Archives October 2024

New build homes in Canning Town: 10 highest rated developments


East London is a fascinating patchwork of old and new. It’s a trendsetting place, leading on everything from fashion trends to property market changes. If you’re looking to be part of the East London vibe, but without spending the earth, then new build homes in Canning Town can provide both the lifestyle and the convenience you’re after. Come explore what this exciting district has to offer.

New build homes in Canning Town: 10 highest rated developments

While the general attraction of Canning Town is easy to explain, it’s important to see what’s happening on the ground. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 10 highest-rated developments featuring new build homes in Canning Town. As always, this list is based purely on reviews given by verified residents. This means you can trust that the score is based on insiders’ opinions and genuine experiences of living there.

Take a look, and see if there’s a place in Canning Town you would like to call home.

*PLEASE NOTE these rankings take into account how many reviews a scheme has and how recently those reviews have been submitted, so may not match the overall star ratings shown. Buildings with a larger number of more recent reviews are given a greater weighting to reflect current building performance.

Image of Fizzy East16, E16

We start our list with a Fizzy Living favourite – Fizzy East 16. The top-ranked development for the area is located a mere 30-second walk from Canning Town Station. The homes here comprise 292 apartments, with a mix of studios and one, two and three-beds available. In addition, residents have access to podium gardens, a co-working suite with a meeting room and resident lounges to meet, work and play. The development is also pet-friendly, in-line with the Fizzy Living model.

Read reviews and details of Fizzy East16, E16

Image of Fizzy Canning Town, E16Image of Fizzy Canning Town, E16

Hot on the heels of Fizzy East 16 is another offering from the same developer. This is Fizzy Canning Town, and on offer here are one, two and also three-bedroom apartments in a multi-storey building. It actually forms part of the larger Vermillion development, which is a few minutes’ walk from Canning Town Station. The staff here are repeatedly praised as being outstandingly professional, friendly and caring.

Read reviews and details of Fizzy Canning Town, E16

Image of St Luke’s Square, E16Image of St Luke’s Square, E16

Our number 3 spot goes to St Luke’s Square, a Galliard Homes development comprising 162 one and two-bedroom apartments. Residents here benefit from a 24-hour concierge, communal cycle storage and beautifully landscaped grounds. The development is located a seven-minute walk away from Canning Town underground station.

Read reviews and details of St Luke’s Square, E16

Image of Royal Gateway, E16Image of Royal Gateway, E16

In 4th, Royal Gateway is another Galliard Homes development, this time in the very desirable Royal Victoria Dock area. This enormous development is made up of five towers, and is home to some 336 studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments. There are also a handful of two-bedroom duplex penthouses on offer. Canning Town tube station is just five minutes’ walk away, and you can reach Custom House within 15 minutes – the latter offering Crossrail services.

Read reviews and details of Royal Gateway, E16

Image of Argo Apartments, E16Image of Argo Apartments, E16

Next up in 5th, Argo Apartments is a high-rise development built by Linkcity and now owned and managed by Grainger. It’s home to a selection of one and two-bedroom apartments, and is also located opposite Canning Town station. From here, residents can expect an easy commute into Bank, Canary Wharf and Bond Street via the DLR or Jubilee line.

Read reviews and details of Argo Apartments, E16

Image of Hallsville Quarter, E16Image of Hallsville Quarter, E16

Hallsville Quarter comes in at number 6. This is a mixed-use regeneration project that is still in construction, as Hallsville Quarter is being delivered over five phases and is due to be fully completed by the end of 2024. Once that’s accomplished, the site will provide approximately 1,100 new homes alongside various leisure and retail spaces as well as a range of community facilities. Already though, reviewers are ranking it highly across all categories, showcasing its great potential.

Read reviews and details of Hallsville Quarter, E16

Image of East City Point, E16Image of East City Point, E16

In 7th, East City Point is a huge regeneration project, part of the multi-billion-pound investment from Countryside Properties, the London Borough of Newham and Clarion Housing Group. There are 649 homes on offer here – a mix of apartments, townhouses, penthouses and Countryside’s signature ‘uberhauses’, featuring outstanding design and attention to detail. As an added plus, there’s an onsite primary school.

Read reviews and details of East City Point, E16

Image of Brunel Street Works, E16Image of Brunel Street Works, E16

8th place goes to Brunel Street Works, a Linden Homes development with nearly 1,000 homes on offer, ranging from one to two and three-bedroom apartments spread over 26 storeys. Residents here benefit from excellent views over the O2 Arena, the River Thames and Canary Wharf, improved by the presence of rooftop terraces. There’s also a 24-hour concierge. As well as this, the development is situated just a four-minute walk from Canning Town station.

Read reviews and details of Brunel Street Works, E16

Image of Rathbone Market, E16Image of Rathbone Market, E16

In 9th place, Rathbone Market is an award-winning mixed-use development comprising one and two-bedroom apartments and an attached commercial space for added convenience and a greater sense of community. It was developed as a joint venture between Muse, Legal & General and the Homes & Communities Agency, and completed over three phases. The development is on the north side of the A13, and is also close to Canning Town Station.

Read reviews and details of Rathbone Market, E16

Image of Folio London at Rathbone Market, E16Image of Folio London at Rathbone Market, E16

Rounding off the list at number 10 we have Folio London at Rathbone Market. This is a subset of 35 studio, one and two-bedroom apartments to rent at Rathbone Market, a sustainable and mixed-use community by Muse Developments. It is located close to Canning Town underground station with links to the Jubilee Line.

Read reviews and details of Folio London at Rathbone Market, E16

Where is Canning Town?

Canning Town is a district in the East London Borough of Newham. Its southern part pushes up against the River Lea, just before it flows into the River Thames.  It’s bordered on the north by Plaistow, on the east by Beckton, on the south by Custom House, and on the west by Leamouth.

