Air Conditioning as a Value Driver in the London Property Market

According to research by Chartwell Noble and the British Property Federation, high-value buyers from the US, Middle East and Far East continue to dominate the super-prime property market in Prime Central London. This is driving a marked shift in expectations and influencing purchase decisions across the capital; buyers arriving from markets where air conditioning is a standard feature are increasingly viewing it as essential rather than aspirational, to the point where it can be a deciding factor in a property purchase.

In Prime Central London, fewer than 3% of residential properties currently have built-in air conditioning and the contrast with international norms is stark. UK-wide data show that fewer than 5% of homes have AC installed. Research from Benham & Reeves suggests that installing a full air conditioning system can add around 2.5% to a property’s value, while other sources place the potential uplift as high as 10% in prime locations.

That potential is reflected in what we are seeing directly. One prominent buying agent we met with recently shared that his client was prepared to exchange on a Knightsbridge townhouse only if air conditioning could be installed before completion, which meant a call into Calibre. We have installed systems into a number of properties in 2025 where the property purchase was conditional on the installation of air conditioning within the timeframe of the transaction.

From our recent experience and conversations across the market, it is clear that air conditioning is becoming a defining differentiator between comparable properties, particularly following the extreme heat seen in recent UK summers. It is increasingly regarded as an indicator of quality, readiness and long-term comfort, and homes offering reliable cooling are positioned to attract stronger interest and higher values.

At Calibre, we work closely with estate agents, property buyers and vendors to design, install and service air conditioning systems within the transaction timeframe, ensuring comfort and value from the outset. Delivering that comfort in London’s existing housing stock requires more than fitting equipment. Many properties are architecturally sensitive or already finished to a very high specification, which makes a carefully planned and coordinated retrofit essential. Our turnkey approach manages every element in-house, including building works, joinery, electrical integration and redecoration, delivering systems that meet technical and aesthetic expectations while helping sales progress smoothly. If you are involved in a property transaction where air conditioning could be relevant, get in touch with our team.