London’s super-prime market remains active, with larger homes continuing to attract significant demand from wealthy buyers looking to scale up. Beauchamp Estates recorded 34 London sales above £15 million in the first half of 2026, worth a combined £1.24 billion, while planning changes in areas such as Westminster are also reshaping the type and size of new luxury homes coming to market.
For Moving Compared, that appetite for scaling up also brings a more practical consideration. Larger and more complex properties can require greater scrutiny before exchange, particularly around the condition of the building, ownership, previous alterations and the ongoing costs attached to the home.
1. Make Sure The Survey Matches The Property
Moving into a significantly larger home can mean more complex construction, extensive grounds or a longer history of alterations, so the survey used for a previous purchase may not be suitable this time. RICS advises that survey level should reflect a property’s age, size and complexity, with Level 3 surveys generally better suited to large, older, unusual or significantly altered homes. For buyers scaling up, choosing the right property survey means assessing the home in front of them, particularly where there are older extensions, substantial grounds or areas that cannot be fully inspected during a standard viewing.
2. Check Exactly What Comes With The Property
Buyers should establish exactly what is included within the registered title and whether any part of the property is affected by access rights, shared responsibilities or restrictions. This can become particularly important where a home includes a separate garage, private driveway, annex or substantial grounds. The way a property appears physically does not always tell the full story of how it is owned or what rights another party may hold over it. Starting the conveyancing process early gives buyers more time to establish what is included in the purchase and investigate anything that does not match their expectations before exchange.
3. Look Closely At What Previous Owners Have Changed
A survey can flag alterations that need closer inspection, while conveyancing checks can confirm whether the necessary planning permissions, building regulations approvals or listed building consents are in place. Buyers should consider the property’s physical and legal history together rather than assume a high-spec renovation means every change has been properly documented.
4. Understand The Ongoing Cost Of A Bigger Apartment
Larger developments can bring higher service charges, major works liabilities and other leasehold commitments, so a conveyancer should review the lease and management information carefully. A lateral apartment or duplex may offer the space of a house, but the legal and financial structure can be very different from buying freehold.
5. Calculate The Full Cost Of Scaling Up
Moving into a higher price bracket can significantly increase transaction costs, with Stamp Duty Land Tax in England rising to 12% on the portion of a main-home purchase above £1.5 million and higher rates potentially applying to additional properties or some non-UK resident buyers. The structure and complexity of the purchase can also affect legal costs, so comparing conveyancing options early can help buyers understand the full cost before an offer progresses.
Activity at the super-prime end of the market is putting scaling up firmly in focus, but the same considerations apply at any price point. Extra space may be the goal, but understanding the property and its legal obligations remains just as important as the price.