Why live in Canning Town?

Like so much of East London, Canning Town is undergoing an amazing transformation. Back in 2012, Newham Council greenlit the ‘Canning Town and Custom House Regeneration Programme’, a £3.7 billion project to completely revitalise the area.

12 years on, and Canning Town is more desirable than ever as a place to live. Thousands of new build homes, shops, culture and leisure developments have added depth, colour and convenience to the district. Add in its useful location – easy striking distance from Central London – as well as good schools and an improving safety record, and it’s clear to see why more people are interested in making Canning Town their home.

The urban regeneration work here isn’t slowing down either. In 2024, we should see the development of a £600 million new town centre. Attached residential construction projects to support the growth of the area means that we can expect a further wave of new build developments in Canning Town.

Transport in Canning Town

Canning Town is well connected by rail, road and underground. It benefits from its DLR connection which continues to expand and add value. The Jubilee Line is also a great option for commuters, putting Custom House, Royal Victoria and Canary Wharf just four minutes away.

The A13 provides great road connections to Central London as well as Barking and Dagenham. For something a bit different, there’s also the Emirates Cable Car to whisk you over the River Thames to Greenwich. Perfect for a fun day out or just a break from the regular commute.

Property prices in Canning Town

Canning town is not cheap for buying property. The days of knock-down prices here are long gone. However, it is comparatively cheaper than the rest of the borough. This is especially the case when you look at the likes of Silverton and Victoria Docks.

Currently (October 2024), Rightmove has the Canning Town house price average at around £419,000. Again, this isn’t cheap, but it’s significantly below the London average of £691,000 and there are plenty of great options ranging from period brick homes to desirable modern new builds.

What is HomeViews?What is HomeViews?

If you want to catch the best Canning Town new builds while they’re on the up and up then check out our area guide below. There’s plenty to explore here, from information about the area and its history, to a full listing of all the properties and their attached rankings.

Canning TownCanning Town
Canning Town is in the West Ham area of the London Borough of Newham. It’s situated in the former Royal Docks district on the north side of the River Thames. Another of East London’s regeneration success stories, the area has welcomed huge transformation since Read more about Canning Town

HomeViews is the only independent review platform for residential developments in the UK. Prospective buyers and tenants use it to make an informed decision on where to live based on insights from carefully verified resident reviews. Part of Rightmove since February 2024, we’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to give residents a voice, recognise high performers and to help improve standards across the industry.



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5 best places to live in Westminster


It’s an area that impossible not to recognise, as Westminster holds many of the most iconic London buildings and institutions. If you’re considering moving here, there’s plenty of choice of luxury apartments and terraced houses on some of London’s smartest streets. To get your bearings among the best places to live in Westminster, we have a list of the top 5 new developments in the area, as rated by HomeViews reviewers.

5 best new build homes in Westminster

Westminster is always changing, but you can find the best new developments in the area through our verified HomeViews reviewers. To take a closer look at any of these developments, just click on them. This will take you to their dedicated page, complete with all the comments, and ratings posted by reviewers.

*PLEASE NOTE these rankings take into account how many reviews a scheme has and how recently those reviews have been submitted, so may not match the overall star ratings shown. Buildings with a larger number of more recent reviews are given a greater weighting to reflect current building performance.

Image of Paddington Exchange, W2

The top-rated new development in Westminster is Paddington Exchange, a Chase Evans development featuring a collection of 123 studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Located in the heart of Paddington, nearby Paddington Station offers excellent transport links with the Heathrow Express and the three major underground lines – the Hammersmith & City, the Bakerloo and Circle lines.

Read reviews and details of Paddington Exchange, W2

Image of Fitzroy Place, W1Image of Fitzroy Place, W1

Second place goes to Fitzroy Place, which is a mixed-use development built on the site of the old Middlesex Hospital in the heart of London’s West End. It features 200 residential units – one, two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses – and a number of commercial outlets. Residents enjoy first-class transport links around London, thanks to nearby Goodge Street and Oxford Circus, which provide access to the Northern, Victoria, Central and Bakerloo lines.

Read reviews and details of Fitzroy Place, W1

Image of West End Quay, W2Image of West End Quay, W2

In at number three it’s West End Quay. This is a joint venture development by Rialto Properties and WestCity, offering 468 apartment over 3 blocks – Westcliffe Apartments, Peninsula Apartments, Balmoral Apartments. The development is conveniently located just a short walk from both Edgware Road station and Paddington Station.

Read reviews and details of West End Quay, W2

Image of Paddington Gardens, W2Image of Paddington Gardens, W2

At number four is another Paddington development with a great location. Paddington Gardens is a mixed-use development by Meritas Real Estate, and features 335 residential units in a 20-storey tower with a range of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments that sit alongside a hotel, offices, retail space and a primary school. Located moments away from the Paddington Basin, the development is just a 7-minute walk from Paddington Station.

Read reviews and details of Paddington Gardens, W2

Image of Dolphin Square, SW1Image of Dolphin Square, SW1

Taking the final place in the top 5 for Westminster, we have Dolphin Square. This development was built in 1936 but has undergone substantial renovations in recent years. It’s located in Pimlico, an up and coming area and the home of Westminster Abbey, the Tate Britain and the Victoria Apollo Theatre. As well as this, SW1 offers a diverse range of boutique shops, bakeries, galleries and street markets, which residents at Dolphin Square can peruse at their convenience.

Read reviews and details of Dolphin Square, SW1

Living in Westminster – The Heart of London

Westminster is home to Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and Cathedral, and of course, the Houses of Parliament. These are just the most prestigious buildings the area has to offer. There are hundreds more with cultural and historical significance.

