W1 Area Guide
Welcome to W1
An Overview of W1
W1 is a world-renowned postcode and the beating heart of central London. It is made up of some of the capital’s best-known areas, Mayfair, Marylebone, Fitzrovia, and Soho, areas that contain some of the capital’s most famous streets such as Mount Street, Harley Street, Charlotte Street and Old Compton Street.
If you think of a quintessential London experience, what comes to mind? It’s the grand facades of the John Nash inspired Regent Street; it’s the West End theatres; it’s Savile Row and the luxury retailers of New Bond Street; it’s private garden squares; it’s Liberty London and the bustling Carnaby Street.W1 is predominantly part of the City of Westminster Borough, however, a small area is captured in Camden Borough. It’s also broken down into smaller postcodes (W1A, W1B, W1C, W1D, W1E, W1F, W1G, W1H, W1J, W1K, W1S, W1T, W1U, W1W) with each having its own point of difference and charm.
It is also home to:
- 319 Pubs, bars and inns
- 841 restaurants
- 6 underground stations
- 5 hospitals
- 10 independent and prep schools
Each area of W1 is a highly sought after residential market, with unique and distinctive architecture and diverse population.
We have analysed the data for each of the areas to create a W1 area guide, looking at both the housing market and demographics for each of the areas.
Our prime central London and Private Office team are the experts in this area, and provide their recommendations, giving a personal touch to this most global destinations.
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Area & Property Market Insights in Marylebone
Location
Tucked in between Oxford Street and Baker Street, Marylebone is one of London’s most picturesque pockets. You only need to walk down the charmingly curved Marylebone Lane with its restaurants, or browse the boutiques of Chiltern Street to understand why this area is one of the capital’s most sought after.
Why Marylebone is Popular
Marylebone village with its fabulous High Street, is a modern take on the quintessential British village with butchers, bakers and even candlestick makers helping make this one of London’s most pleasurable shopping experiences. The thriving area is underpinned by quality independents, including boutique retailers and artisan cafes at every turn. Every Sunday, whether rain, hail or shine, you will find Marylebone Farmers Market on Aybrook St, and the top of Moxon Street, offering the freshest, seasonal produce.
Institutional restaurants, pubs and bars are dotted around the neighbourhood, including the famed Chiltern Firehouse, and internationally loved Le Relais de Venise L'Entrecote. A CBRE team favourite is the cocktail bar at Marylebone Hotel.
Marylebone is famously the heart of London’s medical district, with Harley Street the epicentre of private health care, boasting some of the world’s finest medical practices.
Residents of Marylebone benefit from being close to three mainline stations: Paddington, Marylebone and Euston giving its residents access out of London to the West and the North with the ease. Baker Street, Regents Park, Great Portland Street and Edgware Road undergrounds are also nearby.
Residential Overview
Marylebone is one of central London’s most popular locations. It has a diverse residential provision, with grand Georgian townhouses throughout the medical area or on beautiful garden squares, or mansion blocks to the west with impressive proportions and large lateral space.
Due to its centrality, new developments in the area over recent years have experienced some of central London’s highest demand, but like most of the rest of central London, are in short supply.
Our Personal Picks
Marcus Bradbury-Ross head of the Private Office, has given his top recommendations to enjoy a day in Marylebone.
- Eat: Entrecôte is a legendary steak restaurant on Marylebone Lane that only serves one dish, Steak and Chips, and it does them beautifully. For an incredible atmosphere and amazing food, Carlotta on Marylebone High Street is a must. I also love Jikoni, a fabulous Asian fusion restaurant on Blandford Street.
- Drink: The Cavendish on New Cavendish Street, which perfectly marries the concept of a bar and a pub. The Coachmakers on Marylebone Lane has a great atmosphere, however, you may want to avoid here as you don’t want to bump into someone from the property world, as it is a firm favourite of the industry!
- Explore: The Wallace Collection in central Marylebone is a fantastic small gallery sat atop one of Marylebone’s prettiest garden squares, Manchester Square. You can spend an enjoyable afternoon popping in and out of the many boutique shops that line Chiltern Street, or an afternoon browsing the famous Conran Homeware shop on Marylebone High Street.
New Development For Sale in Marylebone
Marylebone Mansions is a collection of 32 exquisite contemporary apartments set behind a private façade that blends seamlessly into the period surrounds, set within the classic Marylebone streetscape of W1.
