One of the benefits of the regeneration of London is the number and variety of free events organised by the developers and housing associations to attract new residents to their schemes and to entertain those who have already moved in.
There are currently around 7,000 people living at Barking Riverside, a significant cohort, albeit less than a fifth of the 50,000 inhabitants that will call the development home should all 20,000 homes be built on the 443-acre site.
Come Saturday, September 12, 2026, they and visitors to the area are set to welcome back Emerge East, a one-day event featuring live music, food traders, art, “wellbeing experiences” and workshops.
Organised by housing association L&Q and the Mayor Of London – which are delivering the scheme alongside Bellway London, TfL and Uber Boat By Thames Clippers – the festival is set to run from 11am-9pm promising its “biggest line-up yet” as the annual event turns five.
“Emerge East is a chance for visitors from across the capital to discover this distinctive part of east London,” said Sarah McCready, director of social infrastructure at Barking Riverside Limited.
“Whether you come for the music, food, art, wellbeing, or for a family day out, the festival delivers an electric atmosphere where Barking Riverside’s diverse and creative spirit takes centre stage.
“We have some really exciting announcements ahead, including revealing the headline DJ and Luke Jerram’s new installation, so we’re encouraging everyone to sign up via Eventbrite to be among the first to hear more.”
The festival will feature street food and a makers’ market – image supplied by Barking Riverside Limited
highlights to look out for
While the full programme – co-curated with HemingwayDesign, known for its work organising Urban Village Fete on Greenwich Peninsula for many years – has yet to be revealed, we do know that The Home Cooks’ Taste Of Barking Riverside will be transforming residents into street food chefs for the day as they share family recipes with visitors.
There will also be a Riverside Sauna with cold plunges and a Wellness Zone for attendees to unwind in.
Another highlight will be the Emerging Makers Market in Station Square, with traders offering locally made products.
Perhaps the two biggest attractions, however, will be a “major new interactive installation” from artist Luke Jerram, known for his inflatable versions of the Earth and the Moon, and the return of the Barking Riverside Block Party.
The latter promises a live music takeover of the development with an open air stage featuring a mix of local performers, emerging talents and a closing set from “a very well-known DJ”.
Barking Riverside is easily accessed via the Thames Clippers’ river bus service to Barking Riverside Pier or via Overground services on the Suffragette line to Barking Riverside station.
The quickest route from Canary Wharf is to take the Elizabeth Line to Woolwich, then the river bus to Barking – a journey of around 22 minutes.
For those interested in moving to Barking Riverside, L&Q is currently offering shared ownership properties at the scheme from £66,250 for a 25% share of a one-bed and incentives for reserving before September 12.
Released under the name Waterside, the apartments are already proving popular with buyers with 11 reserving properties over the launch weekend.
One, two and three-bedroom homes are currently available through the scheme, with prices starting at £82,125 for a 25% share in a one-bed.
Buyers can expect balconies and larger properties that are both dual aspect and feature views over either the London skyline or Southmere Lake.
Kitchens come with integrated Bosch appliances and white units, while bathrooms are clad in grey porcelain with black hardware and white sanitaryware.
Peabody says shared ownership properties can be secured with a deposit of as little as £8,312 with projected monthly outgoings of £1,175.
The properties feature private balconies – image supplied by Peabody New Homes
a tranquil focus
“We are excited to have launched our new Shared Ownership collection at Southmere, designed to make aspirational waterside living more accessible to prospective homebuyers,” said Raquel Soares, assistant director of sales strategy, intelligence and compliance at Peabody New Homes.
“With Southmere Lake providing a tranquil focus for the area, our Waterside collection at Southmere places buyers at the heart of this growing neighbourhood.
“Close to exciting new amenities, exceptional transport links and extensive greenery, Southmere delivers the benefits of buying in one of the capital’s most dynamic regeneration areas.
“We encourage potential buyers to register their interest as soon as possible to be among the first to find out more.”
Abbey Wood is still near the beginning of a massive regeneration project that will see the area completely transformed.
A show home interior at Waterside in Peabody’s Southmere scheme – image supplied by Peabody New Homes
connections to Southmere
The arrival of the Elizabeth Line places it within 12 minutes of Canary Wharf. The area also benefits from rail services and a DLR extension to North Thamesmead has been proposed, to further boost connectivity.
