Graphite Square Vauxhall: Boutique Project Prices and Rental Yields in Zone 1

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Hello everyone. An apartment in Zone 1, on the bank of the Thames, across from the Tate, and in an area right at the start of its development. Today, Graphite Square Vauxhall is what we are looking at today!

For prices, taxes and the whole buying process, see our guide: UK Property Guide

A mixed use scheme of 161 homes and 7,400 m² of shared space, between Kennington Cross and Vauxhall. Not just housing: there are shared work spaces and two new public squares as well. Vauxhall station is one of the important transport hubs of Zone 1, with both the tube and suburban rail. And over the next five years 7,000 new homes are coming to the area. Yes, you read that correctly, this place is only just warming up.

Prices

• One bedroom apartments: £785,000and up
• one, two and three bedroom options available
• Apartment sizes: 54 m², 122 m²
• Total 161 homes + 7.400 m² of shared and commercial space
• Address: Graphite Square, Kennington Cross, Vauxhall, London SE11 5EE

Being a boutique scale scheme is an important detail: 161 homes means a far more manageable community than the giant towers of 500 to 1,000 apartments. The service charge is more controlled, neighbourly ties are stronger, and 50 apartments do not enter the rental market in competition at the same moment. the advantages of buying a new build home a sensible option for anyone looking for it on a boutique scale.

Why Graphite Square?

Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea: London’s largest regeneration corridor: the figures tell the story of the area: over the next five years roughly 7,000 new homes will be completed and the population of the area is expected to reach 35,000, a rise of 30%. A rise in population on this scale brings new shops, restaurants, schools and infrastructure with it and has historically carried prices up as well.

• Vauxhall (Victoria Line and national rail), within walking distance. 4 minutes to Victoria, 8 to Oxford Circus.
• Kennington (Northern Line), within walking distance
• Nine Elms (Northern Line, Zone 1), a short distance away
• roughly to the heart of London 10 minutes
• The Thames and Albert Embankment within walking distance; Tate Britain and Westminster on the opposite bank

An abundance of green space: the scheme has its own gardens, and at your door there is Vauxhall Park and, running along the river, Albert Embankment. Children’s play areas and a tennis court included. There are few residential schemes this close to greenery in Zone 1.

Daily life: 10 minutes to the centre

In the morning Victoria in 4 minutes on the Victoria Line, Oxford Circus in 8. A walk by the river or a meeting in the shared work space in the building at lunchtime. In the evening the developing restaurant scene of Vauxhall and Kennington; at the weekend Tate Britain, Westminster and the Southbank across the river. The shopping centre at Battersea Power Station is a few minutes away too.

Graphite Square rental yield

Because Vauxhall is relatively affordable for Zone 1, the rental yield runs above central London. One bedroom apartments usually let for £2,600 to £3,300, 2+1s £3,400 to £3,700 a month. That puts the gross rental yield in the 4-5% band.

Tenant profile: professionals working in Westminster and the City, staff of the nearby hospital, and people working in the new offices at Nine Elms. Having shared work spaces creates extra appeal for tenants who work from home. If you are after a higher return, high yield buy to let areas is worth a look.

The shared areas and the details that set Graphite Square apart

• 7.400 m² Ortak Alan: very generous in proportion to the number of homes; one of the strongest sides of the scheme.
• Co-working areas: co-working areas within the scheme, designed for people working from home. Still rare in London residential schemes.
• Two public squares: new public spaces joining local streets that currently have no connection to one another; a design decision that brings the neighbourhood to life.
• Private gardens: landscaped green space set aside for residents.
• Vauxhall Park at your door: children’s play area and tennis court included.
• Boutique scale, 161 homes; a far more personal way of living than towers with hundreds of apartments.

Energy efficiency and comfort

As a new build it comes with modern insulation, high performance windows and efficient heating; the apartments are typically EPC B band. Against the Victorian building stock of Kennington and Vauxhall the difference in the bill is serious. If you let the property you are also safe against the tightening minimum energy standards in the United Kingdom.

Who is buying?

This project is aimed particularly at who want to invest in the development of the area on the radar of buyers. Professionals and investors aged 30 to 50 who do not have a Battersea or Chelsea budget in Zone 1 but want to stay central. Because of the shared work spaces, freelancers and entrepreneurs take an interest too. The boutique scale is a reason for choice among families who do not want to live in crowded towers.

