In 2025, Kensington remains one of London’s most diverse property markets. Whether you’re working with £500,000 or several million, there’s a clear path to ownership. This guide helps you understand exactly what your budget can buy, from compact new-build apartments to elegant family homes, and how each price range translates into real, attainable options.
With verified data from leading market sources and Entralon’s whole-market insights, you’ll see how budget, location, and property type interact in practical terms. Each section breaks down the typical homes available within your range, highlights value-for-money sub-areas, and explains the financing routes most suited to different buyer profiles.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, investor, or family mover, this guide is designed to make affordability transparent, showing what’s possible, where, and how.
Scroll down to see what your budget can really buy, and explore the homes that match your goals.
Budget Ranges & What They Buy You
Kensington accommodates a broad spectrum of buyers, from first-time professionals seeking a foothold in Zone 2 to high-net-worth families looking for long-term residences. Below is what each budget typically secures in 2025, based on verified Entralon listings and market data.
£500 k – £800 k · Young Professionals & Couples
This range opens access to modern 1–2 bedroom apartments offering a balance of lifestyle and practicality. Expect smart layouts, balconies, and shared facilities such as gyms or rooftop terraces, usually within walking distance of transport hubs. Ideal for buyers prioritizing manageable mortgage costs and proximity to the City or West End.
Tournay House
- Developer: Regent Land and Developments, London
- Sub-Area: 2 Tournay Road, SW6 7UF
- Type: 2 BR Apartments | Avg Size: 57 m²
- Starting Price: £685,000 | £/ft²: ≈ £12,000
- Amenities: Chill-out and social spaces | Outdoor: Balcony / Roof terrace
- Transport: 0.4 km to West Kensington stops
- Completion: Ready to move
Why it fits: A well-located, ready-to-move scheme appealing to first-time professionals seeking value under £ 700k with lifestyle amenities and strong transport links. Explore Tournay House in Kensington.
£800 k – £1.2 M · Families & Expats Seeking Space
Budgets in this range open up larger 2–3 bedroom flats or boutique developments near parks and reputable schools. Buyers typically gain concierge services, gyms, and balcony access while staying close to central London.
Riverstone Kensington
- Developer: Riverstone
- Sub-Area: 4 Warwick Lane, W14 8FN
- Type: 1–3 BR Apartments | Avg Size: 59–107 m²
- Starting Price: £995,950 | £/ft²: from £13,500
- Amenities: Swimming pool, gym, concierge & security
- Outdoor: Balcony
- Transport: 2–3 min to Kensington Olympia
- Completion: Ready to move
Why it fits: Combines central convenience with long-term comfort, perfect for families and international buyers valuing amenities and on-site services. Explore Riverstone Kensington in Kensington.
Lexington House
- Developer: Mountwood London
- Sub-Area: 24 Auriol Road, W14 0SS
- Type: 1–3 BR Apartments | Avg Size: 61–202 m²
- Starting Price: £1.135 M | £/ft²: ≈ £18,600
- Amenities: Gym & social lounges | Outdoor: Balcony
- Transport: 4 min to Kensington Olympia
- Completion: Ready to move
Why it fits: Appeals to expats and relocating professionals needing spacious layouts and community amenities within a 15-minute ride of Central London. Explore Lexington House in Kensington.
£1.2 M + · Premium Buyers & Long-Term Owners
This tier targets premium residences combining elegant architecture, concierge service, and secure value retention. Expect 2–4 bedroom homes or penthouses near High Street Kensington or Notting Hill.
The Pembridge
- Developer: Beauchamp Estates
- Sub-Area: 66–74 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3HT
- Type: 2 BR Apartments | Avg Size: 92 m²
- Starting Price: £1.795 M | £/ft²: ≈ £19,500
- Amenities: Social spaces | Outdoor: Balcony
- Transport: 1 min walk to Notting Hill Gate Station
- Completion: Ready to move
Why it fits: Blends prestige and practicality, ideal for buyers seeking a long-term London base in a globally recognized address. Explore The Pembridge in Kensington.
