The translucent hues of a semi-precious stone much prized across Asia and readily imported over generations by the British, have given the latest phase of residential development London Dock its name.
Jade Wharf in Wapping is part of St George’s 2,000-home scheme and presents buyers with 99 apartments to choose from ranging in size from studios to three-beds.
Prospective purchasers can expect floor-to-ceiling windows and kitchens set out with oak herringbone flooring, stone-effect worktops, a choice of colours and integrated smart appliances.
There’s also a Curators Collection of apartments that feature add-ons such as app-controlled security and Alexa-controlled lighting and music.
Bathrooms will boast free-standing marble basins and stone floors.
St George, which is part of the Berkeley Group, will also be undertaking extensive landscaping for residents to enjoy, promising a “calming and tranquil” communal garden with water features, trees, plants and places to sit.
Facilities at the development include The Club, which boasts a gym, squash court, virtual golf suite, swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room as well as a private screening room.
Properties at Jade Wharf feature balconies overlooking landscaped gardens
lounge around
Freshly launched alongside Jade Wharf is the scheme’s Mauretania Lounge, offering residents a wealth of facilities themed on a 20th century ocean liner.
Extending to some 6,000sq ft of space, these include a private dining room, an observation lounge, a drawing room and a Palm Room dedicated to relaxation.
St George managing director, Marcus Blake, said: “The London Docks was a bustling area of discovery and travel in its heyday and we have carefully honed this spirit into the creation of our latest collection of homes in Jade Wharf.
“The combination of artfully designed apartments, private gardens and hotel-style amenities, nestled between two of the largest financial centres in the world, creates a captivating offer for buyers.
“An established and friendly community, London Dock is already home to many residents who love the harmonious balance of living amongst 7.5acres of tranquil open space, just moments from the hustle and bustle of some of London’s most dynamic neighbourhoods.”
The Mauretania Lounge will open alongside Jade Wharf
building a community at London Dock
As a major regeneration project, London Dock already offers a selection of on-site amenities including established hospitality businesses such as Champagne Route, Urban Baristas, Slurp Noodles and Motherdough for pizza.
As well as a pharmacy, there’s E1 Crossfit and the recently launched Club Pilates (see Page 12) for those seeking to boost their fitness levels.
Located within walking distance of Shadwell DLR and Overground stations and Tower Hill Tube, the development also benefits from its proximity to the attractions of St Katharine Docks, Tower Bridge and the Tower Of London.
Residents can also easily walk to Whitechapel or Aldgate East for more restaurants, bars, shops and connections to the Elizabeth Line and District and Hammersmith And City lines respectively.
An artist’s impression of the main staircase at the Mauretania Lounge
key details: Jade Wharf at London Dock
Prices at Jade Wharf range from £715,000 to £1,335,000. Interested parties can call the sales team on 020 3966 6164, email sales@londondock.co.uk or visit the London Dock Sales and Marketing Suite at Arrival Square for more information.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
“Renting in London is a daunting situation for first-time buyers, many of whom feel they have no choice but to accept sub-par conditions for an extortionately high price,” said Kevin Sims, director of affordable housing provider SO Resi.
His statement is backed up by data.
Property portal Zoopla’s latest report on the rental market found that around 21 people were competing for each new listing appearing on its site nationwide, let alone in London.
The organisation’s most recent rental report also found the average monthly rent in the capital was £2,172 – almost 70% higher than the UK average.
While the forthcoming Renters Rights Bill may go some way to addressing issues in the sector for tenants, the changes are not expected for many months, which will be of scant comfort to those renting now.
“There is a solution, however, and that is shared ownership,” said Kevin.
“The scheme offers a low-deposit route onto the property ladder and many buyers of such homes find their monthly repayments are lower than renting in the capital.
“With shared ownership, Londoners finally have the chance to build up equity in their property and find the peace of mind that comes with home ownership.”
SO Resi Canning Town is located at Manor Road Quarter
The scheme is located a few minutes from Tube, DLR and bus links at Canning Town station and enjoys the many benefits of the area’s extensive regeneration.
For example, there’s craft beer at Husk’s taproom, modern Italian food at Pepenero, a bouldering facility at Rise Climbing and outdoorsy activities at Bow Ecology Park and environmental community project, Cody Dock.
But what will buyers actually be getting at the scheme? SO Resi – part of Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, the fifth largest housing association in the UK – is set to launch a show home at the development on September 26, 2024, so interested parties can get a feel of what’s on offer.
Apartments come complete with fitted kitchens and bathrooms, fully integrated Zanussi kitchen appliances, and solid timber floors.
They feature open-plan layouts – with total living space ranging from 556sq ft to 971sq ft – and each has a private balcony as well as plenty of storage.
A kitchen at SO Resi Canning Town
getting on the ladder
Buying a share in a property is affordable and may be attractive for multiple reasons.
Firstly, the amount of deposit a buyer requires is lower.
The scheme allows people to purchase between 10% and 75% of a home (although usually starting at 25%), while paying below market rent on the rest, alongside a service charge.