Being so close to living history on this scale makes living in Westminster one of the most desirable options in the capital. This means that there are dining and shopping options here that can satisfy the wealthiest of London’s elite. There are also many of the top-performing schools in the country here, making it a prime draw for families.

As for transport links, Westminster’s central location makes it hard to beat. There are three Underground stations: Westminster, St James’s Park and Victoria, giving easy access to Canary Wharf, North Greenwich and Wembley. Victoria Station also offers excellent rail links to South London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

Average property prices in Westminster

All the benefits of living in Westminster come with an understandably large price tag. Smart luxury apartment blocks compete with Georgian townhouses to attract the highest prices, and ‘cheap options’ are pretty much non-existent in Westminster itself.

On average, Westminster property has an average value of around £1.6 million as of September 2024 across the whole of the borough. Of course, the sky’s the limit for those with big budgets, as mansions and penthouses in Westminster’s most desirable locations are always multi-million-pound prospects, even pushing into the tens of millions for the uber-elite. The vast majority of properties sold in Westminster are flats, which serves to skew the average property price to the lower end of the spectrum (relatively speaking).

Renting is also an expensive business in Westminster. The rental average for the area is £4,745 per calendar month, but rates can easily surpass £10,000 per calendar month for large, luxury rental properties.


For a closer look at the different districts of Westminster, click on our area guide link below. This will give you a deeper understanding of the different parts of the borough, and its upcoming development prospects.

Borough of WestminsterBorough of Westminster
You’ll spot scenes of Westminster on most London postcards, and it’s little wonder. After all, this place hosts riverside icons like the House of Lords, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Not to mention the black taxis and scarlet phone boxes synonymous with England’s capital. Read more about Borough of Westminster
What is HomeViews?What is HomeViews?

HomeViews is the only independent review platform for residential developments in the UK. Prospective buyers and tenants use it to make an informed decision on where to live based on insights from carefully verified resident reviews. Part of Rightmove since February 2024, we’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to give residents a voice, recognise high performers and to help improve standards across the industry.



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Top 10 new build homes developments in Islington


Cosmopolitan Islington is one of the most sought-after boroughs in London. It’s easy to understand the appeal: a convenient location just moments from Central London, an extensive selection of outstanding pubs, cafés and restaurants and attractive, leafy residential streets with handsome period townhouses. What’s not to love? Verified Islington residents have provided their reviews of the best new build homes in Islington. Check out the rankings below.

Top 10 new build homes developments in Islington

Islington’s high property prices are a reflection of its long-standing reputation as one of the classiest places to live in the capital. The borough has recently seen a wealth of exclusive new builds springing up, adding to its handsome historic streets and squares.

Our rankings of the best new builds in the borough are below. The rankings are based on the ratings given by verified reviewers on HomeViews, and nothing else.

*PLEASE NOTE these rankings take into account how many reviews a scheme has and how recently those reviews have been submitted, so may not match the overall star ratings shown. Buildings with a larger number of more recent reviews are given a greater weighting to reflect current building performance.

Image of Vantage Point, N19

The top ranking in Islington is held by Vantage Point. This Build to Rent development by Essential Living offers 118 apartments. with a selection of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom properties. All Vantage Point residents get access to a range of features and amenities. These include a 24-hour on-site team, a roof terrace, games room and exercise room. In addition, the development is above Archway London Underground station in the North London Borough of Islington. Residents are also close to Upper Street, Emirates Stadium and Highgate Village.

Read reviews and details of Vantage Point, N19

Image of Arundel Square, N7Image of Arundel Square, N7

Taking 2nd spot is Arundel Square, a United House Development located in Islington. It comprises 147 apartments and residents have access to a range of amenities, including a concierge, bike storage, parking and gardens. The development is conveniently situated just a few minutes walk from both Highbury and Islington station and Caledonian Road and Barnsbury station.

Read reviews and details of Arundel Square, N7

Image of The Eagle, EC1Image of The Eagle, EC1

The Eagle has landed in 3rd place. This is a Mount Anvil development just inside Islington, on the edge of the City of London. This high-rise building comprises both residential units and commercial space. There are 276 apartments here, 70 of which are Family Mosaic affordable housing units. The Eagle is close to Old Street station and an easy walk from the vibrant London neighbourhoods of Shoreditch and Hoxton.

Read reviews and details of The Eagle, EC1

Image of Ashburton Gate, N5Image of Ashburton Gate, N5

In 4th place is Ashburton Gate, a residential development with a unique location next to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, and a short walk from Islington’s popular Upper Street. Residents benefit from excellent transport links via Arsenal Road tube and the Drayton Park Overground, both close to the complex. The development was built by Galliard Homes.

Read reviews and details of Ashburton Gate, N5

Image of Queensland Terrace, N7Image of Queensland Terrace, N7

Our list’s 5th spot is taken by Queensland Terrace, situated just seconds from The Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal football team. It is well placed for commuters, with excellent transport links via Holloway Road’s Piccadilly line and Drayton Park’s National Rail services.

Read reviews and details of Queensland Terrace, N7

Image of Highbury Square, N5Image of Highbury Square, N5

Enjoying 6th place for Islington is this iconic Highbury development. Highbury Square was built around what was once the hallowed turf of the famous stadium. The pitch now forms the communal gardens for the site, which many people refer to as ‘Highbury Stadium Square’. The listed East and West stands were redeveloped as flats, while the Clock End and North Bank stands were demolished to make way for brand-new apartments. In total, the development comprises 711 units, with studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Highbury Square is located in Islington, close to Arsenal Underground station and just north of the football club’s new stadium, The Emirates.

