Ben Babington, Director of our London Residential Development division, discusses the rapid makeover and changing nature of this desirable London address.
Victoria has been known as an area of faceless office blocks with very few amenities to choose from, which has traditionally hampered investment and diversity within the Westminster district. Yet, the area is now shaking off this connotation by undergoing a makeover that is bringing Victoria straight into the 21st century, which will see improvements to its 156 year old underground station helping to create better accessibility for those travelling in and out of the area.
Property hotspot
Two bedroom apartments at 22 Buckingham Gate start from £2,200,000.
These improvements are making Victoria a much more desirable place in which to live, sparking a number of prime central London’s housebuilders to build developments in the ‘Buckingham Quarter’. Savvy buyers will note that these developments offer the same locational convenience of traditional premium addresses in Mayfair, Knightsbridge and Belgravia, but at a much more compelling price point. Prices typically stand at around £1,600 to £2,000 square foot, but some of the best period properties are achieving over £3,000 per square foot. A great example of a boutique development currently available in the area is 22 Buckingham Gate, which sits behind a beautiful stucco-fronted Grade II listed exterior, but benefits from the very best in modern interiors. Prices currently start at £2,200,000 for a two bedroom apartment.
Local amenities
Top retail brands such as Burberry are also following suit to create a far more contemporary and alluring atmosphere commercially, transforming it from an area many once considered as a ‘walkthrough’ to a destination that people want to stay in. It is also fast becoming a foodie heaven with new restaurants calling the area home in the Nova building, including Hai Cenato – Jason Atherton’s New York-Italian restaurant, cocktail bar and deli, Ahi Poke that specialises in fish and a Thursday lunch market at Cardinal Place. For residents, a whole host of convenience shops are located near the station, while St James’s Park is just a five minute walk away from the station, offering a tranquil spot to relax in come summertime. For the more arty-types amongst us, one of London’s most highly anticipated musicals, Hamilton, recently took up residence in the refurbished Victoria Palace Theatre and is just eight minutes from 22 Buckingham Gate.
The improvements to transport and local amenities have only made Victoria more attractive and is now a hotspot for those looking to easily access the rest of London via the Underground, and indeed other parts of the country via the mainline train station. With Crossrail 2 on the horizon and the arrival of the Victoria line night tube, the area will continue to be a big hit with both domestic and international buyers in equal measure.
If you’re interested in a move to Victoria, get in touch with our sales team on 020 7828 4050 or visit our website for details of properties currently available in this area.
