The couple reportedly purchased a dilapidated 200-year-old mansion in 2023 for nearly £21 million. While the acquisition itself caused little stir among locals, tensions escalated after renovation proposals revealed plans to extensively transform the property. According to reports, the project involves stripping the mansion internally while retaining only its outer walls, alongside the addition of luxury amenities including a basement swimming pool and an underground basketball court.
Residents of Hillcrest, a neighboring apartment block adjoining the mansion, initially expressed few objections beyond concerns about construction noise. However, matters took a controversial turn when locals alleged that a company linked to Kapoor and Ahuja had acquired five flats within their residential block for approximately £4 million.
According to residents quoted by the Daily Mail, there are fears that the flats may eventually serve as “servants’ quarters” for staff employed at the celebrity couple’s mansion. Locals also believe the purchases could potentially give the company increased influence over the building’s management board, particularly regarding approvals connected to the ongoing redevelopment plans.
Further concerns emerged after the same firm reportedly acquired the building’s garage space, currently used for storage, but speculated to later accommodate the couple’s luxury car collection.
Some residents claim they felt pressured during private discussions with representatives connected to the project. One homeowner alleged that residents were warned that if opposition to the plans intensified, the flats could instead be converted into social housing.
“We’re being made to feel afraid of speaking out just because they’re powerful,” one resident reportedly said, adding that the sense of community within the 23-flat Hillcrest building had begun to change dramatically.
Reports suggest Kapoor and Ahuja have already spent nearly £4.7 million on renovation works for the mansion.
Social Media Reactions
The controversy quickly spread online, sparking polarized reactions across social media platforms. While some users criticized the couple and questioned foreign ownership of British real estate, others defended their right to renovate property they legally own.
One user sarcastically commented, “The Real East India Company is here to collect debts.”
Another wrote, “Why are foreigners allowed to buy properties without incurring additional taxes? They are creating a housing crisis.”
Some even called for stricter regulations on overseas property ownership, while supporters argued that the backlash was excessive.
“It’s their home, they don’t owe anyone an explanation,” one social media user stated in defense of the couple.
The debate has since evolved into a wider discussion around wealth, foreign investment, housing pressures, and the growing tensions between luxury redevelopment projects and established local communities in London.
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