Read reviews and details of Highbury Square, N5

Image of Lexicon, EC1Image of Lexicon, EC1

Taking 7th place in our top ranked developments in Islington is a partnership from Mount Anvil and Clarion Housing Group. Lexicon – also known The Chronicle Tower – is the area’s tallest development at 115 metres and 36 storeys. There are 146 units here – a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, set on City Road by Regent’s Canal, and edged by Angel, Shoreditch, Clerkenwell and Farringdon.

Read reviews and details of Lexicon, EC1

Image of Islington Square, N1Image of Islington Square, N1

In 8th it’s Islington Square, by Galliard Homes and situated on Almeida Street, just behind Islington’s popular Upper Street. It’s a large, mixed-use development that comprises of residential units, shops, offices and leisure space. Upon completion, the development will house studio flats and apartments that range from one to four bedrooms. Nearby transport hubs include Essex Street train station and Angel Underground station.

Read reviews and details of Islington Square, N1

Image of Canaletto London, EC1VImage of Canaletto London, EC1V

We have a newcomer to the list in 9th. Canaletto London is a development by Groveworld, which features 190 one, two and three-bedroom apartments and studios in a 31-storey tower. Situated in City Road in Hoxton, the development is less than a ten-minute walk away from Old Street Underground and rail station, with connections to the Northern line and Great Northern rail services. Victoria Miro gallery is within walking distance to the property.

Read reviews and details of Canaletto London, EC1V

Image of Tiltman Place, N7Image of Tiltman Place, N7

Finishing off the top 10 we have Tiltman Place, a Grainger development offering 206 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a cafe and leisure facilities on site. The development is situated a 10-minute walk from Finsbury Park station, which is served by the Victoria line, the Piccadilly line and national rail services.

Read reviews and details of Tiltman Place, N7

Where is Islington?

Islington’s outstanding location is one of its most appealing qualities. It is adjacent to the City of London, the major transport hubs of St. Pancras International and Kings Cross. Just a few stops on the tube from the West End, all of Central London is on Islington’s doorstep. The borough extends north, taking in the popular suburbs of Highbury, Holloway, Finsbury Park and Archway.

What is it like living in Islington?

Islington is a vibrant, energetic borough, where upmarket food and drink destinations meet independent retailers and legendary live music venues. The heart of the borough is Angel, with Upper Street and Essex Road providing a wealth of options for shopping, dining and socialising with friends.

The Old Queen’s Head pub and Union Chapel are among London’s best-loved live music and comedy venues. Additionally, the area’s many restaurants offer cuisines from all corners of the globe.

Further north, you’ll find a choice of diverse and lively neighbourhoods. These include the villagey Highbury, the spiritual home of Arsenal Football Club, where its old stadium has been converted to stylish modern apartments.

Holloway provides plenty of amenities and is home to the Emirates Stadium, the modern home of Arsenal. This 60,000-seat arena is one of the best places in the country to take in Premier League football.

As the borough stretches from Central London all the way to the suburbs, you can choose from very different types of living. If you’re looking for laid-back family life, popular Finsbury Park offers an appealing atmosphere. It has London Underground and Overground connections, a lively high street and the open green spaces of the park from which it takes its name.

For those seeking a more lively, energetic environment, at its southern and western edges, Islington meets vibrant Camden and the regenerated King’s Cross area, as well as trendy Clerkenwell and Farringdon.

Are Islington transport connections good?

Islington’s excellent transport links make it an appealing prospect for anyone looking to be closely connected to Central London. Conveniently, parts of the borough sit within TFL Zone 1, while most of it is in Zone 2. Angel on the Northern Line is a major London Underground hub.

The likes of Highbury and Islington and Finsbury Park are connected to both the Underground and Overground. Three of the capital’s busiest rail terminals – Euston, Kings Cross and St. Pancras International, are all within easy reach from the borough. Islington also benefits from extensive bus services and easy access to major road routes away from the city, including the A1.

What are Islington property prices like in 2024?

According to Rightmove, the average house price in Islington is £840,000. This is based on sales in the 12 months to October 2024. These prices place Islington among the capital’s most expensive boroughs, and significantly above the current London average of £691,000. A flat in the borough can cost an average of £632,000. Again, this is far above the London average of £542,000.

What is HomeViews?What is HomeViews?

Has our guide to the best new builds in Islington piqued your interest? If so, check out our extensive guide to the borough below. The guide includes much more information about this popular borough, with details of the best new build homes Islington has to offer.

Borough of IslingtonBorough of Islington
Islington is a borough of many faces. Its mish-mash of neighbourhoods each have their own distinct personality, from the urban bars and pubs of Angel to the chintzy antique stores of Camden Passage. Its properties have many guises, too – there are in-the-thick-of-it luxury Read more about Borough of Islington

HomeViews is the only independent review platform for residential developments in the UK. Prospective buyers and tenants use it to make an informed decision on where to live based on insights from carefully verified resident reviews. Part of Rightmove since February 2024, we’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to give residents a voice, recognise high performers and to help improve standards across the industry.



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Top 10 new build homes: Manchester’s best developments


With its construction boom of new office blocks and new build homes, Manchester has picked up the nickname ‘Manc-hatten’. With so much on offer, where should you start looking for new build homes to rent or buy in Greater Manchester? Start with the top recommendations of the people already living there.

Top 10 new build homes: Manchester’s best new developments

The following are the top-rated new build homes Greater Manchester has to offer. This list is based purely on the ratings given by verified HomeViews reviewers, and nothing else.

If you want to see more details on any of the developments below, just click on them. You’ll be taken to the development’s dedicated page, where you can see all the reviews in detail.

*PLEASE NOTE these rankings take into account how many reviews a scheme has and how recently those reviews have been submitted, so may not match the overall star ratings shown. Buildings with a larger number of more recent reviews are given a greater weighting to reflect current building performance.

