Is Buying London Property Just Selling a Dream?

“Given the unrealistic prices of multi-million pound homes in London, it’s easy to see why many find them out of reach. As a self-confessed reality TV enthusiast, I eagerly tuned in to ‘Buying London’, the latest addition to my binge-watch list. This Netflix series shadows property tycoon Daniel Daggers and his elite team of real estate agents as they cater to London’s affluent clientele, showcasing opulent properties across the city.

However, as I watched them pitch homes worth over £1 million to anonymous, wealthy buyers from my cramped rented bedroom, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that the show is more frustrating than escapist. With London grappling with a housing crisis and soaring living costs, ‘Buying London’ seems to peddle a dream that’s out of touch with reality.

The series kicks off with Daniel Daggers and his team delving into London’s super prime property market, flaunting mansions in Mayfair, lavish balconies overlooking Regent’s Park, and bathrooms larger than my entire apartment. But for many Londoners, who allocate a significant chunk of their income towards rent and face exorbitant housing prices, these properties are nothing but a distant fantasy.

Criticism has already erupted online, with viewers decrying the show’s lack of sensitivity towards London’s housing crisis. Amidst tweets questioning the need for more luxury apartments and highlighting the plight of homeless children in the city, it’s evident that ‘Buying London’ has struck a nerve.

While the show aims for the same allure as popular series like ‘Selling Sunset’ and ‘Selling The OC’, its close-to-home setting only exacerbates its elitist undertones. Despite occasional glimpses into the personal struggles of the DDRE team, the extravagant display of wealth leaves a sour taste.

Though ‘Buying London’ may not aspire to be a documentary on the city’s housing woes, its disconnect from the everyday realities of Londoners is hard to ignore. Amidst flashy cars, upscale dining, and luxury estates, the show forgets that for many, owning a home in London is an unattainable dream.

Available for streaming on Netflix, ‘Buying London’ offers a tantalizing glimpse into the world of high-end real estate, but its glamorization of wealth feels increasingly distant from the experiences of average Londoners.”