Porchester Gardens
- Developer: Wilben
- Sub-Area: W2
- Type: 1–3 BR Apartments | Avg Size: 51–101 m²
- Starting Price: £2.3 M | £/ft²: ≈ £30,000
- Amenities: Concierge, pool & social lounges
- Outdoor: Balcony
- Completion: Ready to move
Why it fits: Suits international investors seeking a high-spec turnkey home with strong liquidity and rental appeal near Hyde Park. Explore Porchester Gardens in Kensington.
Holland Park Gate
- Developer: Lodha Group
- Sub-Area: 257–265 Kensington High Street, W8 6NA
- Type: 1–5 BR Apartments | Avg Size: 71–292 m²
- Starting Price: £2.755 M | £/ft²: ≈ £33,500
- Amenities: Pool, gym, concierge & parking
- Completion: Ready to move
Why it fits: Combines luxury facilities with one of Kensington’s most desirable retail and transport corridors, a benchmark for capital security. Explore Holland Park Gate in Kensington.
Where You Get the Best Value for Money in Kensington
Even within Kensington’s prime market, certain micro-locations provide stronger value per ft² thanks to connectivity and regeneration.
West Kensington (W14)
Offers relative affordability and excellent transport via the District Line and Overground.
- Pros: Lower £/ft² than High Street Kensington; strong rental demand.
- Cons: Limited new-build supply; fewer green spaces.
View properties in West Kensington.
Earl’s Court / Warwick Road Corridor
Currently under long-term regeneration with significant mixed-use investment.
- Pros: Capital-growth potential; proximity to Chelsea.
- Cons: Construction disruption; premium pricing emerging.
Notting Hill / Bayswater (W2)
Combines lifestyle appeal with strong global recognition.
- Pros: Boutique stock and heritage charm; near Hyde Park.
- Cons: Tight inventory; higher service charges.
View apartments in Notting Hill.
Real Cost of Buying in Kensington (Hidden & Ongoing Costs)
Cost Type | Typical 2025 Range | Notes |
Stamp Duty Land Tax | Progressive bands + 2 % surcharge for overseas buyers | Gov.uk rates |
Council Tax | £1,300 – £3,200 p.a., depending on band and borough | RB Kensington & Chelsea |
Service Charge | £6 – £12 / ft² per year | Higher in concierge buildings |
Ground Rent | Mostly peppercorn / nominal on new leases | Abolished on new leasehold sales |
Maintenance & Insurance | £1,000 – £2,500 p.a. | Varies by building and unit size |
Financing Pathways Based on Buyer Type
Buyer Type | Financing Path | Key Feature | CTA |
UK Resident | Mortgage (LTV up to 85 %) | Best rates for first-time buyers | Check mortgage eligibility |
Expat / GCC Buyer | Developer payment plan | No UK credit history required | Get developer financing options |
Shared Ownership | Part-buy / part-rent | Lower deposit requirement | View shared ownership listings |
Matching Your Budget With the Right Property
Lower budgets in Kensington often secure compact, central-adjacent flats ideal for first-time buyers or investors prioritizing yield. Mid-range budgets open the door to comfortable 1–2 bedroom apartments offering space, amenities, and short commutes. Higher budgets, meanwhile, translate into family-sized or premium homes with strong resale potential and lifestyle appeal.
Entralon’s data-driven tools and expert advisors help you compare these options objectively — ensuring your chosen property aligns with both your budget and long-term goals.
Get a personalised shortlist of homes matching your budget.
FAQ
What type of home can you buy in Kensington for £ 500k?
Typically, compact studio or 1-bedroom new-build flats in West Kensington or Earl’s Court fit this range, offering affordability and strong rental demand.
Which areas offer the best value for money in Kensington?
West Kensington and Earl’s Court provide the lowest £/ft² ratios in the borough while maintaining excellent transport connections to Central London.
How much deposit do I need to buy a flat in Kensington?
Most UK residents secure mortgages with 10–20 % deposits; expat buyers often use developer plans requiring 0–20 % initial payment.
Are there developer payment plans for buyers in Kensington?
Yes, select new-build schemes offer 10/90 or 20/80 plans for non-resident or off-plan buyers seeking flexible entry options.
What extra costs should I expect when buying in Kensington?
Expect Stamp Duty, Council Tax, and annual service charges averaging £6–12 per ft² per year, depending on amenities and building management.
