Flats to Rent or Houses For Sale in Knightsbridge London & SW1 , SW3

Extraordinary properties are everywhere to be found in Knightsbridge, but you need to be prepared to pay top dollar for them. It's one of the most prestigious and grand places to live in London, and its living space is rare, and fabulously desirable.

In terms of resources this is an area for lunches, shopping and chatting. Knightsbridge straddles the Brompton Road and its shopping is the envy of most of London, perhaps even of Kensington. It contains not just Harrods and Harvey Nicholls (Harvey Nicks), but gorgeous brands and couture everywhere. Some of the best restaurants in Britain, not just London, are here. This is definitely the haven of the rich and privileged. If you want to walk after your expensive lunch or ponder what to buy, then it's an easy walk to Hyde Park or Green Park.

Extremely grand, Knightsbridge Property appears in a wide range of styles, sizes and feels but all are bonded by one factor - they tend to cost a large amount. This is because of competition, yes, but it's also because this is a beautiful place, with its lofty streets and lovely houses some of the best around: this is an area where many embassies are found after all.

There are of course, cheaper options (though perhaps cheaper isn't the word). Much of the living space here - most, in fact - consists of the services apartment in large blocks. These are still pricey, of course, but they are affordable by a wider range than the super rich. Often these apartments are huge and opulent and are easily large enough for a family; they are found all over the area but most notably on Hyde Park and over Sloane Street and nearby areas. These are redbrick mansions which are superbly maintained and fitted. Houses, when they are available at all, are found around Brompton Square and nearby; these are often Georgian or mid 19th-Century houses, tall, incredibly elegant. There are also some understated, but lovely, little mews cottages on the way towards South Ken or Chelsea.

Absolutely top-notch housing, excellent access and superb resources abound in Knightsbridge, one of the top few areas to live in London.

Knightsbridge is in the City of Westminster which holds the responsibility for delivering services in your area.
For specific information on this borough, or to contact individual departments please click here to visit their website.

City of Westminster website: City of Westminster

In General:
The London boroughs are administrative centres responsible for collecting local taxes (Council Tax and Business Rates) and then spending the funds received on local services. They are run by Borough Councils who are elected by borough residents on a four year cycle. The totals that they spend will depend on the rates of tax that they levy plus funds allocated from central government and other sources.

While many of the services (schools, roads, planning, rubbish collection and social services) are standard, levels of provision will vary according to the overall political will as expressed by the voters.

Your tax liability (as a resident) will be based on the council tax band of your home. These bands are set by Valuation Officers and there is scope for appeal. The rate bands are then used to determine the amounts of tax levied. So, while the bands will remain largely constant the levels of tax can go up and, in theory, down.

You may claim discounts or exemptions based on your circumstances. For example, as the only adult in a property you can get a 25% reduction on your bill. Other reductions are available for qualifying second adults and Council Tax Benefit claimants.

There is more information available at the HM Customs & Excise website.

City of Westminster Council Tax