Summer reached a strong crescendo for United Kingdom Sotheby's International Realty, closing August with a clean sweep. While the market sentiment was reportedly sour, the brokerage agreed on an impressive 25 deals in August, building on its strong H1 performance. Below, we offer a retrospective of August’s results and insights into prevailing market sentiment.
August in Numbers
August was abuzz with activity at the United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty offices, with the team closing 25 transactions in rapid succession. By mid-month, 11 deals had already been agreed upon, and 19 were under offer – this activity represents £247 million of stock under offer, with the average value of each sold property reaching £9.8 million.
These numbers reflect the continued momentum of the brokerage, fortifying its remarkable H1 results. During the first half of 2025, the firm generated a total sales value of £ 588 million and £26.9 million in lettings transactions, while navigating complex market headwinds. Notably, over 55 of these transactions were executed in Prime Central London, representing £400 million in value.
While these H1 results demonstrated that the brokerage outperformed pessimistic market expectations, August’s success has further primed the ground for sustained progress in the coming months.
Significant Sales
There were several transactions of note in August, highlighting enduring demand within London’s super-prime property market, as well as the unique positioning and expertise of United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty in the sector against a backdrop of economic uncertainty.
1. A Georgian Marvel on Hamilton Terrace
Senior Sales Directors Zach Madison and Lee Greenfield completed the sale of an immaculately refurbished Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse on Hamilton Terrace, a highly exclusive residential street in St John’s Wood. The property, guided at £20 million, was sold to a family seeking to upsize within London.
2. Design-Led Family Home on Onslow Avenue
Senior Sales Director James Williams agreed on a beautifully finished four-bedroom family home on Onslow Avenue in Richmond. Guided at £2.8 million, the property changed hands a month after instruction, reflecting a robust appetite for family homes in leafy, tranquil neighbourhoods with seamless access to Central London.
3. Lofty Retreat with a Storied History on Greville Place
This six-bedroom Victorian property with an asking price of £6.9 million was sold by Senior Sales Director Lee Greenfield. Situated on Greville Place in St John’s Wood, it was on the market for only the fourth time in its 160-year-long history, showcasing unspoiled historic proportions and thoughtfully imagined modern interventions.
London’s Prime Property Market: A Picture of Cautious Optimism
The capital’s prime and super-prime real estate market opened 2025 on a subdued note – there was a surfeit of vacant trophy assets and an exodus of high-net-worth investors prompted by the introduction of the stamp duty surcharge and the abolition of the generous non-dom tax regime, alongside a hesitation among sellers to adopt realistic pricing.
The policy shifts and rising taxes presented a series of challenges for the industry, perturbing market sentiment – it was reported that the number of prime sales in H1 2025 was about 6% below the same period in 2024. Leading commentators and prominent analysts highlighted these developments, raising alarm about the potential headwinds for London’s blue-chip real estate.
However, London has a history of demonstrating remarkable resilience during turbulent economic periods. This cycle was no exception, as evidenced by both our internal market data as well as by the renewed investor confidence now emerging across the market.
Q2 of 2025 saw the rise of prime London property prices by 7.4% – 2.3% higher than the same period last year. At the same time, buyers have retained negotiating leverage, with the average discount on prime London property standing at 8.7%. Despite this gap between buyers and sellers, the figures point to a measured market recovery following a period of sluggish growth.
Fortifying prime London’s gradual recovery are the buoyant outer-prime markets, which have seen commendable price increases and sustained buyer interest over the past year. Areas such as Wandsworth, Hackney, Bexley, Hammersmith, Chiswick, Wimbledon, Richmond, Putney, and Barnes have continued to attract discerning buyers and investors thanks to their comprehensive lifestyle offering. Serene, family-friendly quarters of Central and West London, such as Kensington, Notting Hill, Holland Park, St John’s Wood, Regent’s Park, and Primrose Hill have also recorded uplifts in average house values. These trends underscore the palpable “needs-based” sentiment that’s pervasive in the market.
Another promising consideration is the unwavering global appeal of London.
Britain’s Steadfast International Appeal
Notwithstanding the abolition of the non-dom regime – which had been expected to significantly temper the UK’s global appeal – market data from United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty revealed that 61% of their buyers during the first half of 2025 were international, while 49% of their tenants were relocating from abroad. Investors from overseas, chiefly from the US, India, and the Middle East, have not only plugged high-value domestic departures but have also boldly illuminated the truly unique allure of London and Britain at large.
International wealth migration in Britain can be attributed to the fact that it provides the best of all worlds. It offers an incredibly rare cocktail of history, cultural cachet, economic resilience, educational excellence, natural landscapes, and architectural beauty. Its high-end lifestyle offering is among the finest in the world. For instance, beyond being the custodian of the world’s most prestigious museums, galleries, and private members’ clubs, London’s culinary scene continues to expand, with 300 upscale eateries opening in 2024 – a trend that further reinforces strong investor confidence in the city.
Additionally, London’s globally aligned time zone and its liberal, welcoming atmosphere continue to enhance its appeal for international investors, families, and professionals alike.
Final Thoughts
The impressive run of transactions in August signals a positive trajectory for United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty and marks yet another milestone. It is a definitive market statement and a compelling reinforcement of the firm’s guiding mission of disrupting the industry and redefining the standards of excellence. These figures also reflect the confidence placed in the brokerage to deliver exceptional results, particularly in periods of uncertainty. As 2025 progresses, this foundation positions the company to build on that trust and reach new heights of achievement.
The close of summer also offers cause for optimism across the wider market. Not only are there unmistakable signs of steady recovery, but London’s enduring appeal to investors – domestically and globally – remains firmly intact.
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