Kensington and Chelsea · housing and retrofit
Kensington and Chelsea has the highest proportion of pre-1919 properties of any local authority in England and Wales – around 65%, according to Valuation Office Agency data.
Its housing includes stucco-fronted terraces in Notting Hill and South Kensington, garden squares, mews houses converted from stables, and red-brick mansion blocks. Many homes are leasehold flats, and the borough also contains listed post-war buildings such as Trellick Tower.
Property types
Homes we commonly see in Kensington and Chelsea
- Stucco-fronted terraces and garden squares
- Mews houses
- Mansion blocks
- Flats in converted houses
- Post-war blocks
Local considerations
What tends to shape retrofit here
- A very high proportion of homes are in conservation areas or listed, which strongly affects external changes
- Leasehold flats usually require freeholder or management company consent
- Stucco and decorative facades rule out many external insulation options on street elevations
- Mews and basement spaces can have particular moisture and ventilation issues
Planning rules, conservation area guidance and Article 4 directions are set by the local planning authority and can change. Check the current position with Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea before finalising external changes.
Making an enquiry
Enquiring from Kensington and Chelsea
- Tell us whether the building is listed and whether you own the freehold
- For mansion blocks, mention the managing agent or freeholder
- Share any planning or listed building consent history
Services available
Services available in Kensington and Chelsea
- Retrofit Assessment – find out how the home performs now and what limits what you can safely change.
- Retrofit Design – measures specified as a joined-up package, with the junctions and ventilation thought through.
- Condensation Risk Analysis and fRsi Calculations – check whether a junction or detail keeps internal surfaces warm enough.
- Retrofit Coordination – one accountable role that joins the stages up and manages technical risk.
- All services