London Retail Market Insights Q2 2025

London’s retail property market continued to exhibit resilience in the first half of 2025, supported by improved economic sentiment, rising wages and steady consumer activity. Occupier demand has been most robust in Central London, particularly in the West End, where luxury and fashion brands remain highly active.

The past 12 months saw leasing activity reach approximately 2.7 million square feet, with the West End accounting for 30 percent of total deals. Bond Street, Covent Garden and Oxford Street were among the most in-demand locations, with international flagship operators, food and beverage brands and high-end retailers leading take-up. The luxury segment, in particular, continued to thrive, supported by tourism recovery and brand expansion strategies.

Prime rental values showed positive momentum in key locations. Bond Street achieved the highest rental levels at £2,215 per square foot, representing a 2.3 percent increase on the previous year. Covent Garden followed at £1,151 per square foot, and Oxford Street reached £900 per square foot. While average rents across the broader market declined marginally by 0.3 percent, this was primarily driven by softness in secondary and tertiary locations. Prime high streets are experiencing rental growth and diminishing incentive packages.

Vacancy across Greater London stands at 3.9 percent, significantly lower than the UK average of 6.7 percent. This is a result of limited speculative development and the repurposing of older retail units. In Central London, vacancy has decreased for four consecutive quarters. Meanwhile, ground floor space continues to be converted into alternative uses such as healthcare, leisure and office.

The capital markets environment remains cautious but increasingly active. Investment volumes totalled £2.3 billion over the past 12 months, with the rolling figure still below the 10-year average of £3.1 billion. However, there are signs of recovery. Investor appetite has increased in response to stabilising yields and improving occupational fundamentals.

Central London, and particularly Westminster, remains the focus of capital deployment. Annual retail investment in Westminster reached £889 million, the highest level since 2018. Buyers are targeting core assets at rebased pricing, anticipating long-term rental growth. Notably, Norges Bank Investment Management entered two major partnership deals, acquiring a 25 percent stake in Grosvenor’s £1.2 billion Mayfair estate and a similar interest in Shaftesbury Capital’s £2.7 billion Covent Garden estate.

Significant single-asset transactions included Prada’s £250 million acquisition of the Miu Miu store on New Bond Street, equating to £12,290 per square foot at a yield of 2 percent. This pricing reflects strong confidence in the West End retail market and exceeds previous records for Old and New Bond Street. Other major sales included Weybourne Group’s purchase of 126–127 New Bond Street for £71 million and Legal & General’s acquisition of Lombardy Shopping Park in Hillingdon for £52.8 million at a yield of 6.2 percent.

Retail parks outside Central London have seen renewed interest from institutional investors. Yields for this asset class range between 5.5 and 6.5 percent, depending on lease profile and location. In addition, redevelopment strategies are emerging as a common theme. Properties such as 63–65 Piccadilly and various assets in Bayswater were acquired for hotel and residential conversion.

Overseas investment continues to play a significant role. Foreign buyers accounted for £384 million of purchases in 2025 year-to-date, with European and Middle Eastern capital particularly active. Sovereign wealth funds, family offices and private equity are all showing increased appetite for prime and value-add retail opportunities.

Looking forward, the London retail investment market is expected to benefit from improving macroeconomic indicators and growing interest from equity-backed buyers. Stabilised yields, high street rental growth and strong tourism performance are all contributing to a more positive outlook for H2 2025.

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