United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty has completed the sale of a £12.95 million property on Cavendish Avenue under an exclusive mandate. The transaction, handled by Senior Sales Director Lee Greenfield with Consultant Senior Sales Directors Katya Zenkovich and Josh Ratcliffe, exchanged within seven days of going under offer and just over two months after coming to market.
The property garnered multiple competing offers and sustained international interest while it was on the market before ultimately selling to a domestic buyer seeking to upsize from a flat, securing St John's Wood’s first high-profile sale of 2026.
The swift transaction underscores the enduring appeal of prime North West London real estate, particularly in St John's Wood, where properties of this calibre remain tightly held. The seven-day exchange period is notably efficient for a transaction of this scale, reflecting both the buyer's decisiveness and the strength of market fundamentals in the upper echelons of the capital's residential sector.
Commenting on the landmark deal, Lee Greenfield, Senior Sales Director at United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty, said, “This sale shows that, following the end-of-year budget, buyer demand in St John’s Wood and across PCL remains strong. While purchasers are careful with pricing, competitively positioned homes are attracting multiple offers and keen competition.”
He continued, “The level of interest in this property highlights St John’s Wood’s enduring appeal as an affluent, high-performing neighbourhood, with buyers continuing to target the area for long-term ownership.”
The Property
The property that changed hands was a low-built stucco villa set behind imposing gates in one of St John's Wood's most prestigious enclaves, a street rumoured to count Paul McCartney among its residents. Completed in 2004, the detached residence unfolds over more than 8,600 square feet, offering an unusually expansive lateral footprint in the capital.
Inside, the architecture balances grand entertaining spaces with intimate family rooms, anchored by a central courtyard garden that draws natural light deep into the plan. The principal suite occupies an entire floor, complete with dual dressing rooms and a private terrace. Below, a full leisure level houses a spa with a swimming pool, steam room, gym, and cinema. Secure underground parking accessed via car lift, landscaped gardens, and staff facilities complete the residence.
The property was marketed to a curated list of buyers and attracted immediate interest, reflecting strong demand for exceptional family homes in the area.
Katya Zenkovich, Consultant Senior Sales Director at United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty, shared: “This transaction reinforces how critical the right agent and disciplined pricing are at this level of the market. When a home is positioned correctly from the outset and guided by experienced representation, momentum builds quickly, leading to a decisive and successful sale.”
Highlighting the collaborative effort, Josh Ratcliffe, Consultant Senior Sales Director at United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty, added: “It was a pleasure working with Lee and Katya on this sale. The buyer originally looked in Notting Hill, but we moved the search to St John's Wood, which is a very competitive market. Lee's expertise in the area and our teamwork really made the difference.”
Reading the Market
St John’s Wood has long captivated discerning high-net-worth buyers with its striking period architecture, village-like character, and proximity to the capital’s centre. The buyer in this deal was attracted by the area’s distinctive lifestyle offering and the property’s status as a secure investment asset.
United Kingdom Sotheby's International Realty's 2025 annual performance report revealed that St John's Wood emerged as one of the strongest-performing prime markets in both value and volume, achieving £66.8 million in total sales with an average sale price of £7.4 million. UK and European buyers comprised the largest demographic, demonstrating sustained appetite for the area despite widely reported concerns of a millionaire exodus and ongoing market headwinds.
Final Thoughts
The swift Cavendish Avenue transaction comes as London's prime market enters a period of recalibration after a year of reported economic slowdown and regulatory uncertainty. Yet it also reveals something essential: the capital's enduring pull remains intact, as it historically always has. Quality properties continue to command fierce competition and premium prices, proving that London's prime market has lost none of its fundamental appeal.
Alex Isidro, Managing Director at United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty, commented, “We’ve kicked off 2026 just as strongly as we closed 2025. St John’s Wood continues to be one of our top-performing neighbourhoods, and this sale demonstrates our expertise in meeting ongoing buyer demand and achieving exceptional results for our clients.”
