Garden Squares In Kensington & Chelsea

A common theme among property in the borough of Kensington & Chelsea is the lack of private outdoor space – with gardens, patios, balconies and roof terraces all fetching a handsome premium. However, if you’re not lucky enough to bag a flat with a private terrace, a property with access to a communal garden square is a more than satisfactory alternative.

What Are Communal Garden Squares?

Communal Garden Squares are like small private parks and you will find them dotted all around the borough. Each Garden Square is exclusive and can only be used by residents of the square – a key is normally required to access the gardens, unless you have a property that directly backs onto it.

The maintenance and landscaping of the garden is the job of the Garden Committee – a group of volunteer residents who are voted in by their neighbours. Most garden committees have modest budgets at their disposal, which pay for gardeners, plants, sprinkler systems and so on. These budgets are funded by the residents and collected as a garden levy which is tacked onto the council tax of eligible properties. This levy must be paid by all relevant properties, regardless of whether or not the resident wishes to have access to the garden. I myself have access to a beautiful communal garden, which comes with a very reasonable cost of just £200 a year – much less than we would be spending on our own garden, if we had one.

Each garden square is different – some have beautifully landscaped gardens, whilst others come equipped with swings or sandpits for the little ones to enjoy. Each garden square also sets its own rules – so whether or not you can have a barbecue or play ball games is at the discretion of the commitee.

As well as providing some much needed green space, the communal gardens offer local residents a sense of community and many gardens throw summer parties or events where the residents can mingle over a glass of wine.