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Buying in London: Brendan Cole

The Strictly Come Dancing star is looking to bag himself a London pad, and he's being strict about his choice of location: it's Kensington & Chelsea or nothing!

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Buying in London: Brendan Cole

Buyer's tips

  • Do check the length a lease has left to run if property is leasehold. You usually have to wait two years to apply to extend your lease and it can cost a lot of money.
  • It's best to buy a property with share of freehold, but in some of the more exclusive areas of London this just isn't possible.

The buyer: Brendan Cole
Brendan is a real life Billy Elliot who came to London 13 years ago to seek his fortune, and alongside most recent dance partner Lisa Snowdon, he has wowed millions on Strictly Come Dancing. He shares a rented mews just off London's Gloucester Road but
now he's ready to step out of the limelight and is looking for a slice of home-life to share with his girlfriend Zoe.

Why London?
London is the UK's largest urban area with 32 boroughs sprawling across 609 square miles. Apartments like the ones being built at number one Hyde Park are selling for in excess of 20 million pounds each –setting a London record for price per square foot! West London is downright posh and Brendan wants a place in one of its most upmarket areas – Kensington & Chelsea.

Top three things to do in London

  • Take a boat trip on the Thames
    Take a river taxi for some of the finest views of the Capital. If you don't want to join the tourists, there are 18 water taxi piers from which Londoners can and do commute each day –what a step up from the tube!

  • Buy a hamper at Fortnum & Mason and enjoy it in the park
    Fortnum & Mason is a London institution and the original experts in posh nosh and luxury hampers. Treat yourself to one and a stroll through Hyde Park. With over 4,000 trees, a lake, and some historical architecture to discover - it's easy to forget you're in the middle of one of the world's biggest cities.

  • Visit the National Portrait Gallery
    The National Portrait Gallery opened in 1856 and is free to get in. It houses a collection of portraits of historically important and famous Brits. Once you've enjoyed the glitterati, a top tip is to head upstairs to the restaurant to take in the spectacular city views.

    The estate agents
    Queen's Gate flat
    Foxtons, tel 020 7590 1004

    Quirky apartment
    Faron Sutaria, tel 020 7590 0300

    Garden flat
    Douglas & Gordon, tel 020 7255 1225

    Designer pad
    Winkworth, tel 020 7370 5052

    Millionaire moment property
    Hamptons, 020 7835 1444

    With thanks to
    Phantom Carhire
    Knight Frank Riverside Office

    • Related sections: Celebrity Fantasy Homes

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