Image of Eda, M50

Taking the coveted top spot in Greater Manchester, welcome to Erie Dock Apartments, or Eda for short – a rental-only development in Salford. All Eda’s furnished apartments include king size beds with ottoman storage, corner sofas and TV units. Each apartment has a modern fully fitted kitchen with utility storage, spacious bedrooms with bespoke designed fitted wardrobes and bathrooms all finished to the high standard of Eda. The development is also pet-friendly. Eda sits at the top of Erie Dock in the heart of Salford Quays, with shops, restaurants, cafes and bars within easy walking distance (and a tram stop right outside the door). You can get to Manchester city centre in just 15 minutes.

Read reviews and details of Eda, M50

Image of Vox, M15Image of Vox, M15

Vox is our number two Greater Manchester development. This twin set of new build towers is located on Trentham Street and offers great city views from its stylish, bright and spacious apartments. With its highly rated concierge, lovely communal gardens, extensive parking and storage options, and a great rooftop terrace to boot, it’s easy to see why residents love it. Located just off the A56, Vox is also well connected to the rest of Manchester, offering a short bus ride into the city centre.

Read reviews and details of Vox, M15

Image of Chapel Wharf, M3Image of Chapel Wharf, M3

Third-placed Chapel Wharf is a rental development from Dandara Living. Comprising a range of studios to three-bed apartments, residents benefit from a pet friendly policy, an on-site gym as well as car/bike parking. In addition, there is a courtyard garden, a free 3,789sqft gym equipped with the latest range of cardio and functional training equipment and a 3,641sqft resident facility with homeworking facilities, two ‘house kitchens’, Club and Screening rooms, two lounges plus bookable entertaining and dining spaces. As well as this, the development is just moments away from Manchester’s famous shopping, entertainment and cultural scenes.

Read reviews and details of Chapel Wharf, M3

Image of The Trilogy, M15Image of The Trilogy, M15

Sitting in fourth place, The Trilogy is a HomeViews award-winning development located in the heart of Castlefield. It has access to a variety of convenient transport links – Deansgate is a three-minute tram journey whilst Cornbrook Metrolink Station is a three-minute walk away. In addition, MediaCityUK is just a 12-minute commute. The development itself comprises 232 pet-friendly one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Residents have access to a wide range of facilities, including a fully equipped gym as well as a landscaped communal garden. The building also provides a 24-hour, on-property concierge service.

Read reviews and details of The Trilogy, M15

Image of Duet MediaCityUK, M50Image of Duet MediaCityUK, M50

In fifth is the ever-popular Duet. Now managed by JLL, the development is part of MediaCityUK on the waterfront in Salford Quays. There are wide range of local amenities, including 15 bars/restaurants, shopping outlets, leisure facilities, a cinema, a theatre, and a nursery. The development comprises 270 pet-friendly one, two and three-bedroom apartments to rent. In addition, the building also provides a 24-hour concierge service. Finally, it offers extensive communal spaces, including a fully equipped private gym.

Read reviews and details of Duet MediaCityUK, M50

Image of The Green Rooms MediaCityUK, M50Image of The Green Rooms MediaCityUK, M50

There’s another Media City favourite at number 6. The Green Rooms, managed by AmroLiving offers a great range of one to three-bedroom apartments for rent. Additionally, the development benefits from being pet friendly, waterside views, a residents’ gym and bike storage. The Green Rooms is also just just a few minutes walk from a wide variety of transport links and amenities.

One happy resident wrote in August 2024: “The management in the building are great. Always helpful and help find solutions. The building is kept clean with regular works done to the communal areas to keep fresh. The variety of work spaces available is great for people who work from home or if you need a quiet place to work in the evening.”

Read reviews and details of The Green Rooms MediaCityUK, M50

Image of Poplin, M4Image of Poplin, M4

In 7th, Poplin is one of the newer developments in Manchester, and offers 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments to rent in a community of 144 homes. Residents benefit from flexibility, social spaces and rooftop views. Additionally, residents can enjoy a communal atrium garden, glass atrium and social lounge, and a bookable kitchen. Bordering Ancoats, Poplin is just a couple of minutes’ walk to the Shudehill interchange, and five minutes to Victoria Station. It’s also a short walk to spots such as Angel Meadow, Cutting Room Square and New Islington Marina – or onwards to any of the shops, bars, restaurants and supermarkets of the Northern Quarter.

Read reviews and details of Poplin, M4

Image of Angel Gardens, M4Image of Angel Gardens, M4

Coming in at eighth place in our list of new build developments in Manchester is Angel Gardens by Moda Living. The development is situated in the heart of Manchester, within the NOMA innovation district. It features a total of 466 interior designed apartments to rent with a mix of sizes, ranging from studios to three beds. In addition, it offers no deposit and is pet-friendly.

Likewise, residents benefit from 250MBPS WiFi, Samsung 50″ inch smart TV included in their rent. Plus, onsite amenities include: a rooftop sports pitch, rooftop terrace, residents’ gym, sky lounge, private dining room, media room and atrium. Pay your rent, book community events or chat to your neighbours with the MyModa app. A free health check when you move in, wellbeing workshops and classes with hero, Moda’s health and wellbeing partner.

Read reviews and details of Angel Gardens, M4

Image of The Residences Manchester, M15Image of The Residences Manchester, M15

The Residences Manchester occupies ninth place in our rankings. This coveted development is a Build to Rent arrangement featuring a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Residents have access to a wide range of shared amenities. These include a 20-metre indoor swimming pool, sauna, gym, yoga and dance studio. The development is only a three-minute walk away from both Castlefield and Deansgate stations.