Frequently asked questions

Will Vauxhall really rise in value? The 7,000 new homes coming to the area and the 30% rise in population bring retail, restaurant and infrastructure investment with them. The transformation of the Nine Elms corridor over the last 10 years is the most concrete proof of that argument. Even so, as in every investment, timing and the choice of apartment are critical.

What is the tenure? Leasehold, with newly sold apartments typically given a term of up to 999 years.

Can I buy remotely from abroad? Yes. For the details, our remote property purchase guide page.

Can I use a mortgage? Foreign buyers can normally borrow up to 65-75% of the value. UK mortgages for foreign nationals sets the process out.

What is the tax cost? For buyers resident outside the United Kingdom, stamp duty carries a 2% surcharge applies. our stamp duty article is worth a look.

How much is the service charge? On boutique scale schemes the service charge is generally below the giant towers; and because there are no costly amenities such as a pool and a spa it stays controlled. We obtain the current figure for each apartment.

A boutique scheme in Zone 1, within walking distance of the river, in an area right at the start of its development. Graphite Square offers a sensible balance for anyone who wants to stay in central London while also benefiting from the regeneration of the area. For the apartments currently available, our project page.

For a detailed price list, floor plans or an appointment, reach us on the WhatsApp button in the left corner of the screen.

Total cost: what you actually pay when you buy at Graphite Square

Many overseas buyers look only at the apartment price and meet a surprise at completion. Let us work out the real cost on a £785,000 apartment. Stamp duty (SDLT) in the United Kingdom is banded: 0% up to £125,000, then 2%, 5%, 10% and 12%. On top of that, non-residents pay a 2% surcharge, and if you already own another home, a further 5% additional dwelling rate applies.

With a mortgage there are also valuation and bank charges, and if you let the property, management commission and income tax. The figures above are indicative, based on a £785,000 entry price; we prepare the exact calculation for your own scenario.

The Graphite Square buying process, step by step

If you are buying from another country, the process runs like this:

• 1. Choosing the apartment and reserving it. We go through the floor plans, the aspect and the view. The apartment you choose is usually held with a reservation fee of £5,000 to £10,000.
• 2. Appointing a solicitor. An independent English property solicitor (conveyancer) is appointed. That solicitor acts for you, not for the developer.
• 3. Identity and source of funds checks. You will be asked for a passport, proof of address and documents showing the source of your funds. This step is compulsory in the United Kingdom, and having the papers ready shortens the process.
• 4. Exchange of contracts and deposit. Contracts are usually exchanged within 21 days of the reservation, with a 10% deposit. The signature can be given digitally from abroad.
• 5. Stage payments. In off plan projects these follow the payment schedule; for completed apartments the step is skipped.
• 6. Completion. The remaining balance and the stamp duty are paid and the title is registered in your name. For completed apartments this stage can take four to eight weeks.

You can run the whole process from your own country; you do not have to travel to the United Kingdom.

Risks and what to watch for

We have set out the strengths; in fairness there are points to watch as well. For Graphite Square, these are the ones worth pausing on:

• The area is still developing: the transformation of Vauxhall is continuing; in the short run some streets may remain building sites.
• 7,000 new homes also mean supply: the rise in population supports the price but in the short run it also increases competition in letting.
• No pool or spa: the boutique scale lowers the service charge, but it may fall short for anyone looking for the amenities of the towers.
• Vauxhall is a lively area at night: on some streets the nightlife is dense; assess the position of the apartment from that angle too.

None of this makes the project a bad one, but there is a wide gap between buying with your eyes open and finding out afterwards. We give every client this list up front.

How does Graphite Square compare with the alternatives?

Before you decide, it is worth looking at the other projects in the same budget band:

• DAMAC Tower Nine Elms: for anyone who wants a tower concept and branded interior design in the same corridor.
• Battersea Power Station: within walking distance, a settled neighbourhood and an iconic building.
• South Quay Plaza: the assurance of Berkeley and generous shared areas in Canary Wharf.

We can work out together which project fits your goal, judged on budget, intended use and exit plan. For an overview, our guide to UK property investment for international buyers is worth reading too.

Answers to the most common questions on this topic: Is Buying a Home in London a Good Idea?