Population Projections
Source: Experian
Current Tenure
In terms of tenure, 57% of households in Marylebone are Private Rented. This is followed by Owned (Excl. Shared Ownership) households (37%) and Social Rented households (6%).
W1B is a postcode which runs directly down Regents Street and a few meters each side. With the majority of residential provision in the W1B postcode sitting at the north end of Regents Street, we have incorporated all W1B data within the Marylebone section of the report.
Average £ PSF
The graph below represents the average £ PSF per quarter in Marylebone over the past 10 years.
Average House Price (Capital Value)
The graph below represents the average house price (capital value) in Marylebone over the past 10 years.
Previous Year Transactions
The graph below represents the total number of transactions per quarter in the area of Marylebone over the past 10 years.
Rental Growth
The graph below represents the rental growth in Marylebone over 5 years
Area & Property Market Insights in Mayfair
Location
Situated to the east of Hyde Park, Mayfair is regarded by many as the premier destination in London’s west end. It epitomises ultimate luxury – think fine wine merchants, auction houses, and galleries. Mayfair has more Michelin-star restaurants and high-end hotels than any other area in London. However it is the retail offering that truly separates Mayfair from the crowd.
Why Mayfair is Popular
New and Old Bond Street are peppered with designer boutiques, international fashion houses and iconic jewellers. Nearby, you’ll find the historic Burlington Arcade, which dates back to 1819 and is home to exclusive watch retailers, perfumers, and more. There is also the delightful Mount Street and Savile Row – both highly sought-after locations for premium brands, tailors and hospitality vendors. Residents and visitors alike are spoilt for choice with cosmopolitan restaurants and an array of private members' clubs.
Residential Market Overview
The residential market in Mayfair demands attention from both domestic and international buyers and is renowned for its period architecture and grand townhouses. There have been several super prime developments in recent years that have put Mayfair at the very pinnacle of the residential market. There are multiple ‘zones’ within Mayfair that will appeal to different buyers. Grosvenor Square and the surrounding streets form central Mayfair, and is considered by many as the super prime pocket.To the north and east, locations such as Hannover Square and Savile Row have in recent years become popular residential locations, with several new developments bringing buyers to an area that had formerly been more associated as commercial and retail destinations. To the south, you have the more bohemian area of Shepherds Market, with cobbled streets and old London charm. The west is the prestigious Park Lane, with the residential apartment blocks enjoying views of the park whilst sitting alongside famous hotels such as the Dorchester and 45 Park Lane.
Even with its enduring intrigue and popularity, residents describe living in Mayfair as ‘a village within a village’. Everything you need is within a 15-minute walk, and offers a level of privacy that can’t be found in other prime residential pockets of London.
Our Personal Picks
Jack Hudson - Director of the Private Office, has given his top recommendations to enjoy a day out in Mayfair.
Mayfair has been often associated with an older, sophisticated demographic with its fine dining and established private members clubs. It is now however, attracting a younger crowd than ever before, with names such Annabele’s and 5 Hertford Street now being complimented by options such as 22 Grosvenor Square.
- Eat: Mayfair delivers the best dining London has to offer. I personally love Noble Rot on Tribeck Street and Gymkhana for something really special . It isn’t just Michelin starred fine dining restaurants, with the fabulous Mercato Metropolitano foodhall caters to all ages and budgets, a real favourite for my team.
- Drink: Favourite place for a drink: the Audley Public House on Mount Street is a superb relatively new pub right in the heart of arguably Mayfair’s prettiest area. However, you absolutely cannot beat a pint of Guinness in the Guinea Grill on Bruton Place, it’s the best Guinness in London!
- Explore: I love pottering the boutiques of the Burlington and Piccadilly Arcades. It feels like stepping back in time. For something a little more cultural, there are so many galleries such as the Halycon and the Gagosian which are also a great way to while away an afternoon. For something more relaxed, visiting the original Curzon cinema, tucked just off Curzon Street always feels very special.
New Developments For Sale in Mayfair
Three Kings Mayfair is extremely luxurious new development for sale with a very high level of specification throughout. Situated in the prime location of Central Mayfair.
