SHOCKING REALITY OF LONDON’S LUXURY HOUSING MARKET EXPOSED
In a shocking new reality series, Netflix delves into the dark underbelly of London’s luxury real estate market. “Buying London” follows the exploits of estate agent Daniel Daggers and his team at DDRE Global as they navigate the cutthroat world of selling million-dollar mansions in the capital. But with the city’s housing crisis reaching unprecedented levels, can these agents really justify their lavish lifestyles?
For many young women in their 20s, the dream of owning a home in London feels like a distant fantasy. Skyrocketing rental prices, damp and mold-infested properties, and the sheer unaffordability of it all have forced countless individuals to retreat back to the safety of their parents’ homes. It’s a dire situation that has left us all wondering: who is really benefiting from this housing madness?
According to the Office For National Statistics (ONS), London’s rental rates have hit an all-time high in 2023, leaving ordinary Londoners struggling to make ends meet. The shocking truth is that a third of all money spent on private rental homes in the UK is coming from the pockets of Londoners. This staggering statistic highlights the immense pressure faced by those trying to find a place to call home in the capital.
But it doesn’t end there. The Centre For London’s First Homes fit for Londoners report paints an even bleaker picture. One in four Londoners are living in poverty after paying for their homes, while two in five are trapped in unsuitable properties plagued by damp and mold. And perhaps most heart-wrenching of all, there are more than one child in every classroom in London living in temporary accommodation. It’s a crisis that demands urgent attention.
With all this in mind, the premise of “Buying London” seems almost tone-deaf. While Daniel Daggers and his team may be living the high life, selling luxury houses to the elite, the reality for ordinary Londoners couldn’t be more different. As the city grapples with a housing crisis of epic proportions, it’s time to ask ourselves: is this really the kind of show we should be supporting?
Netflix’s new show “Buying London” has received mixed reviews, with some viewers feeling that it fails to connect with the current housing market reality. In a time when the housing market in London and the UK as a whole is bleak, the show’s premise seems out of touch. As a fan of similar real estate shows like “Selling Sunset,” I couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast. While “Selling Sunset” showcases glamorous LA agents in luxurious mansions, “Buying London” feels a bit darker and lacks that same sparkle. The agents mainly focus on townhouses in Mayfair, which are known to offer less value for money.
Filmed in London, the show hits closer to home for me, making it harder to ignore the housing issues that affect the majority of us in the capital. As Brits, we are often captivated by the American Dream and the allure of Hollywood Hills. However, “Buying London” reminds us of the stark reality of our own housing situation. Despite this, the show itself and the cast are interesting, with even Daggers, one of the agents, exuding charisma. While “Buying London” is not a bad show, it misses the mark by not reflecting the experiences of the majority of people living in London.
Some may argue that these shows are meant to depict the lives of the wealthy elite, but the truth is, many of us in London will never be able to afford even a one-bedroom home. While the buyers on the show may be on their third four-bedroom property purchase in Holland Park or Mayfair, the rest of us struggle to save for a deposit. It’s important to remember that “Buying London” is just a light-hearted series, but its premise fails to resonate with the reality faced by most Londoners.
Aaliyah Harry is the associate editor at PS UK, where she writes extensively about lifestyle, culture, and beauty. With a passion for storytelling and giving voice to the voiceless, Aaliyah has also contributed to Refinery29, Grazia UK, and The Voice Newspaper.