That means buyers could purchase their share with a mortgage and potentially only need 5% of its value as a deposit – £4,906 at SO Resi Canning Town, for example.
Buyers are free to live in their homes as though they owned the whole thing with no threat of eviction.
If desired, they can also choose to increase their share in a process known as staircasing until they own the property outright.
The apartments feature open-plan layouts and balconies
key details: SO Resi Canning Town
Prices at SO Resi Canning Town start at £98,125 for a 25% share of a one-bedroom apartment (based on a full market value of £392,500).
A new show home is set to launch at the development on September 26, 2024.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
“I’ve always been involved with boats from about the age of five onwards,” said Richard.
“I grew up in a tiny village between Fleetwood and Lancaster near the coast and friends of mine went sailing, so I started racing at the age of 10, going on to compete nationally.”
While pursuing a career in automotive sales, Richard continued sailing in his leisure time so, having spent some time living with his family in Paris, it was a natural move to join Aquavista on their return to the UK.
“That was about four years ago when the company was starting up its Boat Sales operation and I’ve found I really enjoyed working with boats as well as sailing them as a leisure activity,” he said. “You meet a fascinating variety of people.
“Last year I sold £6.5million worth of boats and we’re already on track to supersede that this financial year.
“We’ve progressed from selling just used boats to marketing new ones – I thoroughly enjoy it and it’s led me in a roundabout way to get involved in the design of them too.”
Broker at Boat Sales By Aquavista, Richard Hogarth
a lifestyle choice
Boat Sales by Aquavista currently has vessels available for between £33,000 and £297,500 at its east London marinas – but what’s really involved on giving up life on dry land for the water?
“It’s really a lifestyle choice, a bit of an adventure,” said Richard. “It’s not really an economic decision.
“First and foremost, living on a boat is something very different.
“But at our marinas you’ve got all the features and benefits of life ashore as well as the excitement of being able to move around and the wonderful floating communities of Limehouse and Poplar.
“People buy boats here from all over the world – we’ve sold them to clients from Australia, America, Canada and France over the last 12 months alone.”
Aquavista also operates Poplar Marina in Blackwall
the practicalities: Boat Sales by Aquavista
But what about the practicalities – what kind of lifestyle and costs can those who opt to live on a boat expect?
“Driven by the pandemic, with people sitting at home and thinking about alternatives, continuous cruising in London has exploded,” said Richard.
“That’s where people sail up and down the canals, moving every two weeks.
“That really is a lifestyle decision, given the practicalities and you have to want to do it.
“Having a residential mooring in a marina is different and we’ve seen an increased demand for it.
“The only way to get a boat into our London marinas is to buy one that already has a mooring.
“We’re massively over-subscribed and Limehouse is the most central marina in the capital where you can live full time on a residential mooring.
“St Katherine Docks, for example, only has leisure moorings.”
Many house boats feature chic interiors and are ready to move onto
a permanent home
While buying a boat and hoping for a slot is a non-starter, the existing moorings are transferable with vessels already moored at Aquavista’s facilities and there are plenty of new and used craft on the market to consider.
A mooring in a marina also takes the headache out of searching for services while cruising.
Richard said: “With us, your boat literally plugs into the mains and tap water is supplied.
“We have a laundry room for boat owners, toilet and shower suites and we take people’s post to a letter box on your pontoon.
“Our facilities are accessible 24-hours and we have a parcel room as well to take in deliveries.
“We sell used boats and new ones that are 70ft long and 12ft 6” wide so there’s plenty of space inside.
“What is refreshing is that more people buying boats here are actually using their boats, going out on the canal network and enjoying them, and that’s good to see.
“One of the benefits of Aquavista is that we have a reciprocal mooring scheme where boats can book into other marinas at no extra cost around the country.
“Your mooring back home stays empty and ready for you when you return.”
In addition to the cost of the boat, buyers pay 7.5% (plus VAT) as a one-off fee to take over the mooring. They’ll also need a survey to assess the craft’s condition.
Ongoing costs for owners include an annual mooring fee based on the size of the boat (£14,522 for a £33,000 narrowboat, for example) and council tax in Band A.
Other costs to consider are regular blacking to protect the hull, boat insurance and the cost of a safety certificate.
Prospective buyers can tour boats at Limehouse Marina on September 14
catch Boat Sales by Aquavista’s Limehouse Open Day
For those interested in learning more, Boat Sales by Aquavista is set to host an Open Day at Limehouse Marina on September 14, 2024.
Running from 10am-5pm Richard and staff from Aquavista will be on hand to talk visitors through the process of buying and owning a boat in east London.
“People can just drop-in, but we’d love them to get in touch beforehand so we can find out what they’re potentially interested in and make their visit as relevant as possible,” he said.
“There are so many options.
“If I was a single man, I’d probably just be looking at narrowboats.
“I also love the new wide-beam boats we have for sale – they come with everything.
