Frequently Asked Questions

Prime Legacy Homes is a boutique property advisory specialising in prime Central and West London residential real estate. We help clients buy, sell, let, and manage luxury properties in areas including Kensington, Chelsea, Mayfair, and Knightsbridge.

Yes, we have a native Russian-speaking manager who provides full service in Russian. This includes property search, viewings, negotiations, and ongoing support throughout the buying or letting process.

We specialise in prime Central and West London, including Kensington, Chelsea, Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Belgravia, Notting Hill, and Holland Park. These are among London's most prestigious residential areas.

Yes, we provide a full range of services including property search for buyers, lettings for landlords, property management, and interior design coordination.

Yes, there are no restrictions on foreign ownership of UK property. Buyers of any nationality can purchase freehold or leasehold property in England and Wales. However, all buyers must complete AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) checks.

No, the entire purchase process can be completed remotely. We offer video viewings, and legal documents can be signed electronically or via postal services. Many of our international clients complete purchases without visiting the UK.

The typical timeline from offer acceptance to completion is 8-12 weeks. This can vary depending on the complexity of the transaction, whether there's a chain, and how quickly all parties can complete their requirements.

Freehold means you own the property and the land it sits on outright, with no time limit. Leasehold means you own the property for a fixed term (e.g., 99 or 999 years) but not the land. Most London flats are leasehold, while houses are typically freehold.

Yes — we can introduce discreet opportunities, including properties that may not be widely advertised. We do this through our advisory network and by approaching selling agents on a buyer-side basis. We act as an independent buyer advisor and do not act as the selling agent for these properties unless we are formally instructed in writing.

SDLT is a tax paid by property buyers in England. The rate depends on the purchase price: 0% on the first £250,000, 5% on £250,001-£925,000, 10% on £925,001-£1,500,000, and 12% on amounts over £1,500,000. Non-UK residents pay an additional 2% surcharge.

Non-UK residents pay the standard SDLT rates plus an additional 2% surcharge on all bands. For example, a £2 million property would incur approximately £203,750 in SDLT for a non-resident buyer.

Beyond the purchase price and stamp duty, expect to pay: legal/conveyancing fees (£3,000-£10,000), survey costs (£500-£2,000), search fees (£300-£500), and Land Registry fees (£200-£500).

Yes, leasehold properties typically have service charges (for building maintenance and communal areas) and ground rent (annual payment to the freeholder). Service charges vary widely depending on the building and its amenities.

Yes, several UK banks offer mortgages to overseas buyers. However, you'll typically need a larger deposit (25-50% of the property value) compared to UK residents, and you'll need to provide comprehensive documentation of income and assets.

You'll typically need: passport, proof of address, employment contract or business accounts, bank statements (3-6 months), evidence of deposit source, and credit history from your home country.

We can recommend specialist mortgage brokers who work with international clients. They can help find lenders who accept overseas income and navigate the application process.

You'll need: valid passport or ID, proof of address (utility bill or bank statement), source of funds documentation explaining where your money comes from, and 3-6 months of bank statements.

AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) are legal requirements to verify buyer identity and ensure funds are legitimately obtained. All UK property transactions require these checks.

Yes, we offer comprehensive video viewings and virtual tours for international clients. We can walk you through properties live via video call, pointing out details and answering questions in real-time.

While not strictly required, having a UK bank account can simplify the transaction. We can recommend banks that offer accounts to non-residents.

Yes, our manager speaks fluent Russian and provides a full range of services in Russian - from property search to transaction support and property management.

Yes, citizens of any country can buy property in the UK. However, all buyers must pass AML/KYC checks by providing documents confirming identity and source of funds.

No, the entire purchase process can be conducted remotely. We conduct video viewings of properties, and documents can be signed electronically or by post.

Yes, a significant Russian-speaking community lives in Kensington, Chelsea, and Knightsbridge. There are Russian restaurants, shops, Orthodox churches, and Russian-language schools.

Yes, we provide full letting services including property marketing, tenant viewings, reference checks, tenancy agreements, and move-in coordination.

Our property management includes rent collection, maintenance coordination, regular inspections, tenant communication, compliance management, and emergency response.

Yes, we specialise in managing properties for landlords based outside the UK. We handle everything locally while keeping you informed through regular reports.

Rental yields in prime Central London typically range from 2-4% gross. While yields are lower than other UK areas, capital appreciation potential and tenant quality are generally higher.

Mayfair and Knightsbridge are typically London's most expensive areas, with average prices of £2,500-£5,000+ per square foot. Super-prime properties can exceed £10,000 per square foot.

Kensington and Chelsea are excellent for families, offering top schools (both state and private), large parks (Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Holland Park), and family-friendly amenities.

Russian-speaking buyers often choose Kensington, Knightsbridge, and Chelsea due to the established Russian-speaking community, proximity to Russian schools and cultural institutions, and prestige.

Prime Central London refers to the most expensive and prestigious areas including Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Belgravia, Chelsea, and Kensington. These areas are characterised by period architecture, excellent amenities, and high property values.