Searching for properties to buy in Mayfair? Browse through our selection of luxury properties in Mayfair
Population Projections
Source: Experian
Current Tenure
In terms of tenure, 51% of households in Mayfair are Private Rented. This is followed by Owned (Excl. Shared Ownership) households (31%) and Social Rented households (18%).
Average House Price (Capital Value)
The graph below shows the average house price per quarter in the area of Mayfair over the past 10 years.
Average £ PSF
The graph below shows the average £ PSF per quarter in the area of Mayfair over the past 10 years.
Previous Year Transactions
The graph below represents the total number of transactions per quarter in the area of Mayfair over the past 10 years.
Source: Land Registry & CBRE Research
Rental Growth
The graph below represents the rental growth in Mayfair over 5 years
Area & Property Market Insights in Soho
Location
Soho is one of the most vibrant corners of central London, widely considered the entertainment and night-time capital of the city. The small neighbourhood, south of Fitzrovia and east of Mayfair, covers just over one square mile, however, it packs a punch in terms of its history, as well as its cultural, retail and food and beverage offerings. Some of its famed spots include Carnaby Street and Liberty London, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, and the array of iconic members clubs including Blacks, Groucho, and the original Soho House.
Soho is the very heart of the West End, and has a huge array of both independent cinemas and theatres which bring millions of visitors to the area year after year.
Why Soho is Popular
In recent decades, Soho has reinvented itself and has become a popular residential area for Londoners and international buyers alike. It has some of London’s best homes, tucked away in hidden pockets, offering the perfect balance of luxury and lifestyle combined. The people who work and live in Soho are incredibly passionate about all the area has to offer, and it’s easy to understand why.
Residential Overview
Soho is an area characterised by Georgian and architecture and former small industrial buildings on its cobbled streets. There have been a small number of boutique developments of those former commercial building in recent years which have proved immensely popular, as they provide unrivalled access to the nightlife and theatres of the West End. With permitted development rights curtailed in the area for nearly a decade, Soho has a very small pool of residential supply, so buyers tend to move very quickly if the right property comes up.
- Borough: Westminster
- Postcode: W1D, W1F
- Tube station: Tottenham Court Road (Central, Northern and Elizabeth Lines) and Oxford Circus (Victoria, Central and Bakerloo Lines)
Our Personal Picks
Sam Aston - Director of Prime Central London sales, has given his top recommendations to enjoy a day out in Soho.
I love simply walking around Soho and seeing London life at its most vibrant. It’s a fabulous place to people watch, with the area attracting incredible characters from all walks of life. Though Soho is famous for its nightlife, in my view, there is nothing finer than walking through Soho on a Saturday morning, and see the streets waking up, preparing for another day as London’s entertainment capital.
- Eat: Where can you start! There are so many to choose from. If I had to pick one, Speedboat Bar on Rupert Street is relatively new, and has immense zingy Thai flavours and ferocious cocktails, my personal favourite being the frozen margaritas which are served in tankards. You can go more upmarket of course, and Bob Bob Ricard Soho is a memorable experience, as much for its atmosphere and interiors as its food!
- Drink: Café Boheme and The French House. Both are Soho staples and perfect to watch the world go by. However, for a truly unique Soho experience, Trisha’s on Greek Street is like stepping into someone’s living room. Soho has just experienced an injection of glitz and glamour to rival its many private members clubs with the opening of The Broadwick Soho designed by top interior designer Martin Brudzinski. The top floor Flute bar or Bar Jackie on the ground floor I’m sure will become Soho and CBRE favourites for years to come
- Explore: Soho is all about entertainment, and if you aren’t eating and drinking the night away, then it has to be a night at the theatre. Some of the biggest shows in London are in Soho so you can take your pick from the incredible array nearly every night of the week
New Developments For Sale in Soho
Hidden behind a discreet entrance off the vibrant and bustling Berwick Street, Watch House provides new build flats for sales in Soho.
Searching for properties to buy in Soho? Browse through our selection of luxury properties in Soho
Population Projections
Source: Experian
Current Tenure
In terms of tenure, 62% of households in Soho are Private Rented. This is followed by Social Rented households (21%) and Owned (Excl. Shared Ownership) households (16%).
Average House Prices (Capital Value)
The graph below shows the average house price per quarter in the area of Soho over the past 10 years.
Average £ PSF
The graph below shows the average £ PSF per quarter in the area of Soho over the past 10 years.