Read reviews and details of The Residences Manchester, M15

Image of Kampus, M1Image of Kampus, M1

Taking 10th place and located in the Manchester Piccadilly district, Kampus is Manchester’s garden neighbourhood. In the centre of the city, by the canal, near the station – Kampus is mere minutes from everything. With secret streets, gardens and terraces, and independent food and drink, there’s so much to discover.

With 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, across 5 beautiful, individual buildings – available to rent now – an on-site team on hand whenever you need them 24/7. In addition, Kampus is pet friendly (with dog walking), has super-fast broadband included. Likewise, there is a gym, yoga terrace, cinema and a lounge in which to work (or play).

Read reviews and details of Kampus, M1

The Manchester construction boom

You might think that the pandemic would have slowed or even stopped Manchester’s explosive growth. In fact, it barely made a dent. More new homes were built in Manchester in 2020 than any other year, almost 5,000 in total. In 2021, the city broke its own record, with 5,549 new homes built in the Greater Manchester area.

Even before the record-breaking years of 2020 and 2021, Manchester was already enjoying a massive surge of property development. Figures from the Office for National Statistics say that construction output in the north-west was 10 times the national average in 2018, and since then Manchester has become the leading city in the region for building new homes.

Living room at Chapel Wharf, M3 by Dandara Living – one of the highest rated new homes developments in Manchester Living room at Chapel Wharf, M3 by Dandara Living – one of the highest rated new homes developments in Manchester
Chapel Wharf, M3 by Dandara Living

Today, there are several billion pounds invested in the new homes Manchester is building. Industry analysts are constantly revising this figure upwards, as more developers look to get in on the action. It’s not just the private sector either. By 2025, we should see another 32,000 new build homes Manchester City Council has pledged to build.

What are the top areas for new builds in Greater Manchester?

While the city centre is a magnet for investment, there are plenty of prospects for new build homes Manchester-wide. From the mega-trendy Ancoats neighbourhood to the expanding Media City and revitalised Eastlands, there’s a rapidly growing supply of new build homes to buy in Manchester.

The same applies to the Greater Manchester area. Bolton, Rochdale and Stockport now boast hundreds of new build homes developments.

What is HomeViews?What is HomeViews?

If you want to take a wider look at the best-rated developments across Manchester, we have a top 20 list right here. Our Greater Manchester area guide also provides a useful overview for property hunters in the area.

Greater ManchesterGreater Manchester
HomeViews collects verified resident reviews for new build homes across the UK. The rankings below are calculated based on the overall star ratings for each development. However, the HomeViews Transparency Rating also affects a development’s ranking, as this indicates how recent its reviews are Read more about Greater Manchester

HomeViews is the only independent review platform for residential developments in the UK. Prospective buyers and tenants use it to make an informed decision on where to live based on insights from carefully verified resident reviews. Part of Rightmove since February 2024, we’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to give residents a voice, recognise high performers and to help improve standards across the industry.



real estate

Apartments to rent in Birmingham: Top 5 Developments


Birmingham isn’t just England’s second city, it’s also the setting for the biggest UK housing market expansion in decades. The city has a truly exciting future, as it attracts greater levels of public and private investment in property development. It’s also attracting young professionals by the thousands, all of them keen to call it home. So, what is fuelling this rise in housing prices and availability? We look at the state of the market, and highlight some of the best apartments to rent in Birmingham.

Note: We know the title says “Top 5” but since this post went live two years ago, there’s been a rapid expansion of top-notch apartment developments in Birmingham that have made it onto the HomeViews site. That’s why we’ve expanded our list to take it a Top 10!

Apartments to rent in Birmingham: best developments as rated by tenants

Now it’s time to showcase some of the best apartments available for rent in Birmingham today. The following list has based purely on the verified scores given to the developments by the people who actually live there. This gives you a full ‘insider’s view’ into what it’s really like to call these prime Birmingham apartments home.

*PLEASE NOTE these rankings take into account how many reviews a scheme has and how recently those reviews have been submitted, so may not match the overall star ratings shown. Buildings with a larger number of more recent reviews are given a greater weighting to reflect current building performance.

Image of Corkfield, B5

Popping off like champagne, Corkfield has rocketed into the number 1 spot for Birmingham. This premium development styles itself as a great place to put down roots, grow and thrive. Designed for those who want to work, live and play all under one roof, developers Native have cultivated a vibrant, close-knit community right on the edge of the city. With 375 studio 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, stunning views and a wealth of amenities right on your doorstep. Corkfield is also a stone’s throw from multiple schools, Queen Elizabeth Hospital and excellent transport links.

Read reviews and details of Corkfield, B5

Image of Aston Place, B1Image of Aston Place, B1

Coming in at a close-fought 2nd place in Birmingham’s competitive rental apartment rankings is Aston Place, by Dandara Living. Sitting in the heart of the city, the development offers studio to 2-bed apartments. Residents benefit from a gym with fitness classes, resident events and car parking. As well as this, the development is just five minutes from Birmingham New Street Station and the business/retail districts.

Read reviews and details of Aston Place, B1

Image of The Whitmore Collection, B3Image of The Whitmore Collection, B3

The Whitmore Collection takes the 3rd spot on our list. This iconic setting offers residents a range of 1 & 2 bedroom canal-side apartments, as well as a number of townhouses. These all feature high-quality appliances and video security intercom along with speedy 100MB Virgin broadband. Residents can also enjoy excellent on-site facilities including a residents’ courtyard, gym, clubhouse and private dining room. Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter is also right on your doorstep, as are plenty of meandering canalside walks.

Read reviews and details of The Whitmore Collection, B3

Image of The Mercian, B15Image of The Mercian, B15

4th-placed The Mercian offers 481 stunning apartments over 42 storeys. Located on the former site of The Click Club, this rental development is the tallest residential tower in Birmingham. As well as great amenities and views, it offers a 200-metre rooftop running track!