Right now, however, new local amenities have already come on stream.
Part of the Southmere scheme, Cygnet Square hosts monthly markets and events while residents are also able to access The Nest Library And Community Space.
The Lakeside Centre, also on the lake, hosts artists studios operated by charity Bow Arts and the Thamesmead Social Cafe.
The area has a striking amount of green space to explore, extending to some 240 acres with Thamesmead home to a further four lakes and at least 7km of canals as well as a river path along the Thames.
key details: Southmere
Pricing for homes in the shared ownership collection at Southmere start at £83,125 for a 25% stake in a one-bedroom apartment, based on a full market value of £332,500
Buyers considering a move to Greenwich Peninsula have, in many senses, got everything laid out before them.
The area is home to the The O2 – the world’s most successful indoor arena, as measured by ticket sales – and it’s exactly these kinds of local facilities that make it an increasingly attractive place to put down roots.
Homes are currently on sale at Prime Point – a development by housing association L&Q located on West Parkside between Mary Magdalene All Through School and Central Park.
The scheme includes two bronze towers with the largest topping out at 29 storeys as well as lower rise brick-clad buildings.
Inside properties range from studios to three-bedroom apartments with prices starting at £399,950.
Buyers can expect floor-to-ceiling glazing, private outdoor space for all apartments and fully fitted kitchens with integrated Siemens and Bosch appliances.
The development also boasts a private roof terrace with views over the surrounding area, a lounge and a concierge service.
Located on Greenwich Peninsula, the homes are surrounded by an ever-growing complement of amenities – image supplied by L&Q
Prime Point has been ‘well received’
“We’re delighted to be delivering more new homes in Greenwich Peninsula – an exciting, fast-growing destination neighbourhood,” said Claire Brenlund, L&Q sales and marketing director.
“Sales at Prime Point have been well received and we expect continued strong demand here.
“Residents will have everything they need right on their doorstep, with many enjoying spectacular views of the City and beyond – making this the perfect place for a mix of local people, city workers and professionals to call home.”
There are multiple ways to secure an apartment at Prime Point, with L&Q offering those who reserve a property before May 31, 2026, a contribution of up to £29,750 towards stamp duty and £10,000 towards buying costs.
The housing association also offers a Rate Reducer scheme aimed at bringing down monthly mortgage costs.
Perhaps the greatest incentive to consider an apartment at Prime Point, however, is the location itself.
Well connected, the development is about eight minutes’ walk from North Greenwich Tube station, offering rapid connections to Canary Wharf, Stratford and the City via the Jubilee line.
The Peninsula is also well served by Uber Boat By Thames Clippers’ river bus services and the IFS Cable Car which takes passengers over the river to Royal Docks.
As the regeneration of the area continues, residents will benefit not only from the entertainment, shopping and drinking and dining venues in The O2, but a succession of other venues.
Design District delivers on street food and workspace alongside recent arrival The Dial, a microbrewery that’s seen Meantime return to making beer in the borough.
Other notable local attractions include luxury hotel complex Intercontinental The O2, cultural hub the Firepit Gallery and sailing venue the Greenwich Yacht Club.
The development also benefits from plentiful open space with multiple pathways, parks and locations to explore, all bounded by the Thames with views across to Royal Docks, Blackwall, the Isle Of Dogs and Canary Wharf to enjoy while out and about.
Buyers can expect fully fitted kitchens with integrated Siemens and Bosch appliances – image supplied by L&Q
key details: Prime Point
Homes at Prime Point on Greenwich Peninsula are on sale now through L&Q. Prices start at £399,950 for a studio apartment.
Regeneration was very much the word when the Canary Wharf project was starting out.
But 35 years after One Canada Square was officially opened, it’s renewal and evolution that are everywhere.
Quietly, across the estate, structures that have stood for most of the last three decades have been refurbished and improved.
Some have been less obvious – 25 Cabot Square and One Cabot Square don’t look all that different from the outside but have enjoyed internal improvements.
Similarly, Citi’s £1billion refit of 25 Canada Square is also largely an internal affair that won’t massively alter the skyline.
But that’s not the only approach.
