At Winkworth, understanding where activity is happening is just as important as understanding pricing.
As 2026 unfolds, transaction data across Prime London reveals an important shift in momentum — with outer prime neighbourhoods currently accounting for the highest volume of completed sales.
However, while fringe postcodes are leading on pure volume, Prime Central London remains firmly in play — signalling a market that is broadening rather than retreating.
Outer Prime Postcodes Lead on Volume
Recent transaction data across Prime London shows that the most active postcodes in late 2025 were located predominantly on the fringes of the traditional prime core.
Leading the rankings:
- SW11 (Battersea) – averaging 43 sales per month
- SE1 (Borough & South Bank) – 34 per month
- SW6 (Fulham) – 34 per month
- SW4 (Clapham) – 26 per month
- W4 (Chiswick) – 21 per month
Collectively, these locations accounted for a significant share of total prime transactions during the late summer and early autumn period.
This reflects a continuation of a trend that began post-pandemic: buyers placing greater emphasis on space, outdoor access and lifestyle amenities — sometimes over central postcode prestige.
Prime Central London Still Active
While outer markets are driving volume, Prime Central London is far from dormant.
Postcodes including:
- SW1 (Belgravia, Westminster & Victoria)
- W1 (Mayfair, Marylebone)
- SW3 (Chelsea)
- W8 (Kensington)
- SW7 (South Kensington)
continue to record steady monthly sales.
The key distinction is not absence of activity — but selectivity. Prime Central London buyers are more strategic, value-focused and negotiation-driven than during previous cycles.
At Winkworth, we are seeing committed purchasers transact where pricing aligns with current market realities.
A Rebalancing, Not a Retreat
Although headline transaction volumes were lower in Q4 2025 compared to the previous year, context is important. The market has been digesting tax reforms, pricing resets and global economic uncertainty.
What the latest postcode data suggests is not a collapse in central activity, but a rebalancing:
- Fringe locations continue to attract needs-based and lifestyle-driven buyers.
- Prime Central London is regaining traction as pricing resets create opportunity.
- Buyers are more discerning — but present.
The result is a more evenly distributed landscape across Prime London rather than a single dominant core.
What This Means for Sellers
For sellers in Prime Central London:
- Transaction volumes are selective but real.
- Correct pricing is critical to competing with fringe alternatives offering more space.
- Presentation and turnkey condition can materially impact buyer appetite.
For sellers in outer prime locations:
- Demand remains active, particularly for family homes.
- Competition between listings requires strong positioning.
Winkworth’s View for 2026
Prime London in 2026 is shaping up to be a market of strategy rather than speculation.
- Fringe markets are driving volume.
- Prime Central London is stabilising and regaining confidence.
- Buyers are motivated, but disciplined.
This is not a boom — it is a recalibrated prime market where liquidity exists across multiple postcode categories.
Thinking of Selling in Prime London?If you would like:
- A data-led valuation of your property
- Strategic advice on positioning in today’s competitive prime market
- Insight into buyer activity in your postcode
Contact your local Winkworth office for a confidential discussion about how current transaction
trends could shape your next move.
