Property insider: Pimlico, SW1

Pimlico’s neat grid of handsome streets are filled with impressive Regency architecture, fine stucco-fronted homes and leafy garden squares; with distinctive blue plaques marking the homes of some of history’s most notable figures, from Sir Winston Churchill to Laurence Olivier.

The grand period architecture and modern riverside homes in this meticulously-planned suburb now attract politicians and international ambassadors, with the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Cathedral and Big Ben on the doorstep.

Pimlico is a central London area separated from Belgravia by Victoria railway station to the north and bounded by the River Thames to the south. Vauxhall Bridge Road separates Pimlico from Westminster. With easy access to the Victoria line, good bus routes and riverboat services to Waterloo and Southwark, this area is a commuter hotspot.

“At Pimlico's heart you’ll find the highly desirable grid of residential streets developed by Thomas Cubitt from 1825, now protected as the Pimlico Conservation Area,” says Jake Civardi of Marsh & Parsons’ Pimlico office. “The area has a very village-y feel, with plenty of shops and restaurants around Warwick Way and Wilton Road, as well as the open spaces of Warwick, Eccleston and St George’s garden squares.”

Find properties to buy in Pimlico.

What types of properties are typical to the area?
The majority of Pimlico boasts Grade II-listed, white stucco-fronted properties - a large proportion of which have been divided into conversion flats over time.

There are, however, still some large houses available in the Pimlico grid and further towards the river there are modern developments with waterfront views. In the wider Westminster area there is a mixture of period mansion properties, houses, flats and modern developments which often offer parking and a concierge service.

What types of buyers are attracted to the area?
We see a large proportion of international buyers due to the local embassies and the grandeur of the architecture, not to mention the fact that Pimlico is on the doorstep of most of London’s main attractions.

Pimlico is also home to a close-knit community, who have lived in the area for a number of years and simply move up and down the property ladder within the neighbourhood. More recently, Pimlico has attracted growing numbers of investors due to its sought-after central London location and relatively affordable property prices in comparison to neighbouring borough, Kensington & Chelsea. Also, due to its political proximity to Westminster, Pimlico is popular amongst parliamentary and government workers.

What are the 'hottest' properties in the area?
The garden squares (Warwick and Eccleston in particular) are, without doubt, the most sought after. They offer private access to beautiful gardens, stunning architecture and classic, period features such as high ceilings. Similarly, as houses are such a rarity to the market, a good house in the Pimlico grid will often generate a large amount of interest within the first week of being marketed.

Where are the 'hidden gems'?
Occasionally, you may find a hidden mews house in Pimlico, such as Eccleston Square Mews, but due to the layout of the streets the real gems are those that can be seen, just as Thomas Cubitt would have wanted it.

What are the best investment opportunities in the area?
One- or two-bedroom flats within the Pimlico grid - in streets such as Gloucester Street, Cambridge Street, Alderney Street or Winchester Street - are among the most popular for tenants, usually letting within about 48 hours, so these are great places for investors. The grid attracts good tenants because its location offers everything you could possibly need and the council tax in the Borough of Westminster is one of the cheapest in London, which is a big draw for renters.

How is local parking?
Parking is strictly controlled in the borough but there is always an abundance of parking for those with permits.

What are the service charges in the area like?
Typically £2,000 a year for a two-bedroom flat.

What are your favourite viewings to show potential buyers?
The classic first-floor period apartments with high ceilings and a balcony with French doors overlooking a garden square.

Where would you buy in this area?
I would buy either a classic period house in one of the Pimlico grid streets or a first-floor lateral apartment with a balcony on either Warwick or Eccleston Square.

Jake Civardi is the Sales Manager of the Marsh & Parsons Pimlico & Westminster offices