Flats to Rent or Houses For Sale in South Kensington London & SW7

There aren't many places more establishment and more upper class than South Kensington, which is if anything even more upmarket than its northern neighbour. South Kensington is less busy, more genteel, and more desirable for a certain class of person.

There are quite a few reasons for this. Firstly there's less of a shopping centre in the South Ken area, so you're less likely to be bothered except by tourists looking for museums. It's also strong location for diplomatic, embassy and other internationals as well as longterm, wealthy residents. The location is rich with places to be and place to see, being the base of London's wonderful museum land, with the V&A, Natural History and Science Museums all close at hand. Also close by is the wonderful, huge Hyde Park, wonderful for walks and chats and lunches. Eating, drinking and culture are constant companions in South Kensington, with excellent, opulent restaurants sprinkling its very wide and beautiful streets, wonderful cafes, and not just the museums but the magnificent Albert Hall amongst its sights.

Supreme respectability is the motto of South Ken. It's fashionable, yes, but in a very genteel and unshowy, typically British way. Property here is unlikely to either be on the market for long (this is code for "blink and you'll miss it"), and is supremely sought after if it is there at all. There are wonderful stucco houses that loom in the areas off Brompton Road and Gloucester Roads, which also contain excellent local grocers and ethnic stores. Some of these of course are converted into flats - but these flats are worth what houses are in many other areas. There are much larger houses in the Brompton Road and Fulham Road, whilst to the north on Fulham Road are smaller houses, which nevertheless remain very desirable indeed.

International class and high class are the people who tend to be able to get places in South Ken. If you have the money and speed to contend with these people, and want the genteel, magnificent charms it offers, then you are one of a very lucky few!

South Kensington is in the Borough of Kensington & Chelsea which holds the responsibility for delivering services in your area.
For specific information on this borough, or to contact individual departments please click here to visit their website.

Borough of Kensington & Chelsea website: Borough of Kensington & Chelsea

In General:
The London boroughs are administrative centres responsible for collecting local taxes (Council Tax and Business Rates) and then spending the funds received on local services. They are run by Borough Councils who are elected by borough residents on a four year cycle. The totals that they spend will depend on the rates of tax that they levy plus funds allocated from central government and other sources.

While many of the services (schools, roads, planning, rubbish collection and social services) are standard, levels of provision will vary according to the overall political will as expressed by the voters.

Your tax liability (as a resident) will be based on the council tax band of your home. These bands are set by Valuation Officers and there is scope for appeal. The rate bands are then used to determine the amounts of tax levied. So, while the bands will remain largely constant the levels of tax can go up and, in theory, down.

You may claim discounts or exemptions based on your circumstances. For example, as the only adult in a property you can get a 25% reduction on your bill. Other reductions are available for qualifying second adults and Council Tax Benefit claimants.

There is more information available at the HM Customs & Excise website.

Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council Tax