Sought-after masterplan developments along the Elizabeth line stations

For discerning Malaysian buyers looking to purchase property in London, certain considerations are key to underpinning value: strong transportation, consistent tenant demand, and long-term regeneration. Areas connected by the Elizabeth Line and supported by large-scale regeneration are attracting substantial interest from Malaysian investors and landlords.

Why does London continue to attract Malaysian investors?

The capital city is one of the world’s leading, most established property markets. This is due to factors such as a transparent and well-regulated property system, year-round demand from professionals, students, and families, a mature lettings market with professional management, and long-term appeal for capital preservation and rental income.

What’s shaping London’s property market in 2026?

Transport-led living driven by the Elizabeth Line, regeneration-backed neighbourhoods, a wide tenant pool on the lookout for amenity-rich areas and rising focus and demand for professionally-managed properties. Against this backdrop, the following London areas stand out.

London’s leading investment locations

1. Slough: Elizabeth Line connectivity

What was once seen as a mere commuter town has, in recent years, repositioned itself as a practical choice for people working in Central London, around Heathrow and across the Thames Valley. The Elizabeth Line has played a major role in this transformation.

Shorter journey times have made daily travel easier, and due to this, a growing number of corporate tenants have chosen to rent here, looking for extra space and better value. Horlicks Quarter sits at the centre of Slough’s wider regeneration.

The development is a 7-minute walk to Slough Station, getting you to Paddington in 30 minutes and offers quick access to Central London, the City, Canary Wharf and Heathrow Airport. Slough is also home to the EU’s largest privately owned business estate, with 400 businesses including Lego, Maserati, DHL, Ferrari, Hitachi & more. Horlicks Quarter also houses a range of on-site amenities such as a rooftop garden, concierge, gym, game room, cinema room, co-working hub, residents’ kitchen, nursery and café, all located within the Horlicks Factory.

Malaysian buyers can consider investments in Slough due to:

– Attractive starting prices and rental yield of up to 6%.

– Strong demand from families, young professionals and corporate tenants.

– Competitive pricing compared to Inner West London.

2. Acton: Undergoing rapid regeneration

Acton is in a central part of West London, surrounded by established neighbourhoods and has been part of many regeneration programmes over the years. With the Main Acton Line being a minute walk from The Verdean, hotspots such as Bond Street, Paddington and Heathrow became easily accessible, and this area became a leading choice for tenants. The Verdean is a part of this gradual shift, complete with landscaped spaces, concierge services and modern interiors.

Malaysian investors choose Acton due to factors like:

– 6 mins to Paddington, 9 mins to Bond Street.

– Up to 5.5% rental yield.

– Acton Main Line station has seen an increase of 28% rent, which gives strong returns if you’re an investor.

3. Abbey Wood: Practical entry point

Abbey Wood has gained traction since the Elizabeth Line arrived. Southmere adds a different dimension to Abbey Wood’s appeal, introducing waterside living that feels calmer than the city. Situated beside Southmere Lake, a 10-minute walk to an Elizabeth Line station, commuters at this development benefit from direct, straightforward daily journeys to Canary Wharf and Central London, without paying inner-London prices.

Part of a master plan regeneration project, the Southmere community will benefit from 370 hectares of enhanced green spaces, 53,000 new trees and 107,000sqft of commercial space, with brands like Starbucks, Co-Op supermarket, and Anytime Fitness joining the area. The development includes 15 community buildings, including a library, improved lakeside spaces & amenities for an outdoor gym, restaurants, shops, public spaces & promenade.

The development is also surrounded by numerous Ofsted good rating primary and secondary schools, offering educational opportunities for children, which creates a sense of stability and safety in the area, making it a sought-after area for families.

Malaysian investors consider Abbey Wood for features like:

– London Zone 4 with Zone 2 connectivity (11 mins to Canary Wharf, 17 mins to Liverpool Street).

– Lower entry pricing compared to inner zones, with rental yields of up to 6%.

– Strong tenant demand from corporate professionals and families.

4. Southall: Regeneration at scale

Southall is undergoing one of West London’s largest regeneration programmes, reshaping this vibrant area into a greener, more connected residential hub. The Elizabeth Line has transformed travel times, and large-scale investments are transforming the public spaces and amenities.

At the heart of this growth is The Green Quarter. Just a short 5-minute walk from the development, residents have access to Southall Station, getting them to Heathrow in 12 minutes and Paddington in 14 minutes. Residents can also enjoy immense comfort and accessibility, with a wide range of residents-only facilities. This includes a gym, screening room, residents’ lounge and concierge. Other amenities such as an organic grocery store, café, lifestyle store, children’s play areas and nature trail at Parkside Yards are available on-site.

Malaysian buyers eye Southall for its:

– Strong families community presence.

– High rental yields of up to 6% with strong corporate tenant demand

– Developed by a renowned UK housebuilder with a strong track record of successful regeneration projects

– 1-3 bedroom apartments overlooking 4.5-acre Central Gardens parkland

Considerations when investing in London from Malaysia

Ensure you understand the UK property ownership structure and are well-versed in the compliance regulations. It’s ideal to appoint a London-based lettings and management team who can also help you with planning for taxation, furnishing and long-term holding.

A reliable team ensures your property is well maintained, tenancies are professionally managed, and any issues are addressed promptly. As an overseas buyer, this level of hands-on professional oversight is crucial to safeguarding performance.

Benham and Reeves Malaysia: Guidance backed by London expertise

Area selection when buying a property in London is the first step; its performance in the long-run is often dependent on how a property is acquired, let, managed and supported over time.

Benham and Reeves, one of Central London’s oldest independent property firms, recognised the growing interest from Malaysian investors and established its presence in the country in 2015.

We assist local buyers with a range of London property services, including acquisitions, purchases and sales, furnishings, lettings, taxation advice and property management.

As founder members of ARLA Propertymark (the Association of Residential Letting Agents) and NAEA Propertymark (the National Association of Estate Agents), we offer assistance to savvy Malaysian investors at every stage of the property investment journey, backed by on-the-ground London expertise.

Contact our Malaysia office today for a one-on-one consultation.