How to Compare Amenities in London Luxury Developments
A practical, no-nonsense guide for buyers who want value as well as wow
In London’s luxury residential market, amenities are not just perks — they materially shape lifestyle, running costs, community feel, and resale value. But not all amenities are created equal, and many buyers over-value décor and under-value substance.
Here’s a smart way to compare them.
1. Start with what you actually use
Luxury developments often list a dozen amenities, but most residents really care about a few that improve daily life.
Ask yourself:
Do I want a gym I will actually use?
Is a pool important, or would I rather have a quieter space?
Do I need workspace areas?
Do I entertain guests often?
Only compare developments through the filter of your lifestyle reality.
2. Categorise amenities into meaningful groups
Group them before you compare:
Lifestyle & wellness: gym, spa, pool, yoga studio, treatment rooms
Work & social: co-working lounges, private dining, residents’ club
Outdoor & leisure: rooftop terraces, gardens, BBQ spaces
Security & convenience: concierge, 24/7 security, parcel storage
Family & guests: playrooms, guest suites, screening rooms
Transport & storage: parking, bike storage, EV charging
This gives you a framework to rate each development on what matters to you.
3. Quality matters more than quantity
A long list of amenities means nothing if execution is weak.
Instead of counting rooms, evaluate:
Size and accessibility: Is the gym big enough to use at peak times?
Design quality: Does the spa feel like a hotel spa or a glorified changing room?
Placement: Are amenity spaces centrally located or on the periphery?
Maintenance: Are appearance and condition well-maintained?
A swimming pool that’s always crowded or closed for repairs is worse than not having one.
4. Check real usage logistics
Amenities only matter if they are easy to use.
Look at:
Booking requirements for gym/pool/rooms
Opening hours (are they realistic for your schedule?)
Restrictions on guests using facilities
Costs, if any, to access amenities
Some developments hide rules that significantly reduce usability.
5. Understand how amenities affect costs
More amenities typically mean higher service charges — this is unavoidable.
When you compare:
Ask what facilities drive the service charge
Get a clear estimate of running costs for each amenity
Ask for the maintenance budget vs vision statement
A pool, spa, or cinema adds real cost — know it before committing.
6. Assess community and social design
Amenities influence how residents interact:
Is there a residents’ lounge that actually encourages social life?
Do outdoor spaces feel private or shared with the public?
Are family-focused spaces separate from adult spaces?
A well-designed amenity suite often strengthens community and long-term satisfaction.
7. Look beyond the brochure with on-site verification
Images can be aspirational. On a visit, check:
The real size of spaces vs photographs
Natural light and ventilation
Proximity to flats (noise issues)
Quality of furniture and finishes
Bathrooms and corridors near amenities tell you a lot about investment in detail.
8. Prioritise flexibility and future use
Some amenities age well; others don’t.
Flexible spaces (co-working, lounges, outdoor terraces) are valuable even if specific trends change (e.g., yoga studios). Rigid, highly themed spaces (e.g., indoor bowling alleys) risk becoming obsolete.
Ask: will this space be useful in 10 years?
9. Factor in exclusivity and control
In some developments:
Amenities are shared with neighbouring blocks
Amenities are under public or semi-public access
This dilutes private benefit and can inflate perceived value without real exclusivity.
Strictly compare:
Residents-only amenities vs mixed-use shared spaces.
10. Link amenities to resale appeal
Some amenities drive liquidity more than others:
Concierge and security score highly with secondary market buyers
Well-lit outdoor spaces increase appeal
Fitness and wellness spaces matter to a broad demographic
Playrooms and family spaces support family buyers
Not all amenities add equal resale demand — prioritise those with broad appeal.
Final Perspective
Comparing amenities in luxury developments is not about ticking boxes; it’s about practical value, ongoing costs, daily usability, and future proofing.
The best amenities are those you use often, that improve your life quietly, and that don’t create disproportionate cost or complexity.