Indian Tycoon Harish Ahuja Buys £21 Million Notting Hill Home

Harish Ahuja Purchases Notting Hill home

Harish Ahuja, Managing Director of Shahi Exports Pvt. Ltd and a key supplier to major global brands like Uniqlo, Decathlon, and H&M, has recently purchased a property in London’s Notting Hill for a staggering £21 million. This acquisition marks one of the largest residential deals in the UK this year, standing out despite the overall slowdown in the luxury housing market.

According to Bloomberg the eight-storey residence, bought in July, is expected to become home to Ahuja’s son Anand Ahuja and Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor, his daughter-in-law. Sources familiar with the family’s plans have indicated that part of the property will be redeveloped for personal use, while another section is likely to be converted into high-end flats.

Growing Interest from Indian Buyers in Prime London Property

Ahuja’s purchase is reflective of an increasing trend of Indian nationals investing in prime London properties. Data from Hamptons International shows that between 2019 and 2023, Indian buyers accounted for the highest rise in prime central London purchases, with a 3% increase during that period. Just this year, two Indian buyers acquired apartments in Mayfair for £7.85 million and £9.15 million, with one of the properties previously belonging to Princess Diana’s stepmother.

Indian billionaires have also made significant acquisitions in the UK. Last year, Ravi Ruia of the Essar Group paid £113 million for a mansion near Regent’s Park, while Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India, purchased a Mayfair mansion for £138 million—the most expensive UK home deal in 2023.

London’s Luxury Market Under Pressure

Despite these headline purchases, London’s high-end property market has been under pressure. The anticipated changes to Britain’s “non-doms” tax rules, which currently offer favourable treatment to wealthy foreign residents, have introduced uncertainty. This has led to a 19% drop in deals priced at £5 million or more in July compared to the same period last year, according to data from LonRes.

Nevertheless, international buyers—particularly from India—continue to show interest in sought-after districts like Notting Hill. Known for its cultural significance and appearance in the 1999 film Notting Hill, the area remains a hotspot for affluent overseas investors, even amid a cooling market.

Harish Ahuja’s purchase is not only a testament to Notting Hill’s enduring appeal but also highlights the growing influence of Indian buyers in London’s prime real estate market.

Property London

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