Richmond Elections Profile 2026 

Key Points

• Richmond upon Thames is located in south-west London, bordered by Hounslow, Hammersmith and Fulham, Wandsworth, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, and the Surrey borough of Elmbridge.
• The borough is a leafy residential area with 57% open space, including parklands and waterways, and protected views of London’s skyline.
• Neighbourhoods include Barnes, East Sheen, Hampton, Kew, Mortlake, Richmond, Teddington, and Twickenham.
• Key places of interest are the Unesco-listed Kew Gardens, Hampton Court Palace, Twickenham Stadium, and Richmond Park with free-roaming deer.
• It is the only London borough spanning both sides of the River Thames.
• Population estimated at 196,678 in 2024 per Office for National Statistics data.
• Demographics from 2021 census: 80% white, 8.9% Asian, 1.9% black, 5.5% mixed race, 3.3% another ethnic group.
• Average house price was £777,000 in December 2025 per ONS.
• Average monthly rent was £2,254 in January 2026 per ONS.
• Band D council tax for 2026/27 is £1,975.59.
• Transport includes two Tube stations, two London Overground stations, 490 bus stops, and 14 National Rail stations.

Richmond upon Thames, (South London News) April 16, 2026 – Ahead of the local elections on Thursday 7 May, a comprehensive profile has been released detailing the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, highlighting its geography, demographics, housing costs, council tax, and transport links.

Where is Richmond upon Thames Located?

The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames sits in south-west London. It shares borders with five other London boroughs: Hounslow, Hammersmith and Fulham, Wandsworth, Kingston upon Thames, and Merton. Additionally, it adjoins the Surrey borough of Elmbridge.

This positioning places it on the outskirts of central London while maintaining strong connectivity. As noted in the profile ahead of the 7 May elections, the borough’s location contributes to its appeal as a residential area.

The River Thames runs through it, making Richmond upon Thames unique as the only London borough on both sides of the river. This geographical feature influences local planning and community life.

What Makes Richmond upon Thames Distinct?

Richmond upon Thames is known as a leafy residential borough with extensive parklands and waterways. A significant 57% of the borough consists of open space, including protected views of London’s skyline.

Neighbourhoods such as Barnes, East Sheen, Hampton, Kew, Mortlake, Richmond, Teddington, and Twickenham form the core residential and commercial areas. These areas blend suburban living with access to green spaces.

Places of interest include the Unesco-listed Kew Gardens, Hampton Court Palace, Twickenham Stadium, and Richmond Park, home to free-roaming deer. These attractions draw visitors and support the local economy.

What is the Population and Demographics?

The estimated population stands at 196,678 as of 2024, according to Office for National Statistics data. This figure reflects steady growth in the area.

From the 2021 census, 80% of residents identify as white, 8.9% as Asian, 1.9% as black, 5.5% as mixed race, and 3.3% as another ethnic group. These demographics shape local services and election priorities.

The profile, produced ahead of the 7 May local elections, uses this data to inform voters about the borough’s composition.

How Do Housing Costs Compare in Richmond upon Thames?

Average property prices reached £777,000 in December 2025, per ONS figures. This high value aligns with the borough’s desirable location and amenities.

The average monthly rent was £2,254 in January 2026, as reported by the ONS. This marks an increase from £2,143 the previous year, a 5.2% rise.

Rents vary by property type: one-bedroom properties averaged £1,670, two-bedroom £2,143, three-bedroom £2,589, and four-or-more-bedroom £3,805 in January 2026. These costs impact residents’ budgets ahead of elections.

What is the Council Tax in Richmond upon Thames?

Band D council tax for the 2026/27 financial year is set at £1,975.59. This includes the Richmond Council portion of £1,975.59, up from £1,881.69 the prior year, a 4.99% increase.

The total Band D charge, including the Greater London Authority precept, reaches £2,486.10. This funds local services like waste collection and parks maintenance.

As per the council’s guide, these rates apply across bands from A to H, with instalment options available.

What Transport Options Serve Richmond upon Thames?

Richmond upon Thames has two Tube stations on the District line: Richmond and Kew Gardens. It also features two London Overground stations on the North London line.

Approximately 490 bus stops operate across the borough, per Transport for London data. National Rail services include 14 stations, with South Western Railway connecting to central London and Reading.

Key hubs like Richmond Station offer District line, Overground, and mainline services to London Waterloo in about 20 minutes. The A316 and M3 provide road access, though parking is limited in central areas.

Background of the Development

This profile forms part of a series covering London’s 32 boroughs ahead of the local elections on 7 May. Produced by BBC News, it draws on official sources like the Office for National Statistics, the 2021 census, council documents, and Transport for London to provide voters with factual overviews.

The guides aim to contextualise each borough’s characteristics, aiding informed decision-making without endorsing candidates. Data points, such as population from ONS 2024 estimates and housing from recent ONS releases, reflect the latest available figures as of early 2026.

Prediction: Impact on Local Voters

This development can affect residents of Richmond upon Thames by offering a clear snapshot of local statistics, helping them evaluate council performance on housing affordability, tax levels, and transport ahead of voting. Homeowners facing £777,000 average prices and renters at £2,254 monthly may use the data to assess service value against costs like the £1,975.59 Band D tax.

Families in diverse neighbourhoods like Kew or Twickenham could weigh green space maintenance and connectivity in their choices, influencing turnout and preferences for parties addressing high living expenses.