What to Look for in a London Property if You're Buying From Overseas

Whether you're buying for your child to live in while studying, as a long-term investment, or simply want a reliable base in the city, it helps to know what actually matters when you’re buying from abroad. Here’s a straightforward guide and an example of a development that quietly ticks the right boxes.

A Building That’s Properly Looked After

If you’re not living in the UK full-time, one of the most important things is knowing the building is well managed. You don’t want to be dealing with maintenance issues or tracking down someone to sort out a leak from across time zones.

Look for developments with:

• On-site management teams
• A dedicated concierge
• Clear service charge structures
• Proper budgeting for long-term upkeep

At Wandsworth Mills, all of this is in place. The building has 24-hour concierge support, a professional management team, and a service charge that covers everything from shared areas to parcel handling and facilities. It means you don’t have to worry about chasing repairs, access, or whether the lift’s out of order. It’s all handled for you.

A Developer You Can Rely On

If you’re not able to check the site in person, you want to know that the developer can be trusted to finish the job properly and on time. Experience counts here.

Wandsworth Mills is being developed by St George, part of the Berkeley Group, one of the UK’s largest housebuilders. They’ve been building homes in London for over 40 years, and their name carries a lot of weight.

The homes come with a 10-year NHBC warranty and a 2-year developer guarantee, which offers a bit more peace of mind, especially when you’re buying from overseas.

A Location That Works for Renters and Resale

If you’re planning to let the property out, or even sell it later on, location makes a big difference. Places with good transport links, nearby schools, green space, and decent shops tend to be easier to rent. They also hold their value better.

Wandsworth fits this picture well. From Wandsworth Town Station, you can get to Waterloo in under 15 minutes, and the area is surrounded by parks, independent cafés, and schools. It’s a part of London that people actually live in, not just invest in.

Facilities That Are Useful, Not Just Flashy

Some developments throw in shiny extras that sound good on paper but don’t really get used. What actually makes life easier, especially if you’re not based in the UK, is a property's practical features. These can include:

• 24-hour concierge
• Secure parcel collection
• Professional building management
• On-site gym and pool
• Comfortable spaces for work or relaxing

At Wandsworth Mills, these aren’t just showpieces. Residents get over 15,000 sq ft of shared facilities, including a wellness spa, library, games room, virtual golf, screening rooms, and more. All useful, whether you're making this place your home or letting it out.

A Payment Plan With Breathing Room

Buying from overseas usually takes a bit more planning. Between arranging finance, managing exchange rates, or working with family, having time helps.

Wandsworth Mills offers a four-stage payment structure:

1. £5,000-£10,000 reservation
2. 10% on exchange
3. A second 10% a year later
4. The remaining 75% on completion (expected between Q2 2027 and Q1 2028)

This kind of timeline gives you space to prepare, and removes the pressure to move everything at once.

A Place You’d Actually Want to Use

Buying from overseas often means making a decision without spending much time on the ground. So it helps to think simply: would I be comfortable staying here myself? Can I walk to the station? Grab a coffee nearby? Get some fresh air without needing a car?

Wandsworth Mills sits on the River Wandle, five minutes from the station, with parks, cafés, and everyday shops close by. It’s the kind of area that feels easy to live in; practical, well-connected, and not trying too hard.

Buying From Abroad Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Buying in another country always comes with a few extra steps. But if you focus on the things that matter, such as long leases, experienced developers, good transport links, and useful on-site support, you’ll cut out a lot of stress and end up with something that holds its value.

Wandsworth Mills is a good example. It’s not flashy. It’s practical, well-designed, and backed by one of the UK’s most reliable developers. For many overseas buyers, that’s exactly the kind of balance they’re after. Consider:

• Developer track record: Look for groups like Berkeley with a long-standing reputation
• Strong location: Close to transport, green space and everyday shops
• On-site facilities: Like Concierge, parcel storage, resident support
• Letting potential: Solid rental demand and layouts that appeal to tenants

📩  Thinking about Wandsworth Mills?

See floor plans, project details, and availability here or contact our team directly for more information