“You can just move on board and get on with your life just as you would in an apartment.
“Also the charm of the Dutch barges – some of which are more than 100 years old – is compelling.
“They have so much history associated with them and many have been beautifully fitted out.”
A Greenwich house boat moored at Limehouse Marina, available through Boar Sales by Aquavista
case study: new boats at Limehouse and Poplar Marinas
Guide: £297,500
Boat Sales by Aquavista is currently selling a number of new boats that come with residential moorings in east London.
These 70ft, wide beam barges come with two bedrooms, a bathroom with shower and bath and an expansive, open-plan living area.
Built by Waterspace Living, the Greenwich boasts the kind of interior features usually found in luxury apartments such as a wine cooler, underfloor heating in the bathroom and a skylight to flood the craft with natural light.
Viewing is highly recommended.
The wide beam barge offers plenty of living space
key details: Boat Sales by Aquavista
Keen to view? Richard and his team will happily show prospective buyers the options at Limehouse and Poplar Marinas by appointment.
Call 020 7308 9930 or email richard.h@aquavista.com to arrange a viewing.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
Next time you’re in an office or a workspace of any kind, just stop for a minute and take time to notice its design.
The colours, the furniture and even the layout will have likely been chosen and combined by someone like Maz Mahmoudi, founder and director of 3equals1 Design.
The company moved its clutch of creatives to Cannon Workshops, adjacent to Canary Wharf, a year ago, relocating from Waterloo to build on nearly a decade and a half in business.
“We were based at an old city farm in Waterloo for seven years before moving here, but developers got their hands on it,” said Maz.
“I looked around and was trying to think what the good transport links would be.
“Selfishly, I wanted somewhere I could get to my home in Kidbrooke from, as I have a baby.
“We looked at a place in Mile End, but it was a bit sketchy and then noticed a ‘To Let’ notice as we were going past Cannon Workshops. We saw this unit and loved it.
“The move allowed us to reimagine our own workspace.
“We did the flooring, all the painting, the wiring and the electrics.
“I like that it’s on two levels and we love the community aspect of being here too.
“I had no idea this whole world even existed – the dock, the nice little pubs and London Museum Docklands.
“This was the first time I’d signed a five-year lease, which felt very grown up – we need to keep the business going for at least that long.”
3equals1 Design is now based at Cannon Workshops next to Canary Wharf
a history in design
Maz is energetic, interested and interesting, suggesting that another few years won’t be much trouble to achieve.
Having originally trained as a furniture designer, she initially embarked on a career as a maker and found herself the only woman on the workshop floor.
“I had a great time,” she said. “But furniture making is physical.
“By 30 a lot of the guys were having back problems and I found myself at a crossroads trying to decide what I wanted to do.
“I did a bit of set building for movies and some art direction, before going on to work at a furniture dealership.
“I’ve always loved furniture. People identify with it.
“There’s comfort and longevity there – history and craftsmanship too.
“A dining table might be used for Christmas dinners or summer parties, but it’s also where the kids do their drawing.
“Dealers curate pieces for architects and it was mostly workplace stuff.
“I was made redundant in the 2008 credit crunch and then went on to work for a design-and-build architecture firm, learnt a lot about that sector and was then made redundant again.”
The company has taken on a diverse range of projects in its 14 years
founding 3equals1 Design
While dreaming of relocating to New York, but with limited visa prospects, Maz decided to start her own design business with two friends.
Her partners went on to pastures new, but she stuck with 3equals1, evolving the company as new work came in.
“I started it in London at my kitchen table and it’s really changed,” she said.
“Initially my customer base was all furniture dealers.
“I’d get floor plans and made sure furniture fitted the spaces.
“Then I’d get work from design-and-build companies that didn’t have their own in-house designers.
“There wasn’t any huge strategy, just a lot of interest – going out, networking and speaking to the right people.
“I’d meet clients who would ask me to come back and do more work and now we work with a few asset managers when they are trying to get tenants into their buildings.
“After Covid, nobody wanted to be in a workspace with desks and boardrooms, everybody wanted to feel places were personalised – a home away from home.
“Then there’s sustainability to consider.
“We really have grown organically.
“Today we are predominantly commercial interior designers for workplaces, hospitality venues and some residential properties for developers.”
Maz’s firm always aims to design a space for the people who wil use it
interrogating the space
Whatever the project, understanding how a space will be used by those inhabiting it is crucial to Maz and her team’s process.
“I couldn’t do any of this without the people around me – having different designers with their own ideas is what keeps us varied as a business,” she said.
“Each of us challenging each other is what makes design really exciting and organic and prevents it from becoming stale.
“It’s especially important when we’re designing an environment for lots of people not to be a lone ranger – you need different voices to make sure you’re catering for the different people you’re designing for.
“When a client comes to us with a space, we try to understand the demographic of the people working in the company.
“How do they dress? Are they in suits, smart casual or jeans?
“We need to create an environment where they will feel at home.
“ Everyone says that most of our lives are spent in work – so to have a comfortable space allows people to be productive.