Previous Year Transactions
The graph below represents the total number of transactions per quarter in the area of Soho over the past 10 years.
Source: Land Registry & CBRE Research
Rental Growth
The graph below represents the rental growth in Soho over 5 years
Area & Property Market Insights in Fitzrovia
Location
Nestled in between Oxford Circus, Regent Street, and Regents Park, Fitzrovia offers quieter, village-style living while being within a stone’s throw from all that the West End has to offer. The residential landscape has transformed in recent years. While renowned for impressive mansion blocks, and one of London’s oldest Georgian garden squares, Fitzroy Square, the area has welcomed several marquee residential developments in the past decade, bringing together the area’s bohemian history and modern, high-end living.
Why Fitzrovia is Popular
Fitzrovia, once home to Charles Dickens, has a history steeped in creativity and the arts, and today is home to galleries, boutique hotels as well as a thriving food and beverage scene. You are never far from some of London’s best old traditional public houses and top Michelin-starred restaurants, with many located on Charlotte Street which, on a summer evening has the feeling of a European city, as diners spill out onto the streets.
Home to the BBC’s headquarters, Fitzrovia has historically been a hub for media and advertising agencies, as well as architectural studios. Whilst maintaining this position, Fitzrovia is now a home the world’s largest social media platform in Facebook, and boasts market leading consultancies Boston Consultancy Group and Arup Group.
With the University College of London, the second-largest university in the United Kingdom by total enrolment and the largest by postgraduate enrolment just a few minutes’ walk away, it is the perfect residential location for domestic and international students alike.
Residential Overview
- Borough: Westminster; Camden
- Postcode: W1 and WC1
- Tube station: Tottenham Court Road (Central, Northern and Elizabeth Lines), Oxford Circus (Victoria, Central and Bakerloo Lines), and Warren Street (Victoria and Northern Lines)
Our Personal Picks
Emily Poole - Associate Director Head of Prime Central London Resales, has given her top recommendations to enjoy a day or evening out in Fitzrovia.
For me, Fitzrovia is an area that has taken all the best parts of all London and put them into one place! It has fantastic pubs and restaurants, roof top bars and fabulous hotels.- Eat: Mortimer House Kitchen delivers a bubbly atmosphere accompanied by superb food, with its members club feel, is perfect for any time of day or occasion. For something special, try Kitchen Table on Charlotte Street which is Michelin starred. It’s tiny so be prepared to wait for your booking – it’s worth it!
- Drink: The pubs and bars of Fitzrovia are always busy, and one of the very best is Lore of the Land, just off Fitzroy Square. It’s so cosy, and celebrates the best of the old with the new. It’s owned by film director Guy Ritchie, and he has created that perfect combination of warm lighting, wood panelled interiors, a pub atmosphere with amazing food. If I want cocktails, I’d go to The Punch Room at the London Edition Hotel – wonderful cocktails in a relaxed speakeasy feel hotel bar, or the Charlotte Street Hotel bar, which is one of the most popular in the area
- Explore: Fitzrovia has some great gyms, and Psycle on Mortimer Street is one of my favourite spinning studios. The galleries in the area are smaller and more intimate than others in central London. I particularly like the Rebecca Hossack gallery. I have family in Australia and I love her aboriginal influences. It's also next to The Lore of the Land, so you can always combine the two together!!
New Developments For Sale in Fitzrovia
19 Bolsover Street is an exceptional collection of 17 luxury new build homes located in West Fitzrovia with Marylebone and Mayfair close by.
A highly anticipated, prestigious new development situated within one of central London’s most desired neighbourhoods.
Searching for properties to buy in Fitzrovia? Browse through our selection of luxury properties in Fitzrovia
Population Projections
Source: Experian
Current Tenure
In terms of tenure, 48% of households in Fitzrovia are Private Rented. This is followed by Owned (Excl. Shared Ownership) households (30%) and Social Rented households (22%).
Previous House Data
Average House Price (Capital Value)
The graph below shows the average house price per quarter in the area of Fitzrovia over the past 10 years.
Average £ PSF
The graph below shows the average £ PSF per quarter in the area of Fitzrovia over the past 10 years.
Previous Year Transactions
The graph below represents the total number of transactions per quarter in the area of Fitzrovia over the past 10 years.
Rental Growth
The graph below represents the rental growth in Fitzrovia over 5 years