Why Invest in Westminster?

Why Invest in Westminster?

Often described as the capital’s educational and finance hub, Westminster is one of the wealthiest boroughs around. It’s also the location of the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, as well as being the only area of London with a World Heritage Site designation. The area is steeped in history, and yet you will still find pockets of residential redevelopment (particularly luxury apartments) here. It’s also around one third less expensive to buy property here than in other upmarket areas of the capital such as Mayfair and Knightsbridge.

Westminster and its economy

A diverse area with a healthy economy, Westminster is home to some of the world’s top educational institutions: King’s College London, Imperial College London, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), plus the London Business School, the Royal Academy of Music, the Courtauld Institute of Art, and the University of Westminster.

Westminster sits at the heart of London’s West End, offering more than 2,500 bars and restaurants (including 17 Michelin-starred), high-end retail along Oxford Street, about 40 theatres, 30 museums and galleries, and numerous green spaces and parks.

Located in Transport for London (TfL) Zone 1, the area is well-served by underground stations. River transport via Westminster Pier connects to Westminster Bridge and Canary Wharf among other routes.

As of mid-2025, the average house price in Westminster is approximately £977,000, down about 4.8% year-on-year. Average private rents have risen to around £3,215/month, up roughly 3.9% from the previous year.

Westminster and employment

As of 2025, Westminster is home to over 54,000 businesses supporting around 755,000 jobs, contributing significantly to London’s economy. The majority are small enterprises, with more than two-thirds employing fewer than five people, highlighting the area’s strong base of independent firms and startups.

Employment opportunities remain abundant, especially in sectors such as creative industries, life sciences, technology, and construction. However, competition for jobs is still intense—many roles now require Level 3 or Level 4 qualifications or higher, reflecting Westminster’s highly skilled workforce and professional environment.

Looking ahead, Westminster City Council projects around 48,000 new jobs by 2035, with major employment growth expected in areas like Paddington and Victoria. These developments aim to balance the demand for skilled workers while supporting long-term economic sustainability and inclusive growth in the borough.

Recent Investment in Westminster

Westminster City Council’s master plan outlines a long-term vision for transforming the Church Street area over the next 15 to 20 years. The project seeks to create a vibrant, mixed-use community that blends housing, business, and public spaces at the heart of Central London.

The plan focuses on four key target areas: enhancing housing quality and affordability, supporting local businesses and job creation, improving green spaces and community facilities, and strengthening transport and connectivity.

Together, these initiatives aim to make Church Street a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable district, balancing economic growth with improved quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Plans for the future

In its recently published City Plan (2019 to 2040), Westminster Council pledged to invest a total of £150m over three years in the Oxford Street District. This comprises more than 90 different projects in 85 individual locations and includes a brand-new public piazza on Oxford Street for pedestrians.

Plans are also afoot for a redevelopment of Church Street over the next two decades. This will take the form of a new residential and commercial district, including 1,750 new homes and a cultural quarter.