Moving to London?
Here’s what you need to know
Introduction
London continues to attract people from across the globe and remains one of the world’s most vibrant and desirable places to live. Whether you are relocating for business, family, education or to secure a home, we have curated the most relevant insights to guide your plans.
Areas & Neighbourhoods
London is defined by its diverse neighbourhoods, each with a unique sense of place and community. Selecting the right area is central to a successful move, and the locations highlighted below reflect some of the most sought-after areas in London.
Located just west of central London, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is among the capital’s most desirable areas, renowned for its beautiful homes, excellent schools, exceptional local amenities, generous green spaces and well-connected transport links.
Chelsea is one of London’s most established and culturally rich residential areas, defined by its lifestyle and strong sense of community. From the boutiques of King’s Road to the speciality food shops of Chelsea Green, the area retains a long-established residential community and attracts visitors from around the world. Kensington is characterised by its refined architecture, established residential character and long-standing appeal to both domestic and international buyers. It remains a well-balanced choice within prime central London. Notting Hill is known for its pastel-coloured houses, elegant white stucco homes, compelling dining scene and creative energy. It continues to attract a discerning global clientele while retaining a long-established residential community. Holland Park is one of west London’s most elegant neighbourhoods, long appealing to an affluent, international community drawn to its grand architecture, impressive villas and tree-lined, quiet residential streets. Perfectly positioned between Notting Hill and Kensington, the area is home to one of London’s most beautiful parks.
Belgravia is defined by grand architecture and tranquil garden squares, appealing to affluent professionals, international buyers and established families who value privacy and prestige. It also benefits from its proximity to Mayfair. Mayfair stands among London’s most prestigious districts, defined by elegant Georgian townhouses, world-class galleries and private members’ clubs. With exclusive boutiques and close proximity to Hyde Park and Green Park, it offers a refined, discreet lifestyle.
Marylebone is a stylish and elegant neighbourhood characterised by period townhouses and apartments alongside modern developments with a wealth of amenities. It boasts a thriving dining scene, from British gastropubs and cafés to a wide range of international restaurants, including Michelin-starred establishments such as Lita and Anglo Thai.
A little further north, St John’s Wood is another highly sought-after residential area known for its elegant period detached residences on wide tree-lined streets and family neighbourhood atmosphere. The area offers a good selection of restaurants, cafés, independent boutiques, excellent schools, green open spaces and is perfectly situated next to Regent’s Park. Each year, the neighbourhood benefits from the internationally renowned Frieze and Frieze Masters Art Fairs. St John’s Wood is also home to the famous Lord’s Cricket Ground.
The village-like atmosphere of Hampstead is prized for its distinct character, attractive boutiques, traditional restaurants, bistros and the beautiful Hampstead Heath, known for its expansive woodland walks and panoramic views across the city. To the south, the affluent residential area of Richmond offers picturesque riverside living, appealing to families and professionals seeking larger homes. It also has a refined dining scene, home to The Dysart Petersham, a family-owned Michelin-starred restaurant celebrated for its modern cuisine. Scott’s Richmond, the sister restaurant to Scott’s Mayfair, offers exceptional seafood in a riverside setting. At the heart of Richmond lies the treasured Richmond Park, a National Nature Reserve and the largest of the Royal Parks.
Buying & Renting
Purchasing property in London is as much about lifestyle as it is about location. When selecting a residence, careful consideration should be given to ease of access to business, cultural and social venues, as the city’s scale can make extended travel times impractical. For families, proximity to excellent schools is also a key consideration. The city provides an extensive range of state and private schools, including leading day schools, preparatory schools and internationally recognised boarding schools. Please refer to our Schools & Education section below for further information.
In addition to the purchase price and the deposit, typically 10%, buyers should also factor in additional fees such as Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), property survey fees and solicitor’s conveyancing fees, and we also suggest seeking advice from a qualified tax adviser. Should you require an introduction, we would be happy to connect you with trusted specialists.
In England, under the Know Your Client (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, both UK-based and overseas purchasers are required to provide standard identification documentation, including proof of address and photographic ID (such as a passport or a driving licence). Once a property has been identified and an offer is ready to be submitted, proof of funds will be required. On acceptance of the offer, your solicitor will require evidence of source of funds.
If you wish to rent a property in London, most landlords and letting agents will require a holding deposit while referencing and affordability checks are carried out. This is capped at a maximum of one week’s rent under UK tenancy fee regulations. If the tenancy proceeds, it is usually refunded or deducted from the first rent payment or tenancy deposit, depending on the agreement.
A tenancy deposit is also payable before moving in. In England, this is capped at five weeks’ rent where the annual rent is below £50,000, or six weeks’ rent where the annual rent is between £50,000 and £100,000. The deposit is kept in a government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme and is refundable at the end of the tenancy, subject to any agreed deductions in the tenancy agreement.
For high-value London rentals with annual rents exceeding £100,000, the tenancy may fall outside the standard assured tenancy framework in England. As a result, statutory caps on tenancy deposits and certain fee restrictions may not apply, allowing landlords to negotiate larger deposits, rent in advance and bespoke contractual terms. Landlords may also require rent to be paid in advance. This commonly ranges from six to twelve months’ rent upfront and is a contractual arrangement rather than a deposit.
