Why London and Surrey still lead for UHNW Indian buyers.
India’s affinity with London’s most storied postcodes is no accident. From Edwardian-era residences to today’s family offices, the thread runs unbroken. Most recently illustrated by high-profile acquisitions such as Ravi Ruia’s £113m Hanover Lodge on Regent’s Park and Adar Poonawalla’s £138m Aberconway House in Mayfair.
2025 Reality: more wealth, selective momentum.
India’s ultra-wealthy cohort is expanding rapidly. Knight Frank’s Wealth Report projects a ~50% rise in India’s UHNWI population by 2028, a powerful tailwind for cross-border real estate allocations into London and the Home Counties.
International demand has been fluid: in early 2024, overseas buyers accounted for roughly 27% of London sales, with The Times highlighting Indians as a leading force within Asian purchasers. In 2025, registration data show fewer house hunters from overseas overall, yet committed capital at the prime end remains active and discerning. Translation: fewer viewings but more serious bids.
Value is back in Prime Central London.
For strategic buyers, PCL offers its best relative value in a decade: Savills notes prices are still ~22% below the 2014 peak, while LonRes reports average discounts to asking of ~12% on £5m+ sales in H1 2025, creating real scope to negotiate blue-chip assets in Mayfair, Belgravia, Knightsbridge, Regent’s Park and St John’s Wood.
Market conditions remain price-sensitive with new listings up and transactions slightly down, but the upper tiers continue to clear when quality and pricing align, precisely where seasoned advisers add value.
Policy backdrop: new rules, new windows.
The UK has replaced the non-dom regime with a four-year Foreign Income & Gains (FIG) system from 6 April 2025. For globally mobile families, this reshapes timing and structuring—less “set and forget,” more thoughtful sequencing of residency, ownership and liquidity. With sentiment adjusting, prime prices have softened on the margins, an opening for decisive buyers.
Surrey: legacy living, London access.
Alongside a London base, many Indian families are securing a residence in Surrey’s private estates such as St George’s Hill and Wentworth, prioritising privacy, acreage, top schools and swift access to Central London. These estates sit at the pinnacle of the UK market and continue to command global interest; even The Times’ “most expensive streets” list features St George’s Hill, underscoring enduring prestige and liquidity.
Llanover International: cross-border clarity, discreet execution.
We act for high-net-worth Indian buyers and family offices seeking best-in-class assets in London and Surrey. Our edge is comparative: we advise across London, the UAE and Singapore, calibrating currency, policy and cycle dynamics—then executing quietly, off- and on-market.
How we help right now.
- Targeted search in Prime Central London (trophy apartments, lateral floors, garden squares) and Surrey estates (statement country homes with privacy and amenities).
- Valuation & bid strategy anchored to today’s true clear prices and documented discount ranges.
- Structure & timing aligned with the FIG regime and long-term family objectives (residency, schooling and legacy).
The conclusion: 2025 offers a rare mix—India’s wealth engine is accelerating; London prime is value-rich and negotiable; Surrey provides sanctuary without sacrificing access. For high-net-worth Indian buyers, this is a moment to curate a two-home strategy that blends status, stability, and succession.