30 South Colonnade, once home to Reuters, has been transformed into YY London with glass and metal preferred as a much more open facade to the dated white marble cladding.
This striking glow-up was enough to attract Revolut as anchor tenant with Deutsche Bank and Until as neighbours.
25 North Colonnade has also had a polish, a rebrand as Cargo and may soon be back on the market for £250million having been fully let by owner Blackstone.
Canary Wharf Group itself is currently consulting on plans for a radical overhaul of 8 Canada Square, currently occupied by HSBC and possibly in line for a new life as a mixed use scheme with chunks carved out of its upper levels.
Canary Wharf Group development manager Sarah Moss is part of the team working on One Eden – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
a new identity: One Eden
But perhaps the poster-child for the estate’s latest rebirth – a process that’s clearly playing a part in the rush of companies relocating to or within the Wharf – should be One Eden.
Located right opposite YY London, there are plans to take 33 Canada Square, originally part of Citi’s cluster, and give the structure its own identity at the head of Eden Dock.
The reason for this is that Canary Wharf Group’s approach to urban renewal schemes of this kind is significantly more complex than simply getting out the paint pots and laying some new carpet.
To find out more, Wharf Life sat down with development manager Sarah Moss, part of the team working on One Eden.
“With this kind of project, it’s about looking at an existing building with really brilliant bones and asking how we can transform it into a sustainable office space suitable for companies to use today and in the future,” she said.
“It’s my job, day-to-day, to deal with the architecture, that sustainability mission and to engage with occupiers so we can bring all these things together and make a really great product for our stakeholders.
“At present, Citi staff are using the building as they prepare to move into the tower next door when it’s refurbished so we’re gearing up to redevelop One Eden so a new occupier can move straight in.
“With schemes like this, it’s always a decision to be made – do you let the building as-is, do you do a light refurbishment or a major reinvention?
“We’ve looked at the market, at Canary Wharf and what we want this asset to be. It’s right in the middle of the estate and has such great potential to be a better class of building.
“Responding to occupier demand, we think we can deliver something really great for our customers.
“Our conclusion is that it’s a really well-structured building that can be made more sustainable.”
energy and regeneration
Originally from Australia, Sarah has spent the last eight years working in development in various roles for Lendlease, which brought her to the UK in 2022.
She joined Canary Wharf Group after a spell at British Land about seven months ago.
“Britain has these incredible regeneration projects and to be involved in them as part of my career was a real drive for me to come here,” she said.
“Canary Wharf was always somewhere we looked at when I was studying and working in Australia and I love the vibrancy of London.
“There’s always something to do and the drive to get things done.
“Everyone seems really engaged and excited to do things whether that’s working on projects like this or their social lives.
“I love the energy that the city brings.”
It’s not too much of a stretch to say that Canary Wharf Group’s plans for One Eden are squarely aimed at bringing fresh energy into the building.
Sarah said: “One of the really innovative features that we’re intending to bring to the tower is opening up an entrance on its lower level – so it’s right there when you emerge from the Jubilee line.
“It should really help the building come alive, creating new connections and allowing people to walk through.
“One of the things about the building is that it’s so well situated and we’re looking at including three retail spaces in the face of the building.
“That activation of the ground floor will be great – we know our occupiers value the friendliness it brings to a building and we want their staff and clients to feel that as well as making the spaces more permeable.”
retain and reuse
In addition to the changes on the lower levels, the plans include an extra floor with a pavilion structure and terrace, capping off the existing tower.
Sarah said: “We’re also looking at making the building a really functional space with end-of-trip facilities such as showers and bike storage for commuters coming in.
One of the most important things is that we’re modernising the structure in a sustainable way, re-using 97% of the substructure and superstructure.”
The plans would see One Eden become fully electric, with 62,000 tonnes of existing concrete retained in the structure and 47% less carbon produced in construction when compared with a new-build.
The project is targeting BREEAM Outstanding certification and will include 25,575sq ft of internal balconies and terraces laced with greenery as well as 19,644sq ft of outdoor terrace space.
Overall, One Eden comprises 545,000sq ft of workspace.
future-proofing the project
Making a space for workers of the future is also an opportunity to keep an eye on the future.