Under UK Right to Rent rules, all tenants must prove their legal right to rent in the UK before a tenancy can begin. This is usually done using a valid passport or a Home Office online share code confirming immigration status. Landlords are legally required to carry out these checks before the tenancy starts.
Travel & Transport
Heathrow Airport is London’s primary global aviation hub, offering the most extensive long-haul connections and premium services. Gatwick Airport serves as a key international gateway, while London City Airport is valued for its proximity to the financial district, fast check-in and a dedicated private jet centre. Luton and Stansted airports, while primarily serving budget airlines, also have private jet hubs.
Travelling to Heathrow from Paddington Station takes 15 minutes via the Heathrow Express or approximately 45 minutes by car. Gatwick can be reached on the Gatwick Express in 30 minutes, while London City Airport and Luton will take approximately 50 minutes from central London. Stansted is about an hour away.
London is divided into multiple public transport zones, with Zone 1 to Zone 6 covering most of the city. The transport system is fully integrated with the Oyster Card, which is accepted across all networks.
Cycling is a popular choice for some Londoners, supported by Cycle Superhighways with Lime Bikes and Santander Cycles available for public hire. Docking stations are widely available across central London.
London is extremely well served by the city’s iconic Black Cabs, which can be hailed on the street or by using apps such as FreeNow and Gett. Uber and Bolt are also easily available as alternatives.
Lifestyle & Wellbeing
London offers an exceptional lifestyle, combining world-class cultural institutions, historic landmarks, performing arts, wellness facilities and an abundance of green space.
Galleries and museums host regular exhibitions, talks and events. Memberships for institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) and the Royal Academy of Arts (RA) can be arranged online, offering easy access to exclusive events. Phillips, Christie’s and Sotheby’s auction houses further enrich the city’s cultural landscape, offering an impressive range of lectures, courses and events.
The city is home to several Royal Parks, including Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent’s Park, St James’s Park, Green Park and Richmond Park, providing expansive open spaces for walking, running, cycling, family leisure and in some parks, horse riding. Although Holland Park is not one of the Royal Parks, it is home to the beautifully landscaped Kyoto and Fukushima Gardens. Many neighbourhoods have private garden squares and quieter retreats throughout the city. Some London districts also have a farmers’ market, offering everything from fresh meat and fine cheeses to organic fruit and vegetables, artisanal baked goods and ready-to-eat street food.
For those prioritising wellbeing, there is an exceptional choice of gyms, spas, cryotherapy, biohacking, private members’ clubs and boutique fitness studios. Third Space at The Whiteley, alongside the spa and wellness club at Six Senses London, offer exceptional fitness and wellness experiences. From established health clubs and personal training facilities to specialist yoga, Pilates and mindfulness studios, the London offering caters seamlessly to a wide spectrum of lifestyle and wellbeing priorities.
Healthcare
Registering with a General Practitioner (GP), who will serve as your primary point of medical care, can be completed online with your chosen local GP surgery or in person at a nearby surgery by providing the required personal information. The National Health Service (NHS) website provides clear guidance on healthcare entitlements and access to services, including NHS dental care.
Alongside the NHS, London has an extensive and well-established private healthcare sector. Many families and professionals choose to use private GPs and hospitals to benefit from access to a wide network of leading consultants, world-class medical facilities and greater appointment flexibility. Private healthcare can be accessed independently or through private medical insurance, and we can provide guidance on navigating both the NHS and private systems to ensure your healthcare arrangements are aligned with your preferences.
Schools & Education
If you are relocating to London with your family, securing the right education for your children is usually a key priority. London offers an exceptional choice of prestigious private schools, including leading day schools, preparatory schools and internationally recognised boarding schools located outside of London. Many institutions offer international curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), US Advanced Placement (AP), European and other globally recognised programmes, alongside the British curriculum. Admissions to private schools are managed directly by the institutions and are not subject to catchment areas.
For families considering the state education system, admissions are largely governed by catchment areas, with priority given to children living close to the school. This can influence property choices, particularly around high-demand schools. Applications are administered through the local council and require a UK address, although a temporary address may sometimes be used.
We work closely with leading education consultants who can provide discreet, tailored guidance to support your family in selecting and securing the most appropriate educational pathway, within both the private and state systems.
Legal & Admin
A list of visa categories is available on the UK Government website, each with its own eligibility criteria and application process, providing detailed guidance on the options available.
If you do not already hold a UK bank account, establishing one is advisable to facilitate day-to-day transactions. Once your UK address is confirmed, we can assist with the account opening process. In some cases, you may be able to initiate the application before departure so that the account is operational upon arrival.
The UK tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April. It is important to understand the UK tax obligations that may arise depending on residency status and personal circumstances. Seeking advice from a qualified tax adviser is strongly recommended. Through our trusted network, we would be pleased to arrange an introduction.
Moving to London also requires some practical yet essential considerations to manage, including a UK driving licence, council tax, arranging parking permits and registering for utilities. We provide comprehensive support throughout these processes to ensure everything is handled efficiently as you settle into London life.
At Caroline Victoria London, our approach is discreet and highly personalised. We provide a bespoke property search and relocation service, guiding clients through every stage of the acquisition or rental process, from identifying the right neighbourhood and securing an exceptional home to managing the practical aspects of settling in.