“We look at everything, from the flooring to the architecture of the building we’re working with and we try to give a nod to that.”
3equals1 Design recently designed Fleurie wine bar in Bermondsey Street
a sustainable approach
“We also look at longevity – we typically don’t want to do overly fashionable design that’s cool for a year and then everyone would feel deflated.
“For me, a big part of sustainability is how long the materials you put in will last.
“It’s about getting the right stuff in – timeless design that doesn’t shout.
“It’s also about speaking to people. But it’s not about what I or the team want for their office.
“It’s about what the client wants. They have to be happy where they are.”
3equals1 Design is eager to collaborate with more companies in Canary Wharf and east London and there’s one particular project on Maz’s wish list.
“I really want to design a pub,” she said.
“It would be great to really rethink what the space could be. I have this idea that it could be a co-working space during the day and then turn back into a drinking den in the evening.”
The wine bar’s warmly-lit interior
key details: 3equals1 Design
3equals1 Design is a workplace interior design company based at Cannon Workshops near West India Quay.
Maz and her team offer a range of services to transform and refresh spaces for all kinds of organisations and businesses.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
“I would still be renting or living with my parents if it wasn’t for shared ownership – it gives you a lifeline, especially in your 20s or 30s,” said Farhana Mallick.
The history teacher turned to affordable housing provider NHG Homes when she began looking to put down roots in her home city.
Having been raised in east London, she’d spent her early 20s living in this part of the city and so initially looked at properties in Tower Hamlets and Ilford.
However, it was Royal Docks that ultimately turned her head, opting to purchase a quarter of a three-bedroom apartment in 2021.
“I decided I was done losing my money on rent,” said Farhana, who now teaches at a school in Barking And Dagenham.
“I wanted to invest in a property, and have a home I could make my own.
“Shared ownership really appealed to me because it meant I required a much smaller deposit than if I was buying privately.”
More shared ownership homes are set to become available at Royal Albert Wharf
a deposit, a mortgage and rent
Farhana, then aged 25, used a £13,250 deposit to buy her share of a property at NHG Homes’s Royal Albert Wharf scheme, taking out a mortgage to cover the remainder of the £132,500 cost.
The apartment, which was then valued at £530,000, costs her £1,391 per month which breaks down as £606 on the loan, £497 in rent and £288 in service charge.
“As a first-time buyer, NHG Homes really helped me to understand the process, and what the steps were,” said Farhana.
“I think many people aren’t aware of what shared ownership is or its benefits, but NHG Homes was so transparent and happy to answer all of my questions – the whole purchase was smooth and enjoyable, with wraparound care from the team.
“As a young person, living in this city, this home gives me great flexibility to either increase my share or sell it based on the market – I could definitely see myself raising a family here.
“With shared ownership making my home more affordable, I’ve now got a spare bedroom and a great community on my doorstep.
“If I was to move homes, I think my next purchase would also be with shared ownership – I can’t recommend it enough.”
The development is located at the end of Royal Albert Dock and is on the banks of the Thames
selecting Royal Albert Wharf
NHG Homes and other affordable housing providers offer multiple locations where buyers can purchase shared ownership homes, so what made Royal Albert Wharf stand out?
“I’ve stuck to my roots as I grew up in east London and the Royal Albert Wharf community has got a really modern and stylish twist to it,” said Farhana, who has now lived in the area for more than two years.
“I do travel into central London, but often I feel like I don’t really need to, because I’ve got so many things on my doorstep.
“If I am going into town, then I’ll take the DLR as it has so many connections.
“I shop locally a lot, including at Gallions Reach Shopping Park and also Beckton Triangle Retail Park, both of which are very close.”
The development is well connected, with Gallions Reach DLR station less than 10 minutes’ walk offering connections across east London including to the Elizabeth Line at Custom House.
From there, Canary Wharf is three minutes’ away, while Liverpool Street is nine minutes.
Royal Docks itself, which is currently undergoing billions of pounds of regeneration, offers multiple amenities including watersports, events at Excel, restaurants, bars and a new strip of attractions at Immerse LDN – find out more here about The Friends Experience: The One In London, which recently opened there.
Farhana said: “Residents have created a great community here and that’s really rare to find, especially as a young person.
“We have our own group, which is great as you can get to know other people living here.
“When I have friends or family visit, there is so much to do on the doorstep – from brunch to Yoga classes and a regular food market on Fridays as well as events happening in Royal Docks.
“There’s a children’s playground being built at the moment as well, and there’s a gym planned – I feel like it’s constantly evolving.
“I’m trying to get into my fitness these days and living here has helped that because it makes me want to get outside.
“It’s so rare to see open water like this in the city. It’s a lovely area to be in.”
As a location to buy, Royal Docks makes a solid case. With much regeneration taking place locally and further transport links proposed, demand for homes is only likely to grow.
Farhana enjoys a coffee at The Well Bean Co, her local cafe
key details: Royal Albert Wharf
NHG Homes is set to launch a fresh collection of shared ownership properties at Royal Albert Wharf in September.
