What is a Mews House and Tips For Buying One in Central London

Mews properties are relatively easy to find in some of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods. Take a jaunt around Marylebone, Mayfair, Bayswater, Kensington or Chelsea, for example, and you’ll likely glimpse a mews street or two. 

If you are looking to buy a London mews house, there are some important factors to consider before deciding whether to submit an offer, such as rules around making alterations. This article explains what is different about mews properties and how the differences could affect you if you buy one. 

What is a mews property? 

The buildings we now refer to as mews properties or mews houses were originally built in the 18th and 19th centuries as coach houses to stable horses and carriages. The ground floor was the building used for stables and carriage houses, and accommodation for the stable staff was then included on the floor above. These coach houses were typically built behind grander properties and townhouses to service the needs of property owners who used horse drawn carriages as a means of transport before motor vehicles were introduced in the early 20th century. 

The coach houses were built along a ‘service street’, with two rows of coach houses facing each other, each row backing onto the larger residences they served. The original stable doors are usually converted into a garage space. This chosen layout has left a legacy of charming, albeit smaller, properties tucked away in quiet, cobbled streets between some of London’s most architecturally-striking buildings. 

Where does the name ‘mews’ come from? 

The name originates from the term ‘royal mews’, which was a set of royal stables built on a former royal hawk mews. The word ‘mews’ derives from the French word ‘muer’ which means to moult. Royal hawk mews accommodated hawks when they were moulting, so that is how the word came into use. 

Why are mews houses popular? 

Mews houses have unique designs and are typically located in quaint, cobbled streets in prime locations. They offer homes filled with character, which are usually centrally located close to the city but tucked away in a more tranquil street. 

Mews house residents choose this type of property because they enjoy living in a tight-knit community, while still having private living space. 

Are there any differences between mews properties? 

Yes, there are many different design feature differences between mews properties. Although most will have similar ceiling heights based on originally accommodating stables on the lower floor, some mews houses may have one bedroom, while others have multi-stories with four or more bedrooms. 

While some mews properties have stayed true to the traditional style, some mews houses have been transformed into contemporary living spaces with modern fixtures and fittings. 

Most mews houses do not have a garden, but you will find some mews properties that do have outdoor space and may even have a roof terrace. 

What is a modern mews house like? 

Modern mews houses have been renovated to offer contemporary amenities and luxury architectural features. Aesthetic redesigns include adding skylights and bi-folding doors to provide more natural light. In some mews, additional space has been created by lifting the roof. 

As most mews houses are not listed buildings, alterations are usually permitted, so architects have a blank canvas to transform traditional mews properties into stunning contemporary homes with expert interior design providing the finishing touches. 

Some exceptional examples of modern mews properties are the rooftop apartments in Camden built on buildings that began life as stables and carriage storage. 

6 things to consider before buying a mews property 

Mews houses are usually found in the most affluent parts of central London yet offer a calm, quiet oasis from the hustle and bustle of city life. They are highly sought after and can be a profitable investment. If this has got you thinking, here are five things to consider before buying a mews home. 

1. Living space and natural light 

Mews houses were originally built for servants. As a result, they tend to have small rooms, low ceilings and only windows at the front of the property. Mews properties were designed explicitly without windows at the back to prevent the occupants from seeing into the gardens of the grand houses they served. Because they are modest in size, they tend to be popular with city professionals, mature couples looking for a central city location in a quiet area, and the newly-retired. 

2. Gardens and parking 

Mews houses are located on narrow cobbled lanes off some of the busiest roads in London. Because of their size and location, they generally do not have gardens, although there can be a potential for a roof terrace. Parking can also be an issue. In most mews homes, the area that was once the stables has been converted into living space, so there is no off-street parking. Parking on the mews street itself is often not permitted. 

3. Privacy and security 

Mews streets are set back from the busy roads of central London and so manage to strike the balance of peace and quiet with still being close to all the action.  

There is a strong sense of community in mews streets, with residents looking out for one another, giving a heightened sense of security. Some London mews are accessed via gated entrances for additional security. 

4. Alterations 

Mews houses are not listed buildings, but many are in conservation areas which means that alterations to the outside of the property will be subject to local authority rules. 

