SW1Y

District scores

Key statistics

Top postcodes in SW1Y

Ranked by liveability score. Click any postcode for the full area report.

About SW1Y

SW1Y encompasses some of Westminster's most prestigious addresses, spanning a compact but highly sought-after district that centres on St James's and Belgravia. The area has a distinctly formal, historic character defined by grand Georgian and Victorian townhouses, exclusive clubs, and luxury retail, making it popular with wealthy professionals, diplomats, and established families who value tradition and proximity to power. The postcode's main strength is its unparalleled transport connectivity with an average Public Transport Accessibility Level of 5.0 and a transport score of 78, placing residents within minutes of multiple tube lines and central London institutions. The trade-off is significant: the liveability score of 67 reflects the high-density, formal nature of the neighbourhood, and the area's strong schools performance masks the fact that family-oriented living space is limited and expensive.

The practical reality of SW1Y is stark for most people, particularly around safety: the crime rate of 496.6 per 1,000 residents is substantially higher than London's average, and the safety score of just 1/100 reveals serious concerns that reflect the area's central location and transient population. Schools are exceptionally strong across all institutions, with 100% rated Good or Outstanding, which explains why families with school-age children and substantial means do establish themselves here. Property prices are correspondingly steep, with a median of £1.16 million and recent growth of 2.1%, placing SW1Y firmly out of reach for most Londoners and continuing to attract international money and investor demand. This postcode genuinely suits only the affluent, security-conscious, and those whose work or networks revolve around Westminster; it works poorly for families prioritising neighbourhood safety, young professionals on typical salaries, or anyone seeking a relaxed, mixed community atmosphere.