Read reviews and details of The Mercian, B15

Image of Hairpin House, B12Image of Hairpin House, B12

Taking the middle spot, Hairpin Home offers cosy communal lounges, quiet co-working spaces and a concierge team on-hand 24/7. And it’s all just a hair’s breadth away from the city centre. Modern brand new one- or two-bedroom apartments. Each featuring a fully fitted kitchen including a dishwasher and spacious en suite and/or bathroom. In addition, just a 10-minute walk away from Birmingham city centre, Hairpin House makes the ideal home for anyone seeking spirited scenes in the UK’s second largest city.

Read reviews and details of Hairpin House, B12

Image of The Lansdowne, B16Image of The Lansdowne, B16

In 6th place, The Lansdowne, managed by Way of Life is located in Birmingham’s Edgbaston Village. The building offers 206 apartments, a mix of furnished and unfurnished. There’s also a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes on offer. Residents have access to a wide range of amenities too, including 24-hour concierge and free super-fast Wi-Fi. Private facilities include a residents’ gym, lounge, and cycle storage with an attached bike workshop. Residents can also utilise the Cultural Mixer space, which has a residents’ kitchen, big-screen entertainment setups and a dedicated events space.

Read reviews and details of The Lansdowne, B16

Image of Sherborne Place, B16Image of Sherborne Place, B16

7th place goes to Sherborne Place is newly managed by ila, who took over from the previous management company, Native on 14th August 2023. The neighbourhood offers 230 apartments balancing the buzz of inner city living with the tranquillity of waterside living. Offering a range of 1 and 2 bedroom, unfurnished and furnished apartments, the friendly on-site team are in place to welcome residents and to provide support throughout their residency.

Read reviews and details of Sherborne Place, B16

Next up we have Gilders Yard in 8th. Located in the ever-popular Jewellery Quarter, this development began welcoming residents from September 2022, offering 158 rental homes comprising one and two-bedroom apartments. The Grade II listed, three-storey factory, once owned by John Ashford & Son, has been renovated to balance its historical essence with modern living. The design pays homage to its heritage, featuring distinct terracotta exteriors and an internal display of original enamelled cufflinks. Amenities include a co-working space, resident’s lounge, gym, outdoor courtyard garden, and an on-site Resident Services team.

Read reviews and details of Gilders Yard, B18

Soho Wharf takes the 9th spot, featuring 752 apartments and townhouses enveloped by landscaped gardens, playgrounds, and waterfront spaces. Designed to foster a sense of communal living, it includes 650 one and two-bedroom apartments and 102 two and three-bedroom townhouses, integrating nicely into the city with new pedestrian and cycle routes and a canal bridge​.

Read reviews and details of Soho Wharf, B18

Image of The Forum, B5Image of The Forum, B5

Our 10th-ranked development is The Forum, which features a range of studio, one and two-bedroom apartments to rent in the heart of Birmingham’s Southside district. There’s a variety of resident facilities available on site, including a gym, communal lounge and landscaped rooftop terrace with a pizza oven and BBQ facilities, together with a dedicated on-site concierge team to cater to your specific needs. The Bullring, Selfridges and Grand Central are only a short stroll away and Birmingham’s New Street Station is just a 5-minute walk away.

Read reviews and details of The Forum, B5

Living in Birmingham

Birmingham is the second-largest city in the UK, with over 1.2 million living within the main city area. It’s not just big, it’s also rich in history, culture and opportunity. From its medieval market town roots, it transformed itself into a manufacturing powerhouse during the industrial revolution. Today, it has completely changed its appearance once again, becoming one of the most important UK hubs for tech, healthcare, finance and services-based jobs.

This dramatic shift in purpose has changed the very look and feel of the city. Today, around 60% of Birmingham’s population is under 35, most of them young professionals. This influx of young people has in turn led to surging demand for new retail, dining, entertainment and cultural experiences. And, of course, it’s driving demand for smart yet affordable rental property.

This makes Birmingham a city that is constantly evolving. If you want to live somewhere with thriving nightlife, an outstanding restaurant and café culture, year-round festival opportunities, excellent schools and universities, and much more, then Birmingham delivers.

On top of all that, Birmingham has more canals than Venice and more trees than Paris. This makes it a beautiful, thrilling place to explore and fall in love with.

Birmingham’s Rental Market Boom

The surge of young professionals attracted to Birmingham means that renting is big business. While rents in London fell dramatically in the COVID-19 peaks of 2020 and 2021, prices remained flat in Birmingham. They then picked up dramatically in late 2021 and early 2022 as the vaccine rollout began to take effect.

Between 2022-2027, the average value of Birmingham property is predicted to rise by 4.9% each year. Rental values will rise by 2.8 per cent per year as well. These are among the highest average house price/rental rate rises in the country, outstripping even London.

This is happening partially because the Birmingham housing market is significantly undersupplied. Recent reports suggest that 4,000 new homes need to be built per year for the next 10 years to keep pace with demand. However, only 900 new homes were built per year between 2010 and 2020.

All of this means that Birmingham is a strong growth market, one that developers want to tap into. As major milestones are reached – like hosting the upcoming Commonwealth Games and the completion of Phase 1 of HS2 – Birmingham’s appeal as a property development market, and rental market, will only grow.


If this list has given you the urge to explore Birmingham’s rental market further, check out our area guide below. This will give you a fuller understanding of what Birmingham has to offer, and where to look.

BirminghamBirmingham
Birmingham is located in the West Midlands in the heart of England. Often described as England’s second city it is a hub of business, tourism and importantly – is home to Cadburys dairy chocolate. Our Birmingham Area Guide looks at the residential regions of Read more about Birmingham
What is HomeViews?What is HomeViews?

