Banker dough helps prop up demand in prime London neighborhoods.

It appears the rumors of the death of London real estate have been greatly exaggerated. The Times Online reports that central London is still much in demand, and bankers looking to snag a deal are actually going to get less for their buck than last year.

The prime neighborhoods of Chelsea, Notting Hill and Mayfair are still hot, with international buyers helping prop up values. Prices for central London properties are up 30% from last year, according to the Times.

The hubris seems to have tamped down a bit as well. Says one on the scene:

“Last year, bankers seemed to be very brash about putting their bonuses into property. This year they are being a little more coy about buying.”