City of London: New luxury developments opening London's financial center to residential investment

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As the London property markets continue to recover, the UK capital remains one of the world's favorite cities for commercial and residential investment.

People from diverse backgrounds are drawn to the global city for its robust finance, technology and media industries, cultured lifestyle and world-class education, keeping demand high for property in well-connected locations. The United Kingdom's transparent approach to tax and housing tenure also make it a stable prospect for overseas property investors.

Demand for Central London property is highest in the prime inner districts, particularly around the City of London. The capital's historic financial district, and still one of Europe's leading commerce centers, more than half a million people go to work in this square mile every day, and demand for residential property is greatly outstripping the limited supply.

The median rental for a two-bedroom home in the City is 76 percent higher than the London median, according to Rightmove data. The opening of high-speed Crossrail services from 2021 is expected to drive up prices and rents further in the next few years.

Financial and creative hub

Home of the Bank of England, London Stock Exchange and the headquarters of leading financial companies, the City is best known as London's original finance district, a title it now shares with Canary Wharf to the east. But today, the City's diversified economy is becoming increasingly driven by technology – with almost six times as many people now employed by the creative industry as banking.