As a Canadian real estate professional, you may be working with clients whose real estate goals extend beyond our borders. Whether they are relocating for work, purchasing an investment property, helping family members abroad, or pursuing a lifestyle change, understanding how real estate transactions differ from country to country can help you better support your clients’journey.
For this edition of Beyond Canadian Borders, I connected with Carlo Nasti and Jonny Keightley, Directors of Capital Homes International LLP & CHI Sales LTD in London, England.
I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with Carlo and Jonny through Royal LePage®‘s international referral network. Together, they bring decades of experience representing buyers, sellers, landlords and investors throughout London, and have extensive experience assisting international clients.
Below, Carlo and Jonny share their insights on what Canadian agents should know when helping clients navigate a property transaction in London.
Meet the experts
Carlo Nasti, Director
With more than 15 years of experience in London’s property market, Carlo specializes in residential sales, investment properties and client relationships. Prior to co-founding Capital Homes International LLP & CHI Sales LTD, he worked with several leading London real estate firms and has successfully guided buyers, sellers, landlords and investors through complex transactions across the capital.
Jonny Keightley, Director
Jonny has built his career in residential sales and property management, working with buyers, sellers, landlords and investors across London’s high-end property market. Before co-founding Capital Homes International LLP & CHI Sales LTD, he served as an Associate Partner at a leading London real estate firm, where he developed a reputation for providing practical, market-driven advice.
Here’s our conversation:
Can foreigners legally own property in England?
Yes, foreigners can legally buy and own property in England. However, property ownership does not grant the right to live in the UK.
There are no restrictions based on citizenship or residency when purchasing property.
Does buying property help with residency or immigration status?
No. Owning property does not automatically provide residency rights or a visa pathway in the United Kingdom.
What additional costs should buyers expect beyond the purchase price?
Non-residents face higher costs, including a 2% Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) surcharge, stricter financing requirements and stringent anti-money laundering checks.
In addition to the purchase price, buyers should budget for:
- Stamp Duty Land Tax
- Solicitor costs
- Agent fees
Ongoing ownership costs typically include:
- Council tax
- Energy bills
- Water bills
- Insurance
- TV licence
- Broadband and telephone costs
- Service charges for apartment owners, typically paid quarterly or semi-annually
Do local agents cooperate with one another?
Yes and no.
Some local estate agents focus only on selling the homes they have listed themselves. They are paid by the seller, usually on a commission of approximately 2%.
Unlike Canada, commission sharing is not always standard practice in London. While we can introduce buyers to properties listed by other estate agents, buying agents are typically paid directly by the purchaser. This allows us to focus exclusively on the buyer’s interests and source opportunities across the market, including on-market, off-market and pre-launch properties.
Listing agents, commonly referred to as estate agents, are generally keen to work with buying agents because their purchasers are usually well-qualified, ready to move and supported throughout the transaction.
How are real estate professionals regulated in England?
Estate agents are not licensed in the same way many Canadian real estate professionals are, but they must comply with strict regulations, including:
- Estate Agents Act 1979
- Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008
- Money Laundering Regulations
- Government-approved redress schemes
- Client Money Protection requirements for letting agents
(A letting agent is an intermediary company or individual hired by a property landlord to facilitate the renting process.)
Buyers should also work with a qualified solicitor to handle the legal process, and in some cases a tax advisor may be appropriate.
How are agents compensated?
Estate agents are typically paid a salary and earn between 10% and 30% of the commission charged to the seller, which is often around 2%.
Buying agents and brokers generally charge purchaser clients approximately 2% to represent them during an acquisition. Compensation structures vary by firm, with some professionals receiving a salary and others working entirely on commission.
Is there an MLS® equivalent in London?
In London we use Lonres, which functions similarly to MLS® and allows for commission sharing.
We also use platforms such as:
While Lonres helps brokerages share listings, it does not include every active property on the market, as not all agents participate.
What does the buying process look like?
The process generally follows these steps:
- The buyer engages a solicitor or licensed conveyancer once offer is accepted
- The buyer completes identity and anti-money laundering requirements.
- The seller’s solicitor prepares the contract package and property information.
- The buyer’s solicitor conducts searches and reviews documentation.
- The buyer arranges a survey and finalizes mortgage financing, if applicable.
- Contracts and mortgage documents are reviewed and signed.
- Contracts are formally exchanged and the transaction becomes legally binding.
- Completion occurs as ownership is transferred.
- Stamp Duty Land Tax is paid and the Land Registry is updated.
What is happening in the London market today?
The London market in early 2026 is experiencing a significant downturn, characterized by falling prices and reduced transaction volumes.
Average property prices have declined to approximately £650,000–£680,000 (approximately $900,000-$1,000,000 CAD), with flats in prime areas such as Marylebone and Kensington seeing some of the largest decreases. Higher mortgage rates, regulatory changes and landlord sell-offs have shifted conditions heavily in favour of buyers. At the same time, rental demand remains strong, with areas outside Central London often producing the strongest returns.
What options are available for absentee owners?
We offer property management services and regularly work with clients from Canada, the United States and Europe who own homes in London.
Owners can change management companies during a tenancy, and we help ensure both landlords and residents receive responsive support and service.
Leverage the power of the Royal LePage international referral network
One of the greatest advantages of being part of Royal LePage is access to a vast network of trusted real estate professionals around the world.
When helping clients navigate cross-border transactions, partnering with a trusted local expert can provide valuable insight, reduce uncertainty and help ensure a smoother experience from start to finish.
Through Royal LePage’s international referral program, Royal LePage agents can access thousands of contacts across Canada and internationally. Whether your client is relocating, investing abroad, purchasing a vacation property or returning home to Canada, the referral network can help connect them with knowledgeable professionals who understand their local market.
Looking for help in London?
Royal LePage professionals with clients interested in buying, selling, managing or investing in property in London can connect directly with:
Carlo and Jonny at
Carlo +44 7484 310392
Johnny +44 7484 311183
Capital Homes International LLP & CHI Sales LTD
For questions related to residential sales, investment opportunities, landlord services or property management, Carlo and Jonny welcome inquiries from fellow real estate professionals and their clients.