A new show home is set to launch at the scheme on August 31, 2024.
Apartments are also available for private sale at the east London development with prices for one, two and three-bedroom homes starting at £375,000, £494,995 and £660,000 respectively.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
“With Newham Council and the GLA’s £3.7billion regeneration project for Canning Town and the Royal Docks, the area is quickly becoming a sought-after area of London,” said Kevin Sims, director at SO Resi.
“The unpredictability of the housing market coupled with high pricing has been putting aspiring homeowners at a major disadvantage compared to previous generations of home buyers.
“At SO Resi, we aim to level the playing field by offering more opportunities for shared ownership solutions.”
In a bid to alleviate buyers’ affordability troubles in such a vibrant area, SO Resi – the shared ownership brand of Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, the fifth largest housing association in the UK – is currently selling a collection of 37 apartments.
SO Resi Canning Town’s one, two and three-bedroom homes are located at Manor Road Quarter, the latest development by the English Cities Fund – which was also responsible for the regeneration of nearby Rathbone Market.
The immediate area boasts a multitude of attractions, including craft beer at Husk, modern Italian food at Pepenero, a bouldering facility at Rise Climbing and outdoorsy activities at Bow Ecology Park and environmental community project, Cody Dock.
The development itself will add a newly created park as well as space for shops alongside the homes that are bring created.
The shared ownership properties themselves feature open-plan living areas, fully fitted kitchens with Zanussi appliances and solid timber floors.
All enjoy private balconies and feature built-in storage solutions, with living spaces ranging from 557sq ft to 971sq ft.
One, two and three-bedroom homes are available at the development
a compelling location
“These properties at our Canning Town development are the perfect example of our aim,” said Kevin.
“Proposed plans from the council mean the town centre is set to be home to a new community hub, cinema, shops and office spaces as well as brand new shared ownership homes, underscoring the increased popularity of this form of buying as an option for prospective homeowners.
“By choosing from our 37 shared ownership properties available at our SO Resi Canning Town development, prospective homeowners are set to gain a foothold in London’s property market alongside becoming a part of a vibrant and emerging community.”
Residents at the scheme will be within walking distance of City Hall at Royal Docks, the home of the English National Ballet at London City Island and the art and heritage of Trinity Buoy Wharf.
It’s a compelling offering, even before you factor in the bustle of Stratford, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Westfield Stratford City, Canary Wharf, The O2 and Greenwich Peninsula – all within two Tube stops or less.
Canning Town station is also a major bus interchange, meaning residents can easily access areas such as Bethnal Green, Aldgate, Walthamstow and even Romford.
Under shared ownership residents purchase between 25% and 75% of a home with a deposit of as little as 5%.
They then pay rent on the remainder and can choose to purchase more of the property – as little as 1% per year if desired.
The apartments at SO Resi Canning Town feature open-plan living areas
key details: SO Resi Canning Town
SO Resi Canning Town is a collection of 37 apartments ranging in size from one-beds to three-beds.
Prices at SO Resi Canning Town start at £96,875 for a 25% share of a one-bedroom apartment, based on a full market value of £387,500.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
While other homes created through the works sit within TP Bennett’s original structure – itself designed to replicate the design of the firm’s Detroit headquarters – the latest releases are contained in a newly built section on its roof.
As part of the project, following Land Charter’s purchase of the building in 2019, its original architects, working alongside the John Finch Partnership were tasked with turning its floors into residential homes as well as adding two more storeys for the penthouses.
Prospective buyers can enjoy all the amenities of the building including The Deli Cafe and a metabolic gym on site.
There’s also a co-working floor with a range of flexible workspaces, meeting rooms and hot desk options.
Outside, Warley HQ boasts communal gardens complete with BBQ areas and table tennis, all surrounded by mature woodlands.
One of the larger penthouses at Warley HQ, available to view now
an exclusive finish at Warley HQ
“For the penthouses themselves, you’ll go up in the lift and come into a show-stopping foyer, with beautiful lighting, exclusive to those apartments,” said James Sutton, sales manager at Land Charter.
“Then, once you go into the apartments, they all have private roof terraces.
“The views are out of this world – you get mind-blowing sunrises and sunsets.
“Many views look out towards London and you can just see the towers of Canary Wharf in the distance.
“It’s just as impressive at night when everything is lit up as it is during the day with the woods surrounding the development.”
That visual link to London is telling.
Nearby Brentwood station is on the Elizabeth Line, meaning rapid access to the capital is just a 20-minute walk from Warley HQ, offering residents smooth commuting and easy journeys into the likes of Soho and Oxford Street.
That it’s located a whisker outside the M25 also means buyers can look forward to getting considerably more for their money than they would further into the urban sprawl.
Take the three-bedroom, three-bathroom penthouse for £1.25million for example.
At nearly 2,000sq ft, it’s substantially larger in size than similarly priced apartments closer in.
