Savills is expanding its footprint in London’s prime residential market through the acquisition of Mark Tunstall Property, a London-based super-prime residential lettings, management and advisory firm. The deal strengthens its position in the high-end rental segment by bringing a well-established boutique agency into its platform.
The deal reflects a shift in London’s prime residential market, where renting at the top end is no longer treated as a stopgap, but as a considered choice for tenants seeking flexibility without compromising on location or quality.
Why high-end rentals are gaining traction in London
London’s appeal to international wealth has long supported its prime residential market, but the way that market is being accessed is evolving. For some high-net-worth tenants, renting offers a level of adaptability that ownership does not always provide, particularly in a city where property values, regulatory conditions, and personal mobility all play a role in decision-making.
This is not limited to short-term stays. There is increasing demand for longer-term rental arrangements that still deliver the standards expected at the top end of the market. Location remains central, but so too does the quality of the property and the reliability of its management.
Expectations have shifted accordingly. High-end rental homes are now expected to match owner-occupied properties in terms of finish, upkeep, and service. Discretion, responsiveness, and consistency have become part of the offer, rather than added benefits.
From boutique agencies to global platforms
The acquisition of Mark Tunstall Property points to a wider pattern within London’s prime residential sector. Smaller agencies with strong local networks and longstanding client relationships are being drawn into larger international firms.
These boutique businesses often operate in tightly held neighbourhoods where access is built over time. By bringing them into a global structure, firms such as Savills are able to combine local insight with broader reach, offering clients a more connected service across cities.
For clients active across multiple cities, the advantage lies in consistency. Properties can be handled through a single platform, without losing the local knowledge that often defines transactions at the top end of the market.
What this means for the prime residential market
Savills’ expansion underlines the growing role of rental living within London’s prime housing landscape. Ownership continues to hold its place, but renting is taking on a more defined position rather than acting as a stopgap.
For developers and investors, this shift is beginning to influence how residential property is approached. There is a greater emphasis on long-term management, service quality, and the overall experience of living in a property, not just its sale.
In that context, moves such as this are less about scale and more about alignment with changing demand. As London continues to attract globally mobile residents, the boundary between owning and renting at the top end of the market is becoming less fixed, with both playing a role in how high-end housing is used.
