Hugh Grant and Jemima Khan are househunting in family-friendly Richmond Hill, near Jemima's mother's home, we can reveal.

The pair have been viewing £8million houses in the area over the past few weeks and hope to make a final decision soon.

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They each own properties of their own but this will be their first home together.

Jemima will see the househunting as a step in the right direction for Hugh, who she loudly accused of being commitmentphobic at her 33rd birthday party.

One diner at The George restaurant, in Mayfair, claimed: “Jemima told guests: If I had a child with Hugh, his dad would be 60 before he was even a teenager. That's how long it takes Hugh to make up his mind'.”

Hugh, 46, is then said to have responded by calling her a “ dictator” and a nag. Presumably these loving conversations will continue when they move in together.

A source said: “They want to invest in a more permanent home of their own. Hugh has joked that he has £4million to spare' and Jemima is willing to invest a similar amount.”

Could this be a sign that Hugh is finally ready to settle down with Jemima after three years?

A pal of the pair told Daily Mail sister paper: “I don't think wedding bells are on the horizon yet, but the house hunting is a great sign.

"We would all love to see Hugh settle down and start a family. Richmond is the perfect place in London to do this.

“It's a big step but they are definitely ready for it. Who knows what's next.”

The pair were out again last night, and Jemima seemed to have learned her lesson after being photographed wearing no knickers recently.

Sensibly she wore less revealing outfit of jumper and jeans as she and Hugh dined at Scotts restaurant in Mayfair.