It features open-plan design with high ceilings – replicating the feel of the rest of the development – alongside underfloor heating, a Rok fitted kitchen with integrated Bosch appliances and air conditioning.
Its expansive terrace is south-facing with views over the treetops towards the city.
Oh, and it comes with two parking spaces.
The penthouses all have private terraces with views over the surrounding countryside
light streaming in
“You’ve got full height glazing so there’s so much light coming into these properties,” said James.
“They have super impressive reception rooms that are picture postcard pretty because you’re walking into those views.
“Then you go out onto the terrace.
“Among the collection there are some real wow moments with high-vaulted ceilings.
“What you get here is all these facilities and the amenities in the town, but to live in a woodland setting.
“The penthouses really are the final piece of the jigsaw for what is an iconic building.”
In addition to the penthouses, other properties at Warley HQ are available.
Also generously sized, they present a compelling option for prospective purchasers, especially as interest rates begin to drop and mortgages become less expensive as a result.
Penthouse owners at Warley HQ access their apartments from a private foyer
key details: Warley HQ
Prices for the penthouses at Warley HQ start at £725,000.
One and two-bedroom apartments at the development are also available with prices starting at £275,000 and £400,000 respectively – see the brochure here.
Viewings can be arranged via the sales team by emailing sales@landcharter.co.uk or calling 07958 228 343.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
Already, in August 2024, it’s hard to remember a time when people weren’t living on the estate – such has been the interweaving of the blossoming residential community with the fabric of the place, a shift in mindset to becoming a truly 24/7 slice of London.
But in 2018 it was all still to come.
That’s when Alastair Mullens took on the role of managing director at a newly minted Canary Wharf Group subsidiary called Vertus, created to handle the estate’s crop of build-to-rent (BTR) properties.
At the time, BTR was still a relatively new concept in the capital and, indeed, the rest of the UK.
But, aiming to ape the success of well-established “multi-family” schemes in the USA and elsewhere, it was already gaining traction among developers who saw the potential advantages in terms of easier financing and steady income streams against the big revenue splashes of private sale.
Vertus managing director Alastair Mullens
a mountain to climb
“When I arrived, it was just me and one other member of staff,” said Alastair.
“It looked like a very big mountain to climb.
“But now we have more than 75 people working at Vertus – the team did an amazing job and it’s been a really great journey.”
Specifically, the company has completely filled three buildings on the estate – 10 George Street and 8 Water Street in Wood Wharf and Newfoundland, which sits to the western edge of the estate.
Even within this relatively short space of time, however, there’s been a constant feel of agile evolution.
“Vertus was very much born out of Canary Wharf and initially it felt quite corporate,” said Alastair.
“It was directed at a customer base we thought we were going to attract – the people who worked on the estate, who could afford to rent through us.
“That was very successful and about 70% of the people who moved into the first phase of 10 George Street were those workers.
“Today though, that percentage is around 25% at full occupancy.
“It’s a change that has been driven by two things – the arrival of the Elizabeth Line and the way the pandemic has shifted things.
“People now have more flexibility for work and may not be in the office five days a week.
“They have more of a choice about where they live and many are choosing Canary Wharf, even if they don’t work here.”
Vertus launched its Canary Wharf operation with rental apartments at 10 George Street
a resurgent Canary Wharf
It’s demand that’s perhaps unsurprising.
The estate’s resurgence after Covid has seen a wealth of attractions arrive locally, prompting 67.2million people to visit in 2023.
The latest figures for July show the month was 8.5% up on last year.
Canary Wharf is hot in a way that has nothing to do with the summer weather.
Its decision to embrace competitive socialising, an enhanced hospitality offering and even kids activities, has turned it from an area that was once overlooked to a place Londoners are actively seeking out.
Less formal, less corporate – more fun, more relaxed.
While Vertus’s buildings are currently full, its journey is really only just beginning.
In preparation for what’s to come, it’s softened its branding in line with the Wharf of the mid 2020s and to reflect the greater flexibility it’s about to bring to the market.
The brand is set to launch studios for shorter stays at the start of 2025 under the Vertus Edit brand
softening brand Vertus
“We’ve kept the name with the rebrand but have taken time to understand how our customers see us,” said Alastair.
“We’re not just a corporate landlord they’re renting from to get a good service.
“Words like ‘friendship’ and ‘interaction’ – both with fellow-residents and our team – are what we thrive on.
“The brand now feels more homely, rather than just a company providing places to live.
“Outwardly we’re far softer and we’ve done a lot of work on the tone of our voice so it feels friendlier.
“That’s both in our image and advertising, but also in our communications with residents. We’re delivering the same messages but in a less formal, more direct way.
“This has come from the way we’ve seen residents interact with our team – that they prefer to be addressed by their first names, for example.
“All of this is a shift in mentality – a change in the demographic living with us and, perhaps, the way in which people now feel about being less formal.
“Historically, the Canary Wharf estate has been very corporate.
“Aesthetically it’s been steel, glass and concrete.