Undertaking this project has meant Canary Wharf Group delving into its paper archives to understand the existing structure so, as part of the renewal, much better records of the scheme will be created to aid similar refits in the decades to come.
Sarah said: “While the existing materials we have are excellent, we’ve been taking this opportunity to implement a really structured system of building information management.
“Everything is now 3D-modelled and tracked so we know we have really accurate information about what’s been built so that if people want to change part of the structure they will have those details instead of having to undertake fresh investigations.
“One of the questions we ask ourselves on projects like this is how we make these buildings last longer.
“What we hope is that, by collecting this information comprehensively, it will make it easier to redesign and refit in future.”
A sizeable chunk of the centre of the Isle Of Dogs is set to be developed following the approval of a planning application by Tower Hamlets Council.
Mastmaker Court, a joint venture by landowner Pirin Ltd and developer Fifth State, will see two towers built on a site just off Mastmaker Road.
two towers?
That’s right. One will rise to 43 storeys and the other to 27. The larger one will contain 843 co-living apartments, while the other will house 153 affordable homes.
They have been designed by Squire And Partners architects, also known for Landmark Pinnacle locally.
The scheme includes landscaping at ground level – image by Fifth State
co-living?
Essentially the larger block will be rental only following a wider trend in the residential development market.
The offer is typically self-contained flats with communal facilities to encourage socialising.
These are usually marketed to young professionals and key workers.
While Fifth State has built out a couple of office blocks in Shoreditch, its projects in Bermondsey, Hampstead, Croydon, Southwark, Deptford, Hornsey and Leicester Square – spanning co-living student accommodation and affordable housing – have yet to be completed.
Its website promises that accommodation includes a shower room, a kitchenette, a double bed, storage space, high speed broadband and flexibility on length of stay with a three-month minimum.
While details of its Mastmaker Court scheme have yet to be released, the company says its projects include wellbeing studios and facilities with a programme of classes and events for residents such as seminars and debates, cooking classes, brunch and supper clubs, guided group meditation, circuit and weights workouts and more.
co-working?
Again, while specifics have not been released, Fifth State says co-creating spaces lie at the heart of its schemes with facilities such as artists studios, private desks, communal workspaces, recording studios and conference walls to be expected.
The scheme features Squire And Partners – image by Fifth State
what about the affordable housing?
For its Isle Of Dogs scheme, the affordable tower will house 121 properties for social rent and 32 earmarked as intermediate homes, which may be offered as below market rent or shared ownership apartments.
Around two thirds of the social rent flats will have three or four bedrooms aimed at families.
a new school?
Two existing warehouse buildings will be knocked down to make way for the towers.
At ground level the affordable housing block will include a 161sq m community facility facing onto a new 1,500sq m park located in the south-west corner of the site.
The plans also include outline permission for a new alternative provision school for up to 100 pupils in the north-west corner of the site, which could deliver up to 4,510sq m of educational space.
key details: Mastmaker Court
Planning consent has been granted for the two-tower scheme at Mastmaker Court.
This is Stories Wharf by Hyde New Homes, located overlooking the Thames in North Woolwich.
The development offers a collection of properties available to buyers on a shared ownership basis.
With construction work now complete, buyers can move straight into them.
tell me more
Studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments are all available at the scheme.
Buyers can purchase an initial share of 25% or more of a home, then pay rent on the rest. They are free then to increase that share until they own 100% of the property.
One of the advantages of this scheme is that for those taking out a mortgage on the share they purchase, deposits are much smaller than those required to buy a property outright.
When combined, mortgage payments, rent and service charge on a shared ownership home typically come to less than it would cost to rent an equivalent property in the same area.
Studios, one, two and three-bedroom properties are all available at the east London development – image supplied by Hyde New Homes
what’s the area like?
Royal Docks is undergoing a period of regeneration that, even by the standards of east London, is profound.
Billions of pounds of investment are pouring into the area with flourishing communities emerging alongside more established neighbourhoods.
That means more housing, amenities and facilities locally, including plans to relocate Billingsgate and Smithfield fish and meat markets to Royal Albert Island and a scheme to give the waters of Royal Victoria Dock a significant facelift, both recently announced.
The area is already home to City Hall.
With exhibition and conference centre Excel London newly extended and extensive plans for further commercial regeneration, prospective buyers can look forward to moving into a part of London that’s set for at least a decade of improvement and attention.
