Area in Focus: Chelsea – The Six Chelseas
Summer 2014

Chelsea is a beautiful residential area with lovely garden squares and lively shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as galleries such as the Saatchi Art gallery. Chelsea is iconic and globally renowned.

Chelsea Embankment

The exclusivity of Chelsea as a result of its high property prices has historically resulted in the term Sloane Ranger to describe its residents. From 2011, Channel 4 has broadcast a reality television show called Made in Chelsea, documenting the “glitzy” lives of several young people living in Chelsea.

The latest figures from property data analysts Lonres, also suggest Chelsea outsold neighbouring Kensington in the last 12 months, with 57 properties selling for over £5m.

According to Alan Russell, founder of estate agent Russell Simpson, Chelsea has always had areas with specific identities, but those have changed enormously over the years. According to Russell there are actually six Chelseas you need to know if you are going to buy there. Here is a guide to the real Chelsea in 2014:

The Boltons

The Boltons is a beautiful pocket of Chelsea with big garden terraces and family homes, which is very popular with families and young professionals. The best addresses are The Boltons, Gilston Road, Tregunter Road, and Harley Gardens. Flat prices range between £1m and £10m, while house prices range between £5m and £80m.

West Chelsea

West Chelsea is close to “Chelsea Beach”, an area famous for its bars, restaurants, and galleries, which is very popular with younger people. Prices are still more competitive and therefore, West Chelsea is highly desired by first-time buyers and young families. The best addresses are Chelsea Park Gardens, Netherton Grove, Gertrude Street, and Park Walk. Flat prices range between £500k and £4m, while house prices range between £2m and £10m.

Chelsea Town

Chelsea Town is closer to South Kensington and its fine restaurants and has larger family houses and lateral flats. It is very popular with families, as well as with international buyers and investors. The best addresses are Manresa Road and Chelsea Square. Flat prices range between £750k and £35m, while house prices range between £5m and £25m.

Old Chelsea

Old Chelsea is closer to the river waterfront, which makes it very appealing to international buyers, hailing mainly from Europe, and high-net-worth couples and families. The best addresses are Old Church Street, Cheyne Walk, Upper Cheyne Row, and Lawrence Street. Flat prices range between £2m and £5m, while house prices range between £3m and £50m.

Chelsea Green

Chelsea Green has a village ambience and a good community atmosphere with its independent shops. It is popular with the Chelsea locals and young European continental investors. The best addresses are Markham Street and Jubilee Place. Flat prices range between £1m and £4m, while house prices range between £2m and £12m.

Burton Court

Burton Court is close to sporting facilities, museums, and the famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show. It is popular with an interesting mix of buyers ranging from pied à terre purchasers to socialites, families, and pure investors. The best addresses are Franklins Row, St Leonard’s Terrace, and Smith Terrace. Flat prices range between £1m and £6m, while house prices range between £4m and £15m.

• City AM Hot Property, So you think you know Chelsea?, by Melissa York, 25 July 2014