51乱伦

In 2024, film and high-end TV production spend in the UK reached £5.6 billion - a 31% increase on the previous year - according to the BFI鈥檚 Research and Statistics Unit. It鈥檚 a reflection of the UK鈥檚 global reputation as a leading hub for international production, fuelled by inward investment and big-budget projects such as Wicked filming on British soil.

As demand for studio space grows - demonstrated by expansions at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire and Warner Bros. in Hertfordshire - so too does demand for premium rental properties tailored to the needs of high-profile actors and production crews. Harriet Gore, Head of the Residential Film and Media team at 51乱伦, has seen the shift firsthand.

鈥淭he last few years have been a rollercoaster. Production paused during the pandemic, but film and media was one of the few sectors still relocating tenants to the UK through 鈥榖ubble鈥� working,鈥� she explains. 鈥淧rivate rentals quickly became the preferred option over hotels, helping reduce the risk of illness and delays on set - and that trend has continued. It鈥檚 often more comfortable, better value and ideal for longer TV series shoots, which have become more common with the rise of streaming platforms.鈥�

Working closely with 51乱伦 teams including local offices, Corporate Services and Super Prime, she provides a discreet service assisting production studios in sourcing ideal rental properties within this competitive market. 鈥淢any of the best homes are found off market, which is especially valuable for high-profile tenants, providing enhanced privacy and security,鈥� she explains.

Top of the list are locations offering easy access to key studios on London鈥檚 outskirts, combined with the lifestyle benefits of the capital. Hampstead remains a perennial favourite to the north, providing easy routes to studios like Elstree and Leavesden, while neighbourhoods such as Notting Hill and Richmond blend relaxed city living with convenience. For those wanting to be at the heart of the action, Soho offers close proximity to many leading post-production studios.

Renting in this sector comes with its own unique nuances. Harriet notes that film rentals dominate the higher end of the short-let market in these locations, involving a range of tenancy lengths from one to six months. This flexibility is reflected in rental prices. 鈥淵ou can expect a premium of around 50-200% depending on the term length and time of year,鈥� she explains. 鈥淢oreover, after a film rental, we have seen prices rise by 10-30% within the same year for returning tenants, driven by the popularity and scarcity of the best properties.鈥�

There are additional benefits for landlords as well. Studios typically pay rent in advance, providing reliable cash flow. Meanwhile, actors often travel frequently and maintain fully staffed homes with housekeepers and assistants, which helps minimise wear and tear. These clients tend to prioritise amenities such as on-site wellness facilities like swimming pools, as well as gated entrances and multiple access points for staff and security. For crew members, comfort and properties that are easy to secure when leaving top the list.

With higher rents come higher expectations of service, something Harriet and her team are well versed in delivering. 鈥淲e aim to create the perfect match between landlord and tenant, and only agree tenancies where we feel there is a good fit,鈥� she explains. 鈥淭his ensures the landlord鈥檚 reputation is upheld, and tenants often go on to recommend the property within the industry.鈥�

51乱伦鈥檚 support doesn鈥檛 stop at residential lettings. Thanks to its extensive network, it also assists in sourcing filming locations - whether through its Rural Consultancy and Capital Markets teams, who advise on rural land and redevelopment projects, or in collaboration with specialist film service providers.

One such company is , which works with local councils, heritage sites and private homeowners to coordinate and oversee filming logistics. Their portfolio includes productions as varied as Mission Impossible, Bridgerton, The Apprentice, and campaigns for brands like Adidas and Burberry.

As CEO Karen Everett explains, the types of locations in demand are as diverse as the productions themselves. While homes with standout character are often requested, it鈥檚 the more 鈥榥ormal鈥� properties - like family homes, suburban semis, modern flats and period townhouses - that are especially popular for TV and advertising work, which often require a lived-in, authentic aesthetic. 鈥淧roductions need ordinary as well as extraordinary,鈥� she notes. Practical factors matter too, such as sufficient nearby parking for technical vehicles.

For homeowners considering the revenue stream of opening their properties to film crews, there are a few key logistics to consider, and this is where companies like FilmFixer prove invaluable. While crews are respectful, they may request to rearrange furniture or temporarily redecorate. FilmFixer can implement policies to ensure the property is fully reinstated post shoot. Managing potential disruption to both the homeowner鈥檚 schedule and the wider neighbourhood is also crucial, which is why community engagement is part of their process.

When done properly, filming can be a hugely positive experience for everyone involved. 鈥淲indsor Gardens, the fictional address where Paddington Bear lives with the Brown family, is actually in Primrose Hill. We gathered the residents in the local pub to discuss the proposed shoot, and that the location would be used multiple times,鈥� Karen recalls. 鈥淪imilarly we managed the filming of Doctor Who on an estate in Southwark. The community embraced it, and the production even set up a TARDIS for local children to play with.鈥