The development features a communal podium garden – image supplied by Hyde New Homes
why Stories Wharf?
Hyde’s scheme is itself an attractive proposition.
Apartments come with fully fitted kitchens, integrated appliances, tiled bathrooms, a private balcony or terrace and built-in storage.
Communal facilities include a garden, a children’s play area and a rooftop terrace.
The scheme benefits from its own solar panels, designed to power public areas as well as secure cycle storage and the option for buyers to purchase parking spaces on selected properties.
The properties use open-plan design to maximise the use of space – image supplied by Hyde New Homes
what’s the transport like?
Stories Wharf is in a very singular position in the capital.
It’s close to King George V DLR, putting it one stop from both London City Airport and Woolwich Arsenal (a short walk from the Elizabeth Line station).
But in addition to those links to international travel and rapid transport across the capital – Canary Wharf is eight minutes from Woolwich – Hyde’s development has a location few residential schemes can match.
Its proximity to the northern end of the Woolwich Foot Tunnel and the northern dock of the Woolwich Ferry mean it also benefits from unrivalled free access across the Thames on foot or by vehicle.
It’s also well served by buses.
and the local area?
The scheme is located within easy walking distance of Royal Victoria Gardens with the wider area offering a growing blend of cultural attractions at the likes of Immerse LDN and Silverworks Island.
The docks themselves offer a range of watersports including open water swimming, wakeboarding and an invigorating dockside sauna facility.
Further afield, the development is within easy reach of Woolwich, Canary Wharf, Stratford and the City all offering a succession of attractions.
Apartments at Stories Wharf feature private outdoor space – image supplied by Hyde New Homes
key details: Stories Wharf
Studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments are now available to move into at Hyde New Homes’ Stories Wharf scheme in North Woolwich.
Properties are available on a shared ownership basis with prices starting at £74,000 for a 25% share of a studio based on a full market value of £296,000.
One of the best ways to decide if a development is for you is to take a tour of a show home.
Such trips allow prospective buyers to really get a sense of the apartments they’re considering – the finishes, the location and the practicalities.
Here, we profile a pair of two-bedroom homes from The Hill Group’s Lampton Parkside and Kew Bridge Rise schemes to turn readers’ heads:
The show home looks out over Lampton Park – image supplied by The Hill Group
Forest View
Lampton Parkside, Hounslow, TW3
tell me about this apartment
This two-bedroom show home is located on the eighth floor of Forest View at Lampton Parkside.
The property includes an open-plan living, kitchen and dining area that opens out onto a private balcony.
There’s also an entrance hall with built-in storage and a utility space, a principal bedroom with fitted wardrobe and an en suite bathroom, a second bedroom and a family bathroom.
where’s it situated?
This dual-aspect home on the corner of the building has views to the north and west as it directly overlooks the wide open space of Lampton Park from its generously proportioned balcony.
Forest View is on the western edge of the wider development close to the scheme’s concierge facility. The show home is one of seven apartments on the eighth floor
what’s included?
Underfloor heating throughout, fed from a communal heating plant, Amtico flooring in the living areas and bathrooms, carpet in the bedrooms and porcelain tiles on the balcony.
Buyers can expect a full complement of integrated appliances in the kitchen plus LED feature lighting, heated towel rails in the bathrooms and smartly wired spaces allowing for easy connectivity.
The apartment features two bedrooms – image supplied by The Hill Group
the nuts and bolts
The apartment comes with a 999-year lease and a 10-year NHBC warranty.
Lampton Parkside is a collaboration between The Hill Group and housing association Notting Hill Genesis, with Forest View the final building in the scheme to be released next to the park itself.
what about communal facilities?
Forest View is built around a central elevated garden for the exclusive use of residents.
The building comes with cycle storage facilities and parking spaces are also available for purchase.
what’s the commute like for Wharfers?
Lampton Parkside is located close to Hounslow Central station on the Piccadilly line which offers connections to Green Park in 35 minutes.
From there, Canary Wharf is a 13-minute journey on the Jubilee line.
The development is well located for a wide range of amenities including Heathrow Airport.
Much of central London is accessible within 35 minutes.
