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according to new research from Kay & Co. The study also reveals the bedroom count is higher, with 46% of mansion apartments encompassing three or more bedrooms, compared to 26% in non-mansion flats.


James Bailey at Henry & James in Belgravia and Chelsea (020 7235 8861), who’s selling a two-bedroom mansion apartment in Cadogan Gardens (B) for £1.75 million, believes the allure of mansion blocks is mostly due to their location. “They’re typically found in the most central ‘in’ areas of London.”


As well as location, location, location, the overall draw is an exceptional use of space. Because accommodation’s lateral (all on one level), there’s no wasted square footage, with 100% of the living area completely useable, argues Simon Godson from W.A.Ellis.


“A lot of overseas buyers - especially those from cities such as Hong Kong and Paris - are used to living in blocks, so efficiently configured lateral flats interest them greatly,” he points out.


Mansion blocks are purpose-built, Godson explains, and designed to keep sound levels to a minimum, “which means there’s less noise compared to thinner- walled houses”. Other benefits include lofty ceiling heights throughout the building, “so it doesn’t really matter which floor you choose to live on”.


And yet, high service charges to cover amenities can be off-putting. Ed Mead from Douglas & Gordon comments: “A lift and somewhere to park at a mansion block can make life less stressful, if you can afford to pay for them. However, service charges might appear high in the short term, but don’t produce as many one-off, unexpected bills in the long run.”


Caroline Takla, managing partner of The Collection LLP, suggests checking how heating and hot water are run and whether bills are included in the service charge. “It’s also important to determine the size of the sinking fund.”


If you think first impressions count, a mansion apartment is worth shelling out for, believes Guy Meacock of buying agency Prime Purchase. He notes some mansion blocks, such as Ambrosden Avenue near Westminster Cathedral, or Albert Court by the Albert Hall, have wonderfully grand receptions and entrance halls. You might not get underground


parking, as you would with a modern flat, but the historic features more than make up for that.


However, once you’re inside the flat, you might have to surrender some modern conveniences. Meacock advises buyers enquire about en-suite bathrooms, as “mansion apartments don’t normally have them and some, like Rivermead Court in Fulham, have regulations forbidding their installation”.


With or without en suites, mansion blocks are well liked by tenants. Renters adore the beautiful exteriors, large bedrooms with fitted wardrobes and grand Downton Abbey-style dining rooms, observes Marc von Grundherr of Benham and Reeves Residential Lettings. “Mansion rooms flow far better than in equivalent period flat conversions.


“And if you’re very lucky, there may be a resident porter. Sadly, porters are slowly disappearing, as freeholders realise they can sell a porter’s flat for a small fortune and replace him with a less-expensive day porter instead. We see happier tenants in blocks where there’s one firmly in situ,” he adds.


With renters seeking out period properties and more and more developers jumping on the bandwagon, it’s just the beginning for London’s most stylish craze. It’s onwards and upwards for the city’s mansion blocks.


MANSION BLOCK CHECKLIST a


Has the building been regularly maintained? If not, you could be hit with a bill for tens of thousands of pounds as soon as you move in.


a a


Is the flat nicely situated? Often, less-desirable units are found in awkward or dark corners of the building.


Is the porter helpful? A porter can make or break a property - some make you feel like a god, others like you’re in hell.


David Ruddock Marsh & Parsons Marylebone


MANSION FLATS FOR SALE


PRIORY MANSIONS, DRAYTON GARDENS SW10 - £2,000,000 DOUGLAS & GORDON - 020 7225 1225


Third-floor, three-bedroom mansion flat with two linked reception rooms and a balcony.


MANSION FLATS FOR SALE


ALBERT COURT, KNIGHTSBRIDGE W8 - £7,750,000 W.A.ELLIS - 020 7306 1600


Five-bedroom flat on the sixth floor of a landmark Victorian mansion block next to Kensington Gardens, with 24-hour porter and a striking entrance hall.


MANSION FLATS FOR SALE


YORK HOUSE, UPPER MONTAGU STREET, WESTMINSTER W1 - £1,450,000 MARSH & PARSONS - 020 7935 1775


You can put your own stamp on this well-proportioned two-bedroom mansion apartment, as the kitchen and bathroom are a bit dated.


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