‘Buying London’: Inside the filming locations for Netflix’s most “hateable” show

Since its release on Netflix, the internet has had plenty to say about Buying London. The British answer to Selling Sunset, the show follows a group of real estate agents on the luxury property market. From Belgravia to St. John’s Wood, here’s a closer look inside the Buying London filming locations, and what makes them so special, despite the show’s otherwise somewhat lacklustre storylines.

The Guardian is calling it “probably the most hateable show ever made,” but that doesn’t take away from the fact that the real estate on Buying London is stunning. Centred around Daniel Daggers and his real estate agency DDRE, Buying London follows the business of marketing “super prime” properties on London’s high-end real estate market. Whilst plenty can be said about the cast and the somewhat superficial storyline, the more sophisticated star of the show is London’s luxury property market.

Whilst London property is smaller in size than, say, Dubai (where the gang also heads for one odd episode), it is significantly more expensive by square foot. Flashy apartments with indoor pools or sprawling mansions with historical value, most of the properties on Buying London are listed at upwards of the GBP 10 million mark, with agent commissions placed in the hundred thousands. According to Daniel, this is owing to London’s rich history, and its place in the world as a hub for luxury.

And yet, not all London neighbourhoods carry the same prestige.

How often does Buying London’s Rosi mention that she lives in Holland Park? Are we surprised Posh Man Oli met his wife in Chelsea? Decoding London’s most exclusive postcodes, read on for the debrief on the most expensive areas featured on Buying London — yes, the so-often-name-dropped Beckham neighbourhood included.

Where was Buying London filmed? Inside London’s swankiest neighbourhoods 

Belgravia

Known to be home to many affluent London residents, chic boutiques, and restaurants, Belgravia is located mostly in the City of Westminster, with a small part situated in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It is bordered by Knightsbridge, Grosvenor Place, and Hyde Park, and neighbours the prestigious Mayfair at its northeast.

On Buying London, Reme sees her “most expensive listing” in Belgravia, and indeed, the London neighbourhood is popular for property investment, particularly with foreign investors. Sloane Square, which Belgravia shares with the equally prestigious Chelsea neighbourhood, is especially revered for shopping and dining out. It separates the two largest aristocratic estates in London, namely the Cadogan and the Grosvenor Estate.

Notable locations: Sloane Square, Cadogan Hall, Buckingham Palace Gardens, Belgrave Square.
Belgravia flat price per square foot: GBP 2006 (2023, LonRes), approx. THB 93,500.
Belgravia house price per square foot: GBP 1972 (2023, LonRes), approx. THB 91,900.

Holland Park

Holland Park is located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It is named after the Holland Park, though many cheekily give it the moniker “millionaire’s row.” This is alluded to in Buying London, as celebrity residents are often name-dropped in association with Holland Park. It is said that the Beckhams, Sir Elton John, Ed Sheeran, and Robbie Williams all have a home here.

The houses in Holland Park are significantly larger than in many other luxury London neighbourhoods, characterised by large Victorian mansions, and a closer proximity to nature, owing to the large park nearby. Luxury spas and fine dining restaurants dot Holland Park Avenue and the famous Kensington High Street, and an air of artistry gives Holland Park a lot of its charms. Throughout its history, it has been a quiet haven for several notable artists and art collectors.

Notable locations: The Holland Park, The Kyoto Garden (within the Holland Park) Opera Theatre, Design Museum.
Holland Park flat price per square foot: GBP 1374 (2023, LonRes), approx. THB 64,000.
Holland Park house price per square foot: GBP 1715 (2023, LonRes), approx. THB 79,900.

Mayfair

Mayfair has served as the address for London’s upper classes for centuries, though these days it also sees an array of embassies, restaurants, shops, and even offices. Locals refer to it as “the Village,” in response to which the Financial Times has dubbed it “London’s most expensive village.” Located in the City of Westminster and part of London’s famous West End, Mayfair is situated between Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly, and Park Lane. It is surrounded by both Hyde Park and Green Park, and Grosvenor Square lies at its centre.

Park Lane draws the world’s elites to its gorgeous and highly exclusive properties. As Buying London’s Daniel Daggers puts it: “everyone across the planet knows Park Lane.” In recent years, Mayfair too has seen an increase in foreign — especially Middle Eastern — investment in the area. Colloquially, it is sometimes nicknamed “Little Doha.”

Notable locations: The Dorchester, The Ritz, Claridge’s, Sotheby’s, Savile Row, Burlington House.
Mayfair flat price per square foot: GBP 2502 (2023, LonRes), approx. THB 116,600.
Mayfair house price per square foot: GBP 2192 (2023, LonRes), approx. THB 102,171.

Regent’s Park

The Regent’s Park is one of the Royal Parks of London, and it lends its name to the expensive London neighbourhood that surrounds it. Regent’s Park is located in the City of Westminster and the Borough of Camden, featuring a vast parkland, gardens, and ornamental lake, with classic white stucco terraces of houses lining the sides of the park.

Regent’s Park showcases a beautiful nod to English townhouse living, as neoclassical terraces (collectively named “Nash terraces,” after architect John Nash) line the “Inner Circle” of The Regent’s Park. This area also sees the grounds of Regent’s University and the European Business School, as well as a few larger villas and private residences owned by royal families from across the globe.

Notable locations: The Regent’s Park, Regent’s University, London Zoo.
Regent’s Park flat price per square foot: GBP 1159 (2023, LonRes), approx. THB 54,000.
Regent’s Park house price per square foot: GBP 1514 (2023, LonRes), approx. THB 70,500.

St. John’s Wood

Located in the City of Westminster, St. John’s Wood was once part of the Forest of Middlesex, and still makes a strong case for living near nature in London. Bordered by Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, St. John’s Wood also lies in close proximity to the affluent residential area of Hampstead.

St. John’s Wood is characterised by much larger villas than in many other areas in Central London. Given its close proximity to the Lord’s Cricket Ground and Abbey Road Studios, it is popular amongst athletes and musicians alike. Famous personalities who have called St. John’s Wood their home include Sir Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, Mark Ronson, and Sachin Tendulkar.

Notable locations: Lord’s Cricket Ground, Marylebone Cricket Club,Abbey Road Studios.
St. John’s Wood flat price per square foot: GBP 1159 (2023, LonRes), THB 54,000.
St. John’s Wood house price per square foot: GBP 1514 (2023, LonRes), THB 70,500.

Buying London premiered on Netflix on 22 May 2024.

This story first appeared on Prestige Online Thailand.