What you need to know about Chelsea
Located at the southern end of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the district of Chelsea occupies a prime location on the River Thames close to the City of Westminster. It sits on the River Thames' north bank and is regarded as one of the most affluent parts of London.
The average property price in Chelsea in 2020 was £2,440,519, which was slightly higher than the £2,218,116 overall average for the borough. This means that property in Chelsea is more affordable than Campden Hill which is located in the middle of the borough but more expensive than nearby Earl's Court which has an average property price of £1,270,450.
Flats accounted for most of the district's property sales, with average prices sitting at £1,466,746. On average, terraced properties in Chelsea fetched £4,696,367 and semi-detached properties averaged £9,338,636. Prices increased by 14% from the 2019 average, meaning they are currently similar to the £2,426,130 peak seen in 2018.
What is living in Chelsea like?
Chelsea has maintained an air of exclusivity, largely due to its consistently high property prices. In the 1970s, the term 'Sloane Ranger' was created to describe some of the area's residents, with the likes of Diana, Princess of Wales, Jemima Goldsmith, and the Duchess of Cambridge being described as Sloanes by some over the years.
The King's Road is one of the major thoroughfares in Chelsea, with many notable high street names maintaining a presence on the street. Sloane Street is making a name for itself as a competitor to Bond Street and is now home to a range of high-end jewellery and fashion boutiques including Cartier, Gucci, and Harrods. In addition, Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea Football Club is located adjacent to the Chelsea border in Fulham, offering easy access to the grounds from across the district. And this is really just a slice of the amenities and notable features of the area.
In terms of property types, Chelsea is remarkably diverse. From luxurious new apartments with views across the River Thames to mews cottages and expansive white mansions, there are properties to suit a wide range of budgets.
Living in Chelsea pros and cons
Pro: A selection of open spaces to enjoy
In addition to being home to numerous garden squares for residents, Chelsea also benefits from several open spaces including Battersea Bridge Gardens, Albert Bridge Gardens, and the Royal Hospital Chelsea which hosts the Chelsea Flower Show in May each year.
Residents of Chelsea are also within walking distance of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, each of which offer a range of amenities including children's play areas and picturesque gardens.
Con: A tourist hotspot
As one of the most recognisable parts of central London, Chelsea sees a lot of tourists visiting every year. This can make cafés and eateries difficult to access during peak seasons, however local residents have the benefit of knowing where the best lesser-known spots can be found.
Pro: Served by a variety of transport links
Although Chelsea doesn't have its own Underground station, both Gloucester Road and Sloane Square are easily accessible. Both stations are served by the Circle and District lines, making travel to the likes of King's Cross St. Pancras, Liverpool Street, Hammersmith, Whitechapel, and Wimbledon easy.
Chelsea also benefits from extensive bus connectivity operated by Transport for London, including night services running from 11pm, and offering transport to the City and the West End. Its riverside location also means Chelsea benefits from access to the Thames Clippers, which offer services up to Canary Wharf.
Con: Affected by ULEZ
As Chelsea is located within the ULEZ zone, all vehicles must conform to strict emissions standards in a bid to improve air quality across the city. Any vehicles that do not meet the criteria will be subject to a daily charge.
There is some good news, however, as the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea benefits from more than 500 electric vehicle charging points. Additionally, all parking permits for electric vehicles will be charged at the lowest tariff.
Pro: Vibrant nightlife scene
Chelsea is home to an extensive variety of bars and restaurants specialising in almost every type of cuisine you can think of. The area also boasts plenty of clubs and bars that are open until the early hours, which is a real draw for nightlife lovers. Chelsea is also within easy reach of the Royal Albert Hall, several cinemas including independent offerings, and the Royal Court Theatre.
Equally, however, if the nightlife scene isn't for you, Chelsea is home to myriad eateries and cafés offering al fresco seating that is perfect for brunches and lunches. Daytime activities are numerous, including a plethora of antique shops and galleries, such as the Saatchi Gallery and Box Galleries.
Pro: High-quality schools
As Chelsea benefits from multiple 'Outstanding' primary and secondary schools, the district is popular amongst families with school-age children. Some of the most notable schools include the Christ Church CofE Primary School on Robinson Street, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School on Cadogan Street, and the Chelsea Academy on Lots Road. There are also numerous independent schooling options, including the Hampshire School Chelsea on Manresa Road, Cameron Vale School, and the Laurels School on Chelsea Embankment.
Is Chelsea a safe place to live?
Records show that there were 2,890 offences reported in the Royal Hospital area between January 2020 and December 2021. Theft accounted for 1,505 of these reports with vehicle offences and violent crime accounting for 340 and 342 reports respectively.
Crime in the area rose between August 2021 and November 2021, with the November peak seeing more than 200 incidents reported during the month. In December 2021, crime fell slightly with 184 crimes being recorded.
Which celebrities live in Chelsea?
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Chelsea was regarded as one of London's most bohemian areas. A whole host of poets, painters, artists and radicals made Chelsea their base, including Dante Gabriel Rossetti, James McNeill Whistler, John Singer Sargent, and J. M. W. Turner. Writer Tobias Smollett lived in Monmouth House and Jonathan Swift set up home in Church Lane.
In the 1960s and early 1970s, Chelsea was the heart of the Swinging Sixties period and saw the likes of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and the Beatles moving into the area.
Today, billionaire businessman and owner of Chelsea Football Club Roman Abramovich lives in Chelsea and he can count Elton John, Kylie Minogue and Sir Richard Branson as neighbours.
Things to consider when moving to Chelsea
Earl Cadogan owns most of Chelsea, which in a way makes the property market in the area somewhat unusual and somewhat more complex. Although some properties are offered on short leases, the Cadogan Estates management team is highly regarded and continues to maintain most of the area's garden squares. Properties overlooking garden squares sell for a premium and residents can gain access to nearby gardens via an annual subscription fee.
Affordability should always be a primary concern when thinking about moving to Chelsea as prices are undeniably high. In fact, most of the district is considered to be a 'Global Ultra Prime Residential Area' attracting high net worth individuals from around the world which often means the market is highly competitive and fast-paced.
Some of the most popular addresses in Chelsea are located on Park Walk and in The Boltons, but there are also plenty of other options including streets with more affordable apartments.