.svg){kind=logo}
.png)
The Return of Zone 1: What Makes Buying in Nine Elms Worth a Look Right Now
For years, Central London felt out of reach for many investors. Property prices were high, yields were limited, and growth was happening further out. But that has started to shift.
A new generation of buyers is now looking again at Zone 1, and Nine Elms has moved to the top of the list.
Tucked between Vauxhall and Battersea, this riverside district has undergone a complete transformation. With new transport links, public spaces, shops, and cultural venues already open, it is no longer a promise of what might come. It is a place where people are buying, living, and seeing returns.
Let’s look at why Nine Elms is getting attention, and why that attention is deserved.
Zone 1 Location with a Fresh Start
Most parts of Zone 1 are well established. What you see is what you get. Nine Elms, on the other hand, is one of the few central London neighbourhoods that feels genuinely new.
The Northern line extension has added two new stations, including Nine Elms Station, making commutes quicker and easier. From Vauxhall Station, you can reach Oxford Circus or Green Park in just a few minutes.
The St George Wharf Pier adds another option. Riverboat services now connect the area with Canary Wharf, Bankside, and London Bridge. It is easy to move around without relying on the Tube.
This kind of access matters. Buyers and tenants want convenience, and Nine Elms now offers it in a way that few other new areas can.
The Regeneration is Real
Unlike other so-called regeneration zones, Nine Elms has already delivered. You can see the impact on the ground.
The area includes:
- Battersea Power Station, now a major shopping and dining destination
- Linear Park, a green corridor that stretches from Vauxhall to Battersea
- The striking US Embassy, a landmark building at the heart of the area
- Five star hotels, restaurants, cafés, and riverside walks
What makes Nine Elms stand out is that this is all built and open. Investors are not being asked to wait five or ten years for the area to take shape. They can see it now, which makes decisions easier and safer.
Properties That Suit the Way People Live Now
Today’s renters expect more than just four walls. They want fast broadband, space to work, places to relax, and modern design.
The apartments in Nine Elms reflect this shift. They offer concierge services, co-working areas, gyms with river views, roof terraces, and high-spec finishes throughout. There is also direct access to Nine Elms Park, which adds a green, open feel that renters value.
As hybrid work becomes normal, these features make a real difference. They help reduce tenant turnover and support higher rental income.
Solid Rental Yields and Long-Term Growth
Yields in Prime Central London have often been low. But Nine Elms is different.
According to JLL, gross rental yields in new developments here typically fall between 4 percent and 5.5 percent. That is well above average for Zone 1, and reflects the ongoing demand from both local and overseas renters.
Capital growth is also part of the picture. With more infrastructure complete, and more amenities opening, prices have room to move. Buyers who enter now are not too early. Nor are they too late.
.jpeg)
It is Not Just for Investors
Nine Elms also appeals to people who want to live in central London, but with more space and better amenities. Whether it is a part-time home, a pied-à-terre, or somewhere to visit during the year, this part of the city now makes sense for more people.
The area offers access to the best of London. Within walking distance or a short ride, you will find:
- Tate Britain
- Darby’s oyster bar
- The Alchemist cocktail bar
- Electric Boulevard, home to fashion and lifestyle brands
This is not just another luxury postcode. It is a new neighbourhood with places people actually go to.
Prices Are Still Competitive
Compared to nearby areas like Westminster or South Kensington, Nine Elms offers value.
Rightmove data shows that average asking prices in Nine Elms are around 1,100 to 1,400 pounds per square foot, depending on the building. In South Kensington, that can easily rise to over 2,000.
You are still buying in Zone 1. But here, you are getting more for your money.
Who Is Buying?
Buyers include professionals, international investors, and families purchasing for children attending London universities. Institutions like UCL, LSE, and Imperial College are all within easy reach by Tube or bus.
There is also growing interest from those relocating from Asia and the Middle East, who are looking for secure, high-quality homes with long-term potential.
A Central London Location That’s Delivering
Nine Elms offers something rare in central London. It is new, well connected, already established, and still has room to grow.
Whether you are buying to let, looking for a London base, or thinking about future use, this is a part of Zone 1 that has moved from potential to performance.
Thinking about buying in Zone 1 or want more details on available units?
