Ed Sheeran has had a whirlwind week, with an appearance on Sky Sports, addressing questions about his non-involvement in Band Aid, and making waves in the property market.
The singer, 33, has reportedly expanded his property portfolio by purchasing a luxury office block in London’s bustling Soho for £8.25 million. This prime piece of real estate is set to bolster his growing investment business.
The Sun reported that the star acquired the exquisitely refurbished building. It features open-plan office space for up to 50 desks, a fitted kitchenette, a breakfast bar, bespoke glass phone booths, and Crittall-style meeting rooms.
This purchase comes amid a series of headline-grabbing moments for Sheeran. Last week, he clarified that he hadn’t allowed his vocals to be used in Band Aid 40's release, stating he would have “respectfully” declined participation.
The Suffolk singer said he would have “respectfully” declined to appear in the new version of the charity song, and referenced another post criticising foreign aid in Africa.
He also interrupted new Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim during his post-match interview on Sky Sports on Sunday. Sheeran’s beloved Ipswich Town had held United to a 1-1 draw at Portman Road.
The singer rushed to greet pundit Jamie Redknapp and quipped: "I don't think [Amorim] wants to speak to me" before heading out of the shot.
Sheeran has since apologised, writing on Instagram: "Apologies if I offended Amorim yesterday, didn't actually realise he was being interviewed at the time, was popping to say hi and bye to Jamie. Obvz feel a bit of a bellend but life goes on. Great game though, congrats on all involved x."
This latest property acquisition joins Sheeran's extensive portfolio, which already includes 27 properties across London, such as a £20m house in Notting Hill and homes in sought-after areas like Holland Park and Covent Garden.
However, the singer has previously expressed mixed feelings about the capital, hinting at a complex relationship with the city.
Here’s a deeper look at Sheeran’s love-hate relationship with London.
Sleeping on the Tube and outside Buckingham Palace
Sheeran is now a global superstar, but his journey to fame was far from easy. In his 2014 autobiography, Ed Sheeran: A Visual Journey, the singer-songwriter opened up about his hardships while chasing his dreams, including skipping school and enduring periods of homelessness in London.
Sheeran admitted that school “did nothing for him,” so as soon as he could, he moved to London in search of gigs, performing wherever he could secure a spot. However, the move came with significant struggles. He recounted being homeless, at times sleeping on the streets near Buckingham Palace, where he huddled next to heating ducts to stay warm.
“I started sofa surfing,” he wrote. “There were some hairy periods. I spent about a week catching up on sleep on Circle Line trains: I’d play a gig, wait till 5am when the Underground opened, sleep on the Circle Line until 12, go to a session — and then repeat.”
Sheeran's determination and resilience during these challenging times laid the foundation for the success he enjoys today.
Headlining Wembley
In 2015, Sheeran became the first artist to perform solo at London's legendary Wembley Stadium.
Over three consecutive nights, he captivated a total audience of 240,000 people armed with nothing more than his guitar and his signature sound.
The performance was a milestone for solo acts, showcasing Sheeran's raw talent and ability to command one of the world’s most renowned venues without a band or elaborate production.
It cemented his place in music history and set a new benchmark for solo performers at the prestigious stadium.
Ride around the capital with Stormzy for Take Me Back to London video
In 2019, Sheeran returned to his musical roots, collaborating with a fellow Londoner for an unforgettable project.
For the music video for his hit track Take Me Back to London, he teamed up with grime superstar Stormzy. The duo cruise through the capital in a luxurious Rolls Royce, capturing the song’s homage to British culture.
The video also features scenes of them exploring the English countryside and being fitted for bespoke suits by a tailor, blending urban grit with classic sophistication.
Branding all areas of capital “sketchy”
However, Sheeran’s relationship with London hasn't always been positive. In July, the singer described the city as "sketchy" and "dangerous," particularly warning against visiting if you're trying to avoid getting robbed.
In a conversation with US podcaster Theo Von, Sheeran was asked about the most dangerous areas in London. He responded by saying: "Every area of London is sketchy. I think you cannot be anywhere. It's not a segregated city.
“The nice areas are sketchy, the bad areas are sketchy — but you just have to avoid doing stupid things."
He added that if you flaunt expensive items such as a Louis Vuitton duffel bag or a luxury watch, you’re more likely to become a target. "But just don’t do that," he said.