“But in recent years it’s softened too – green walls, green lamp posts and our collaboration with the Eden Project in Middle Dock.
“Then there’s the leisure offer, which has made it a more fun environment.
“A good example was when we held The North Face Climb Festival at Wood Wharf recently.
“Our team said residents saw the buzz and were attracted to it.
“Originally we marketed the area as a private estate filled with peace and tranquillity.
“Now we’re selling an environment that’s increasingly lively and fun – somewhere people really want to be.”
Vertus Edit studios come complete with kitchenettes
homes in the pipeline
The good news for those who would also like to live locally is that Vertus is by no means done providing apartments.
“Two new towers at 50 and 60 Charter Street will see more than 750 Vertus apartments available to rent, with around 300 ready by the end of 2025 and the rest by mid-2026,” said Alastair.
“Then, 40 Charter Street completes at the end of 2027 with more than 550 properties.
“We’ve taken much of what we’ve learnt from our current buildings – how the concierge teams work, rolling out parcel delivery to individual apartments and offering more co-working space – and put this into these towers.
“They will give us another 1,300 BTR apartments in Canary Wharf.
“We’ve also learnt a lot about fostering community and, about a year ago, reimagined our resident engagement programme as Vertus Plus.
“This includes perks such as early access to new restaurant openings and discounts at retailers on the estate as well as an events team that works to arrange experiences for those living in our apartments.
“When you see a group going for dinner after an event, you know they have connected – we can bring people together, but it’s our residents who build the community.
“In order to support that, we are very much encouraging longer tenancies in our buildings.”
Vertus Edit studios are available to book from February 2025
Vertus Edit, a shorter stay
While the arrival of new properties will doubtless be welcome given the demand for tenancies in Vertus’ existing portfolio, the company is also further evolving its offering to appeal to those with different needs.
“These are completing around the end of this year and will offer people the opportunity to stay in a Vertus product for a number of nights or months,” said Alastair.
“The studios are, on average, 17sq m and have everything a visitor needs.
“They’ve got small kitchenettes, with hobs, combination microwave ovens and enough storage for pots and pans.
“It’s a product that’s fun, colourful and funky.
“We’ve long been getting enquiries about short-term rentals and we are now able to say that there is an option.
“We’re using the equity in the Vertus brand for this because people recognise it and Vertus Edit becomes that place to stay in Canary Wharf.
“Then, if someone enjoys a short-term stay in the area and sees what we have to offer, they may well decide to upgrade.”
next steps
As for the future, with Canary Wharf’s continued growth there’s still much more in the pipeline.
“We are developing North Quay, so the question is how we offer appropriate accommodation for people working in the life sciences space,” said Alastair.
“I’d also like to see a BTR product with reduced amenity.
“We’ve followed the American model and we offer a great product and great service but not everyone wants things like a big lounge, a gym or a cinema room.
“Some people just want to rent a good apartment that’s well managed with high-speed broadband.
“I think if we could do something like that it would be well taken up with people paying a reduced rent for fewer amenities.
“There’s not a lot around like that in the market at the moment.
“This may also allow tenants to save more easily if they want to buy a property in the future.”
key details: Vertus
More information about renting with Vertus and stays with Vertus Edit can be found here.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
The arrival of the Elizabeth Line in Canary Wharf has changed the game for those seeking to buy a home.
Its rapid connections to other parts of London – directly and indirectly – make living in other parts of the capital significantly easier by cutting commutes to areas that offer something different to the neighbourhoods of east London.
Take Woodberry Down, for example.
NHG Homes is currently marketing shared ownership properties at Gadwell Quarter – part of Berkeley Group’s 5,500-home regeneration of 64 acres of land in north-east London.
Located next to Manor House Tube station on the corner of Finsbury Park, it’s now about half an hour from the Wharf via the Piccadilly Line, national rail services to Moorgate and a swift six minutes on the Liz Line via its convenient subway link to Liverpool Street.
The immense scheme sits opposite two reservoirs fed by the human-made New River and includes some 15 acres of parkland.
It boasts an established community with a pub, gym, supermarket and post office on site too.
But the north-east London location offers more.
NHG Homes has just launched a new show home at the Woodberry Down development
an established neighbourhood
There’s the vibrancy of Green Lanes down the hill with its Turkish bakeries, food shops and restaurants.
Then there’s Finsbury Park itself, which has a boating lake, running track, baseball ground, tennis courts, American Football pitch and some of the friendliest squirrels in London.
To the south, residents will find the Castle Climbing Centre – a vast facility housed in a former Victorian pumping station – on their way to Clissold Park and the independent shops, bars and restaurants of Stoke Newington.
While Woodberry Down itself is a major slice of regenerated land, the communities and areas around it have been evolving for generations with all the granular intrigue and quality this lends to a place.
So what can you get for your money when buying into this Zone 2 location?
One and two-bedroom homes are available
Gadwell Quarter, a place to buy…
NHG Homes recently launched a new show home as a focal point for its offering of one, two and three-bedroom apartments at Gadwell Quarter – a four-minute walk from the Tube station.
