.
“Buyers in the marketplace are currently international, oblivious and oblivious to what they see as domestic issues,” he explains. “These are generally high-income people who make the most of the favorable exchange rate – buyers from America, buyers from Hong Kong and China – they all buy classic Chelsea townhouses as a second or third residence.”
2. The chic lifestyle on Royal Road and beyond
Chic restaurants, chic cafes and bars, iconic fashion houses and the Saatchi Gallery, Chelsea certainly offers the best in life. Expect to mingle with the rich and famous in this backwoods forest.
“Chelsea has long been considered one of London’s golden postcodes,” explains Thomas Middleditch, director of residential office at JLL Chelsea & Knightsbridge.
“It continues to be a hotspot for potential buyers and renters looking to soak up its lifestyle, and that shows no sign of abating as properties hitting the market snap up.”
Hubner agrees: “Chelsea seems to offer shoppers a certain amount of prestige, as most international shoppers want to be closer to the world-famous King’s Road with its shops, restaurants and overall outstanding stage.”
Kings Road, Chelsea.
3. Good seats sell fast
Who could resist one of these classic white stucco townhouses? If you’ve got your eye on the Chelsea ground, it’s best not to hang around here. Homes in the area are selling faster these days, according to JLL.
More than half (51%) of homes sold between January and March this year were on the market for less than six months, up from 29% in the same three months in 2019.
Similarly, 49% of apartments sold between January and March were on sale for less than six months — up from 41% in the same period in 2019, research from JLL shows.
So while it makes it harder to grab the place you want, it also has the advantage of knowing you can always move easily if and when the time comes.
Rooftops of a colorful row of houses in Chelsea, London.
4. Chelsea don’t stop there
Chelsea continues to grow, with landlords promoting prestigious developments in and around the area. Take the redevelopment of Kings Road across from Chelsea City Hall. It will include a new 600-seat Curzon cinema, new stores, an improved Waitrose, a rooftop bar and more.
Chestertons Head of First Class Sales Rowland King says: “They [Chelsea’s big landlords and commercial freeholders] have worked incredibly hard to create a diverse and trendy selection of independent, high-end boutiques and eateries that attract West End shoppers, which has also helped bring home buyers to Chelsea from other popular areas like Notting Hill. As a result, in May this year, our office registered a 17% increase in customer inquiries compared to the same month last year.”
5. Green zone
Chelsea boasts beautiful green spaces, even after the Chelsea Flower Show packed up and left town.
“Chelsea residents have access to numerous green spaces, including numerous private gardens, as well as a 200-acre Battersea Park neighborhood across the river, which further increases people’s desire to live there,” adds Thomas Middleditch.
Check out the Chelsea Physical Garden, London’s oldest botanical garden, located on the banks of the river. And if you’re lucky enough to be a member, there’s picturesque Burton Court with tennis courts, cricket nets, and more.
What is your goal for Chelsea? See what houses are for sale in the area:
Cheyne Walk – £9.5m
This Grade II listed five-bedroom home is located on one of Chelsea’s historic streets. It offers views of the Thames and Albert Bridge. It also comes with a smaller house at the end of the garden. Highlights include the living room with double height ceilings and floor to ceiling windows.
Sold with Russell Simpson. See more photos and details for this property.
Draycott Place – £2.45m
This spacious two bedroom apartment has been completely refurbished and the south facing living room is filled with natural light. It’s jumping, jumping and jumping on King’s Road and Duke of York Square.
Sold with Tedworth Property. See more photos and details for this property.
The Valley – £12.25 million
This Grade II listed five bedroom townhouse enjoys an enviable location between Kings Road and Fulham Road.
It has been completely modernized but retains its historic charm, including three large floor-to-ceiling windows in the front reception area.
Sold through Savills. See more photos and details for this property.
See all the Chelsea Flower Show 2023 gold medal winners and find out who else won awards at
From a real flower fairy to a giant stone sculpture, these are some of the marvels on display.
Rainbow swiss chard. 1 credit
Five-time Chelsea Flower Show gold medalist Mark Gregory recommends growing plants in your garden that look as good as they do.