The open-plan living area opens onto the property’s balcony – image supplied by The Hill Group
key details: Lampton Parkside
One, two and three-bedroom apartments are currently available at Lampton Parkside as well as three-bedroom duplexes with prices ranging from £369,500 to £650,000.
Call 020 3959 0900 or email hello@lamptonparkside.co.uk to arrange a viewing.
This apartment is located on the seventh floor of Wren House – image supplied by The Hill Group
Wren House
Kew Bridge Rise, Brentford, TW8
tell me about this apartment
This two-bedroom, two bathroom show apartment is located on the seventh floor of Wren House.
Boasting westerly views from a generous private balcony, the property also includes an entrance hall, a utility space, an open-plan living area, a principal bedroom with en suite, a second bedroom and a family bathroom.
where’s it situated?
The building is located at the heart of the estate, with the show home overlooking the scheme’s Western Courtyard.
Other features of the development include a residents’ gym, co-working areas, an on-site nursery and a concierge service.
what’s included?
Prospective buyers can expect Amtico flooring throughout the majority of the apartment and carpeted bedrooms.
Bathrooms feature heated towel rails and the whole property is warmed via underfloor heating.
Hot water and heating is provided via a communal hybrid heat pump and electric boiler system with an individual meter for the apartment.
The kitchen boasts a Caesarstone worktop and an extensive range of integrated appliances.
Outside, the balcony features aluminium decking.
The development is located just over the Thames from Kew Gardens – image supplied by The Hill Group
the nuts and bolts
The apartment comes with a 990-year lease and a 10-year NHBC warranty.
Kew Bridge Rise has been designed and built as a collaboration between housing association L&Q and The Hill Group.
The scheme is located in Brentford to the south of Gunnersbury Park and just over the river from Kew Gardens.
what’s the commute like for Wharfers?
Kew Bridge Rise is located within easy walking distance of Kew Bridge station, which offers a direct connection to Waterloo via National Rail services in 28 minutes.
From there, Canary Wharf is seven minutes away via the Jubilee line.
The development is also close to Gunnersbury station, which offers District line and Overground services.
This puts residents within rapid reach of west and central London.
The apartment includes a private balcony – image supplied by The Hill Group
key details: Kew Bridge Rise
A new show home is set to be unveiled on November 29, 2025, at Kew Bridge Rise in celebration of the launch of the final phase of Starling House.
This latest building will offer studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments with prices from £395,000 to £820,000.
Those seeking an exclusive first look at the final homes to launch at Kew Bridge Rise should call 020 3906 1952 or email hello@kewbridgerise.co.uk for more information
Price is a major driver when buyers are deciding to make a property purchase and one that is central to the appeal of shared ownership properties.
The scheme, which allows owners to acquire a portion of a home while paying rent on the rest significantly lowers one of the key bars to getting on the first rung of the ladder.
That’s because buyers may only need to raise a deposit of 5% of a quarter of the property’s total value.
In the case of an apartment worth £400,000, a typical deposit might be £20,000 for private sale as opposed to £5,000 for shared ownership.
But value is also about what you’re buying as well as getting a good deal on entering the market.
A show home interior at Kidbrooke Square – image by NHG Homes
connected to the capital
Located next to Kidbrooke station in Zone 3, the scheme is well connected with direct services to the likes of Lewisham, Cannon Street, Victoria and Charing Cross.
For Wharfers, the area is easily accessible via DLR and rail links in around 30 minutes.
However, prices at the development are significantly below what buyers may expect given the development’s position in the capital.
Property portal Rightmove says the average price of an apartment in Zone 3 currently stands at £631,064 based on sold prices over the last 12 months.
The entry level one-bed and two-bed homes at Kidbrooke Square are priced at £355,000 and £457,500 respectively.
NHG says buyers could expect subsidised monthly rents starting at £1,071 and £1,547 for these assuming a 25% share is owned.
This decreases if buyers increase their share through a process known as staircasing.
Mortgage payments and service charges would be on top of this, however, paying for a shared ownership property is typically less expensive than renting a similar home locally.
Newly built, the apartments come with open-plan design, wood-effect flooring, grey fitted kitchens with Zanussi appliances and private balconies with outdoor lighting.
