MARKET INSIGHT
Why Nine Elms Remains a Smart UK Property Investment in 2025
July 15, 2025 • Author: George Radford
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Nine Elms is 560 acres of land - two thirds the size of New York’s Central Park - between Battersea and Vauxhall on the south bank of the River Thames. Across the river, residents look onto the Royal Borough of Chelsea & Kensington and further upstream, the Palace of Westminster. Incredibly, according to LonRes data released earlier this year, rental yields in Nine Elms have been outperforming the traditionally regarded ‘Golden Postcodes’ like Kensington, Belgravia and Knightsbridge by 5.1% to 2-3%.
To most, Nine Elms is famed less for its rental yields, and more for its transformation of the Grade II Listed Battersea Power Station, rightfully referred to as iconic, now also home to Apple’s half a million sqft headquarters. Two new underground stations, connected to the Northern Line – Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station – which opened in 2021 have literally put the place on the map, overhauling what was SW11’s dearth of public transport connections, elevating the district to embrace its new monikers as “Dubai-On-Thames” and “the Knightsbridge of the South”.
Plans for Nine Elms were first announced in 2009 by the then London Mayor, Boris Johnson – remember him? – hot on the tails of the US announcing that it would move its embassy from its prime Mayfair spot in Grosvenor Square to a rather less salubrious bit of land, kickstarting the regeneration of this once industrial hinterland. Current US President Donald Trump, famously called the Embassy’s new location “lousy” and “horrible” but to the contrary, Nine Elms has delivered on its vision, the neighbourhood offering a blend of striking architecture, riverside living, premium retail, and green spaces — all just minutes from prime central London. As we move through 2025, Nine Elms continues to show strong fundamentals that make it an attractive proposition for property investors.
1
Undervalued Compared to Prime Central London
Nine Elms Investment Highlights
Despite its gleaming towers and premium branding, property in Nine Elms is still trading at a discount compared to neighbouring zones like Chelsea, Belgravia, or Westminster. Average prices remain more accessible than many areas with similar amenities, offering investors better yields and stronger long-term capital growth potential. As the area's infrastructure and reputation mature, there is room for further price growth. Data from HM Land Registry shows that prices rose by 7.5% in the 12 months to May 2025 and commentators place future price growth in the near to medium future between 2.5-4% annually, meaning investors can expect a steady appreciation ahead.
Battersea Power Station
2
Continued Regeneration Momentum
The redevelopment of Battersea Power Station was a flagship success, but Nine Elms is far from finished. 2025 sees the ongoing delivery of new commercial, residential, and public realm projects, including further office and retail offerings.
The US Embassy's relocation brought diplomatic prestige, and Apple’s London campus at Battersea Power Station has solidified the area's tech and creative credentials. Investors who enter now are still early in the curve of a long-term transformation. We’ve written before about the double uplift an area of regeneration can command; relating this to Nine Elms the first one-bed flats launched went for £423k in 2013, now they sell for £700k+ and there’s still room for growth.
3
Improved Transport Connectivity
Since the opening of the Northern Line extension in 2021, Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station stations have drastically improved access to the area. Now, three quarters of the homes at Nine Elms are within 200metres of a train station. Travel times to the City, West End and beyond are now swift and reliable; 8 mins to Westminster, 11 to London Bridge etc. What once was a 20-25 minute journey has become little over 12 minutes. Combined with cycle superhighways and riverboat connections, Nine Elms offers an increasingly seamless commute — a major draw for professionals and international tenants alike.
4
Growing Tenant Demand
Nine Elms Rental & Demand Overview
High-spec apartments with amenities like gyms, concierges, and communal terraces are in demand among affluent renters — particularly young professionals and international students. As London's rental market remains tight, investors in Nine Elms benefit from strong rental yields and low void periods; CBRE reported earlier this year yields of 5.1% to certain Nine Elms towers, compared with 2-3% which is the average PCL yield at the moment. The area’s riverside lifestyle, combined with its modern infrastructure and growing cultural scene, supports robust demand. Data from Strutt & Parker showed that 37% of residents in Nine Elms were young professionals aged 25-34 - prime Generation Rent.
5
A Resilient Market in Uncertain Times
In the recent years of geopolitical uncertainty and markets impacted by fluctuating interest rates, investors are seeking locations that offer long-term resilience and fundamental value. Nine Elms ticks those boxes. Backed by billions in public and private investment, and anchored by global companies and landmark developments, it represents a rare combination of growth potential and infrastructure solidity.
And apartments at London Square Nine Elms offer investors a rare and desirable flex; ideal as an investment property that tallies up as a successful rental but also as a property that will have great personal appeal to those looking for a London pied a terre.
Conclusion
Nine Elms is no longer an emerging district — it’s a maturing one. And yet, its full potential is still unfolding. For property investors with an eye on capital appreciation, solid rental returns, and long-term urban fundamentals, Nine Elms in 2025 presents a compelling opportunity. And the time to invest is now, while the area still offers value before the market fully catches up.
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About the author
Managing Director
george radford
George is the co-founder of RPA Group and Managing Director of the business in the UK and Africa. A qualified Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) with almost 20 years of property investment experience, George has helped his clients to successfully grow and strengthen residential property portfolios over multiple markets and territories.
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