Super-rich Africans splash out big bucks for luxury London homes

By Rosie Tomkins, Jim Stenman and Alex Court, for CNN
Updated 6:56 AM EDT, Wed April 22, 2015
Over the past three years super-rich Africans have spent nearly $900 million on luxury residential property in London's best addresses. Properties like "The Lancasters" close to Hyde Park have long attracted wealthy investors from around the world.
Attracting investors —
Over the past three years super-rich Africans have spent nearly $900 million on luxury residential property in London's best addresses. Properties like "The Lancasters" close to Hyde Park have long attracted wealthy investors from around the world.
Wealth manager Bimpe Nkontchou says Africans spend large sums on interior designs in London and often select modern and clean furnishing rather than ornate or traditional styles.
Decorative taste —
Wealth manager Bimpe Nkontchou says Africans spend large sums on interior designs in London and often select modern and clean furnishing rather than ornate or traditional styles.
Trevor Square, a short walk from high-end department store Harrods, is attractive to the world's most wealthy. Most of the Africans spending big in London come from just six countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Congo, Gabon, Cameroon and Senegal.
African origins —
Trevor Square, a short walk from high-end department store Harrods, is attractive to the world's most wealthy. Most of the Africans spending big in London come from just six countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Congo, Gabon, Cameroon and Senegal.
Nigerians alone have bought over $373 million worth of property in London over the last three years.
Big spenders —
Nigerians alone have bought over $373 million worth of property in London over the last three years.
Overlooking London's Hyde Park, properties in the One Hyde Park development can cost as much as $208 million. Included in the price is use of the complex's cinema, saunas and panic room.
Green views —
Overlooking London's Hyde Park, properties in the One Hyde Park development can cost as much as $208 million. Included in the price is use of the complex's cinema, saunas and panic room.
Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
According to luxury property experts Beauchamp Estates, African buyers often want a home with parking as trophy cars are a passion amongst wealthy families.
Priority parking —
According to luxury property experts Beauchamp Estates, African buyers often want a home with parking as trophy cars are a passion amongst wealthy families.
Matt Cardy/Getty Images/File
Africans buying property are also said to be attracted to UK by schools such as Cheltenham Ladies College, which is located two and a half hours outside central London.
Educated thinking —
Africans buying property are also said to be attracted to UK by schools such as Cheltenham Ladies College, which is located two and a half hours outside central London.
Courtesy: Cheltenham Ladies College
Nigerians are London's fourth biggest overseas shoppers by spend, averaging $640 in each shop. Some spend an average of $7,500 per shop in places like Harrods.
Choice shopping —
Nigerians are London's fourth biggest overseas shoppers by spend, averaging $640 in each shop. Some spend an average of $7,500 per shop in places like Harrods.
Courtesy: Harrods
Why London is a playground for Africa's super-rich

Story highlights

Wealthy Africans are investing in some of London's most upscale real estate

Some Nigerians are spending as much as $37 million on houses

Property experts say African investment in London is set to grow

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