The development is pet-friendly, with residents’ facilities including a concierge service and a gym.
The scheme is set around a central square with shops and regular markets.
It’s also close to significant regeneration just across the railway tracks as well as the open spaces of Cator Park and Sutcliffe Park.
To be eligible to purchase a shared ownership property in London, buyers must have a household income of less than £90,000 and cannot afford all of the deposit and mortgage payments when purchasing a home that meets their needs.
Other criteria apply, although it’s worth noting that those purchasing do not necessarily have to be first-time buyers.
key details: Kidbrooke Square
Shared ownership apartments at Kidbrooke Square start at £88,750 for a 25% share of a one-bed. Two-beds start at £114,375.
St George is set to showcase 16 properties at its London Dock development over two weekends this month.
The one and two-bedroom apartments are located in the scheme’s Saffron Wharf block close to Gauging Square and are being made available at a below market value discount to qualifying locals.
St George, part of Berkeley Group, is working in partnership with Tower Hamlets Council to offer the properties to borough residents and workers who are looking to buy their first home.
To be eligible, households must earn less than £90,000 with buyers allocated available properties based on their circumstances.
Under the scheme the apartments are jointly owned with the council which retains an equity stake in the property although charges no rent on its holding and this can be bought out.
Owners seeking to sell in the future must first market their property through the authority for a time before they can offer it more widely.
The apartments at Saffron Wharf feature open-plan design – image supplied by St George
inside the apartments
The apartments all feature open-plan layouts with floor-to-ceiling windows and electric underfloor heating.
Many also feature private balconies or terraces. Interior features include fitted kitchens with graphite-coloured units and white marble-effect worktops plus bathrooms with bespoke wall-mounted basins in mirrored vanity units, black fixtures and fittings and Crittall-style shower screens on the baths.
Saffron Wharf rises to nine storeys at the heart of the development with buyers able to access a host of residents’ amenities.
These include access to The Club with its gym, squash court, virtual golf suite and swimming pool.
There’s also a jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and treatment room as well as a private screening room and a 24-hour concierge service.
The development’s Mauretania Lounge includes a double-height floor-to-ceiling aquarium, spaces to relax, co-working facilities and a private dining room.
The properties come with fully fitted kitchens and integrated appliances – image supplied by St George
getting on the ladder
Gordon Readman bought his first home at London Dock through the discount market sale scheme.
He said: “When I first started looking to buy, I’d stopped considering new builds because they always seemed out of reach, the prices were either ‘on application’ or ‘to be confirmed’, and never affordable.
“But at London Dock, the discount market sale option made buying possible.
“It’s surprising how quiet and peaceful it can be despite being just minutes from Tower Bridge and the City. I walk to work in Liverpool Street – the location is incredible.”
St George said these final homes at Saffron Wharf were currently available below the current stamp duty threshold and that Rightmove’s figures showed a first-time buyer in London could potentially save £240 per month when taking out a mortgage in comparison to last year at “a positive time for those looking to get on the property ladder”.
London Dock – a development built on a site formerly occupied by the offices of The Times, the News Of the World and The Sun newspapers – is already home to a community of more than 2,000 residents.
The area has also seen businesses open locally including Urban Baristas, Wapping Sourdough Bakery, Motherdough pizzeria and fizz-focused wine bar Champagne Route.
For health and wellbeing there’s E1 Crossfit, Club Pilates and City Dock Pharmacy.
London Dock is well located for public transport with Tower Hill, Wapping, Aldgate East and Shadwell stations within walking distance offering access to the DLR, Tube and Overground services.
Tower Pier – a short stroll through St Katharine Docks past Tower Bridge and the Tower Of London also offers residents the option of travelling by river bus via Uber Boat By Thames Clippers’ vessels.
To be eligible for the discounted apartments, Tower Hamlets residents must have lived in the borough for 12 months or more.
Those working locally must be employed in the borough or have accepted a job there.
One and two-bedroom apartments are available through the scheme – image supplied by St George
key details: discount apartments at Saffron Wharf
Prices at Saffron Wharf start at £255,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Eligibility criteria apply to all of the 16 properties on offer.
Those wishing to attend one of St George’s open weekends on October 18-19 and October 25-26 should book their place online, call 020 3966 6164 or email sales@londondock.co.uk to secure a spot.