There are controls in place to protect the historical character and architecture in conservation areas, so if you want to make alterations to a mews property, you will usually have to apply for planning permission. 

5. Tenure 

Most properties in central areas of London with a similar square-footage to a mews house, will be a leasehold apartment sold with accompanying service charges. Mews houses are sold as freehold, which means that you will be the outright owner of the property. Less legal work is involved in buying a freehold property, and values tend to increase. 

6. Price 

Demand for mews houses outstrips supply. As a result, they have a hefty price tag for their size. Many mews streets in London are close to high-end restaurants and shops, with easy access to Hyde Park and the top London attractions, which makes them particularly desirable. 

Want to know more?  Read about what a mortgage decision in principle is, discover the costs of selling and buying a home and explore our guide to things to do when moving house in Central London.

Pros and cons of buying a mews house 

Like with any property, there are certain pros and cons to be aware of if you are considering buying this type of property. 

Pros include: 

• Quiet, private location with no through traffic 
• Historic charm and character 
• Exclusive properties in desirable locations 
• Central location with easy access to the city 
• Potential to renovate and modernise 

Cons include: 

• Limited indoor and outdoor space 
• Less natural light due to the original building design 
• High property prices for buyers 
• Parking may be limited 
• Maintenance costs are higher for older properties 

Buying a mews house to let 

Mews houses can be a profitable investment for buy-to-let landlords. Owners can charge premium rents because of their relative scarcity, and there is no shortage of people wanting to rent a mews home. 

However, mews properties come at a price, so be sure to work out whether it is worth it, particularly if you are buying the property with a mortgage. 

Questions about Mews properties 

How much is a mews house in London? 

In the current property market, buyers can expect to pay between £500,000 and £8 million in London for a mews house. Mews properties in areas such as Knightsbridge and Mayfair are at the highest end of the price range, while more modest mews properties are available further out of the City. 

How many mews are there in London? 

There are thousands of mews properties in London, with some areas standing out for having a large number of mews streets. Some of the most popular mews areas include: 

• Kynance Mews in South Kensington, which has 33 residential properties with beautiful leafy arches. 
• St. Luke’s Mews on Portobello Road, Notting Hill, which include distinctive colourful properties that form an iconic area of London that has been featured in several films, including the aptly named Notting Hill. 
• Queen’s Gate Mews is part of Kensington’s ‘Queens Gate’ and contains 86 commercial and residential properties on cobbled streets with Victorian streetlamps. 
• Brook Mews is a small street in Mayfair close to Claridge’s and lots of boutique shops and restaurants. 
• Prince’s Mews is a quiet, cobbled cul-de-sac off Hereford Road in Westminster with 2 and 3 storey properties. 
• Albion Mews in Kensington is another colourful set of mews properties, close to the north side of Hyde Park. 

Is a mews house better than a flat in central London (W2)? 

There are pros and cons to buying a mews house, so it depends on what the buyer requires. Mews houses have more character than the typical flat in central London and are often in quieter locations, hidden away from the busy city. 

Can I convert the loft in a mews house? 

Yes, as long as the mews house is not a listed building, it is usually possible to convert the loft provided that the work complies with building regulations. 

Can you remove a garage from a mews house? 

Generally, you will be able to remove a garage from a mews house provided it is not a listed building. You may need planning permission to carry out the work. 

Do mews houses have bedrooms downstairs? 

Most mews houses have bedrooms on the upper level but some have been converted to create extra bedrooms downstairs. 

Do mews houses have gardens? 

Many mews houses have limited outdoor space and do not have a garden. Some mews houses have a roof terrace to provide outdoor space for property. 

Are mews cheaper to rent? 

No, mews properties are not generally cheaper to rent and in London, the majority are located in much sought-after areas where rents tend to be higher. 

What is the difference between a mews house and a townhouse? 

The main difference is that mews properties have been converted from stables and carriage houses, while terraced houses were built for the purpose of being a residential home. Mews houses tend to be smaller with unique features located in quiet streets, while terraced properties are more spacious and are often on busier roads. 

How old are mews houses generally? 

Most mews houses originate in the mid-1700s to early 1800s, so they will usually be around 200 years old. 

We can help 

If you’re looking to invest in a mews house in Marylebone, Camden or other central London areas, get in touch with our team today.