Properties feature open-plan layouts, full height glazing, private outdoor space, walk-in showers, fully fitted kitchens, laminate flooring and carpets in the bedrooms.
Prices for a one-bed start at £120,000 for a 25% share, while two-beds start at £158,750 for the same percentage.
“We’ve seen huge demand for homes at Woodberry Down over the years as the dynamic community continues to grow in this up-and-coming area of north-east London,” Diana Alam, director of sales and marketing at NHG Homes.
“With many Londoners struggling to get on the property ladder, we’re pleased that buyers will have the opportunity to choose London – and specifically Woodberry Down – as their home with shared ownership.
“High quality homes at Gadwall Quarter offer the perfect blend of tranquil nature and contemporary urban living.”
Wharfers considering a move away from Docklands won’t need to worry about access to watersports either.
The nearby reservoirs offer sailing, kayaking and canoeing or just the chance to explore Woodberry Wetlands, a haven for urban flora and fauna created in partnership with the London Wildlife Trust.
Properties at Gadwell Quarter come with balconies
key details: Gadwell Quarter
Starting prices for one and two-bedroom homes are based on full market values of £480,000 and £635,000.
Under shared ownership, buyers purchase a minimum of 25% of the property and pay rent on the remainder as well as a service charge.
Typically this is cheaper than renting a home on the open market.
Deposits are also lower than with private sale as the buyer may be able to secure a mortgage with as little as 5% of the quarter they are buying – that would be £6,000 for the entry level one-bed at Gadwell Quarter.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
Deposits are typically the biggest hurdle for young people seeking to purchase a home in London.
The average house price in the capital (according to the latest figures from the Land Registry) currently stands at just over £500,000.
That means buyers on the open market would need at least £25,000 to purchase with a 5% mortgage and more likely £50,000 for a more affordable 90% loan-to-value deal.
While cheaper properties are, of course, available, the need to raise such sums remains a significant obstacle to getting on the ladder.
priced out – an NHG Homes survey
A recent survey of prospective first-time buyers by Opinium and affordable housing provder NHG Homes (part of housing association Notting Hill Genesis) found 81% of those aged 18-24 did not have access to a deposit of more than £40,000 – the 10% necessary to access many homes in the capital.
The study showed the average deposit buyers they had managed to put together was £22,963.
Kidbrooke Square will feature plenty of open space
income sources
It also revealed that, in a nation hit by a cost of living crisis, nearly half of 18-to-24-year-olds were looking at taking on second jobs to raise extra cash to put towards a home.
The survey also found 43% would be willing to hold off on having children to help them get on the ladder earlier in contrast to less than a quarter of those aged 25 or older.
The same did not apply with pets however, with a third of older buyers willing to go without an animal companion to save money as opposed to just under a fifth of adults aged 24 or younger.
family assistance
Opinium and NHG Homes’ study also showed that using cash from family was still a major source of funding for house purchases.
Around a quarter of those aged 35-44 said they were relying on money from parents to help them get a foot on the ladder, while 23% of people in relationships were looking to do the same to finance their first home.
Other relations were also listed as an important source of funds, with nearly a fifth of respondents aged 18-34 saying they were expecting to use contributions from family members who weren’t their parents.
Deposits on shared ownership homes can start from as little as four figures
an alternative from NHG Homes
Nearly half of respondents said they would consider shared ownership, if it meant they could purchase a property in the capital.
The scheme offers buyers the option to purchase a portion of a home while paying rent on the remainder.
It often works out cheaper than renting – especially given recent increases across London – and deposits start at 5% of typically a quarter of an apartment.
That means buyers with as little as £5,000 saved can potentially buy into a home worth more than £370,000 and live there as though they owned the whole thing.
NHG Homes sales and marketing director, Diana Alam, said: “Getting on the property ladder in London is a real challenge for first-time buyers, and it’s not surprising to us that many are having to look beyond their main source of income to save the amount needed for a deposit.
“Whether it be getting a second job or asking family members for a helping hand, this research has shown that buying through the open market in the capital requires more than simply setting money aside every month – particularly for younger buyers.
“The proportion of first-time buyers who would consider using shared ownership to purchase in London shows just how important it is to offer more affordable routes to home ownership.
“We’re proud at NHG Homes to offer properties across the capital that require deposits as low as four figures, meaning first time-buyers don’t have to choose between staying in London and getting on the property ladder.”
NHG Homes offers a wide range of shared ownership properties including this one at Kidbrooke Square
key details
NHG Homes offers a wide range of shared ownership options across London.
For example, one, two and three-bedroom homes are available to buy at Kidbrooke Square via shared ownership, with prices starting at £93,125 for a 25% share and a minimum 5% deposit of £4,594. This is based on a full market value of £372,500.
Average monthly costs for a one-bedroom are estimated at £1,386, including mortgage payments, service charge and rent on the un-owned portion of the property.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