Connectivity is often at the top of buyers’ lists when searching for a home in London.
Fortunately, the capital’s transport system unlocks a wide range of locations, allowing for rapid transit from north to south as well as east to west.
Take Kew Bridge Rise, for example.
The west London development is located within easy walking distance of both Gunnersbury and Kew Bridge stations.
From the former, Canary Wharf is a little over 40 minutes away.
Located south of the vast green open spaces of Gunnersbury Park and over the river from Kew Gardens, The Hill Group’s scheme offers one and two-bedroom apartments in five buildings with prices starting at £437,500.
For one buyer, in addition to the transport, the decision to move to the development was also about the attractions of the local area.
“As soon as I saw the apartment, I fell in love with it – the space and layout are lovely, and the kitchen is great,” said Devesh Sodha, a music producer who has relocated to Kew Bridge Rise from Leicester.
“The balcony view and the winter garden feel like a huge bonus.
“Every morning, we go out onto the balcony and drink in the view with our coffee. It’s the perfect way to start the day.
“Plus, we have the winter garden on the other side of the apartment, overlooking central London.
“That’s an incredible view at night, with the London skyline lit up.
“We can see the London Eye, the Shard and everything, so we have these amazing views of the Thames and the city all around.”
Devesh had originally tried to buy an apartment in Acton, but a series of unexpected delays meant the purchase fell through.
He said he was glad about the way things had worked out in the end, after successfully buying a two-bedroom property.
He’s now renting the second bedroom to a friend – a composer he met while on a mastering course in France who was also on the hunt for a home in a lively neighbourhood.
A show home interior at Kew Bridge Rise – image supplied by The Hill Group
a vibrant area
“There’s a great culinary scene here and some lovely pubs,” said Devesh. “I’m a big foodie and have already found an instant favourite restaurant, Q Verde.
“It’s a little, family-owned Italian restaurant.
“The people are just lovely and it’s the best pasta I’ve ever had.
“The Express Tavern is nice too – we went there to get to know our neighbours, which was brilliant.
“It’s a very friendly and safe community, and there’s an exciting buzz to it.
“There’s always something fun going on and the area is so full of character.
“It all worked out for the best. We love the apartment – it’s a comfortable space and the local environment is just what we wanted.
“We’ve got everything from a main Sainsbury’s for big shops to all these little independent stores, which are great for browsing and picking up bits and pieces.
“It’s a good place to feel inspired, too. The apartment balcony, in particular, inspires creativity and a sense of connection with the city.
“A lot of my clients are in Los Angeles, so I need to work in that time zone.
“Being in an area that suits my schedule was really important.
“I’ve always liked West London and you get a decent amount of space for your money here. It’s a great area with so much happening locally.”
Kew Bridge Rise features landscaped communal spaces – image supplied by The Hill Group
buying at Kew Bridge Rise
Devesh also had strong praise for the process of buying at Kew Bridge Rise.
“The customer service has been excellent from the get-go,” he said.
“The Hill team is very knowledgeable and helpful, without ever being pushy.
“They were happy to offer us a decent incentive for buying.
“With the recent stamp duty change, we were facing a big hike of up to £11,250.
“When we mentioned it to Hill, they offered to cover it. The resulting reduction in stress was enormous.
“The solicitor that Hill recommended was also highly efficient.
“We completed in about three weeks, with a smooth process and great communication at every stage.
“We’re thrilled to be here. Buying such a high-quality new home means we’ve been able to move and settle in quickly.
“It has given us the peace of mind to simply come here and start living.”
Buyers at Kew Bridge Rise can expect open-plan apartments with full-height windows, Amtico flooring and balconies or winter gardens.
The development is close to a wealth of amenities including the likes of Wyke Green Golf Club, Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club and Richmond Park Golf Course, the shops and restaurants of Chiswick High Road and Kew Retail Park.
It’s also within a 20-minute walk of three nursery and primary schools, all rated outstanding by Ofsted as well as being within five kilometres of two similarly lauded secondary schools.
Apartments feature balconies or winter gardens – image supplied by The Hill Group
key details: Kew Bridge Rise
Prices at Kew Bridge Rise start at £437,500 for a one-bedroom home.