HomeViews is the only independent review platform for residential developments in the UK. Prospective buyers and tenants use it to make an informed decision on where to live based on insights from carefully verified resident reviews. Part of Rightmove since February 2024, we’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to give residents a voice, recognise high performers and to help improve standards across the industry.



real estate

10 best places to live in Deptford


Living in Deptford is an exciting prospect since change is almost always in the air. But where can you find the best places to live in Deptford when there’s so much choice? As always, it’s best to ask the people who actually live there for their expert opinion.

10 best new developments to live in Deptford

Let’s take a look at our list of the 10 best places to live in Deptford, as voted by HomeViews resident reviewers. In each case, residents of all the property developments in Deptford listed on our site give their unvarnished opinion. So when you look through these top-ranked spots, you can be sure that you’re getting an insider’s view of Deptford.

*PLEASE NOTE these rankings take into account how many reviews a scheme has and how recently those reviews have been submitted, so may not match the overall star ratings shown. Buildings with a larger number of more recent reviews are given a greater weighting to reflect current building performance.

Image of Union Wharf, SE8

Still number one on our Deptford list is Union Wharf, a development by Essential Living that features 249 rental-only apartments in a prime location on the banks of Deptford Creek near Greenwich’s town centre. The development is made up of two towers that are 23 and 12 storeys high, which house a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Union Wharf is close to the Cutty Sark DLR station for fast and frequent connections to Canary Wharf.

Read reviews and details of Union Wharf, SE8

Image of Vida House, SE8Image of Vida House, SE8

Climbing our rankings to 2nd place in the latest update is Vida House, managed by Way of Life. The development has 138 one and two-bedroom apartments on site, all with open-plan layout, a fully fitted kitchen with integrated dishwasher, washer/dryer and a fridge-freezer. In addition, the apartments have large bathrooms, bright and airy receptions as well as spacious double bedrooms with a walk-in cupboard for additional storage space. Residents also have access to a secure car park and ample underground bike storage area. Similarly, there is a dedicated management team on site with 24-hour CCTV security.

Read reviews and details of Vida House, SE8

Image of Vive Living Childers Street, SE8Image of Vive Living Childers Street, SE8

In 3rd place in Deptford, it’s Vive Living Childers Street. The development is conveniently located in the smart upper west side of Deptford, close to Folkestone Gardens. Residents here say that everything is done to the highest standards. Flats here come with latest built-in appliances and many have advanced features such as underfloor heating. There’s also a parcel room, work from home areas, a popular coffee shop, a big projector screen for movie nights, and a rooftop balcony with excellent views overlooking The Shard and Canary Wharf.

Read reviews and details of Vive Living Childers Street, SE8

Image of Deptford Foundry, SE14Image of Deptford Foundry, SE14

In 4th we have Deptford Foundry, a mixed-use development by Anthology London. As you might have guessed, it’s set on the site of an old metal foundry built in the 1800s. The development offers more than 300 homes with a mix of private and social housing apartments. It’s a relatively new addition to Deptford, having welcomed its first residents at the end of 2018. Residents appreciate its convenient location in the middle of Deptford, as well as the easy access to Deptford and New Cross stations.

Read reviews and details of Deptford Foundry, SE14

Image of Greenland Place, SE8Image of Greenland Place, SE8

In 5th place, described as light, bright and airy, while still giving a lot of peace and quiet – it’s Greenland Place. The development features 679 residential units including one, two and three-bedroom apartments, studios as well as three, four and five-bedroom houses across several buildings. There’s a good community atmosphere to this integrated development, which also features a business centre, a children’s nursery and various commercial units. Surrey Quays is the nearest station with connections to the Overground.

Read reviews and details of Greenland Place, SE8

Image of Uncle New Cross, SE14Image of Uncle New Cross, SE14

Our 6th position goes to UNCLE New Cross, a rental-only development comprising one, two and three-bedroom apartments that residents say are uniformly smart, modern, well designed and appointed. It’s also conveniently located for Canary Wharf, the City and Greenwich, and its nearest transport links include New Cross station and New Cross Gate station.

Read reviews and details of Uncle New Cross, SE14

Image of Greenwich Creekside, SE8Image of Greenwich Creekside, SE8

Next up is Greenwich Creekside, a residential development by Telford Homes that offers a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments only a short distance away from Deptford Creek itself. Deptford station is only a nine-minute walk away, with connections to Thameslink and southeastern services.

Read reviews and details of Greenwich Creekside, SE8

Image of Paynes & Borthwick Wharf, SE8Image of Paynes & Borthwick Wharf, SE8

At number 8, this development is just a touch outside of Deptford proper, as it is situated alongside the River Thames in Greenwich. The development features 257 residential units with a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments alongside office space, retail units and various restaurants. Deptford station is only a 10-minute walk away, and this development is well placed to enjoy both Greenwich and Deptford.

Read reviews and details of Paynes & Borthwick Wharf, SE8

Image of Distillery Tower, SE8Image of Distillery Tower, SE8

Distillery Tower is situated just metres from Deptford Bridge DLR station – making it handy for City and Canary Wharf professionals. The lively Deptford High Street and Greenwich are both nearby, putting popular London attractions like Blackheath and Greenwich Royal Park at residents’ fingertips.

Read reviews and details of Distillery Tower, SE8

Image of The Deptford Project, SE8Image of The Deptford Project, SE8

To round off our list, The Deptford Project is a mixed-use development that is representative of the area’s diversity and energy. It has won numerous design and urban planning awards, as it blends smart, colourful apartments with convenient shops and other amenities.

Read reviews and details of The Deptford Project, SE8

Deptford: From docks and warehouses to apartment blocks and ginhouses

Deptford is always reinventing itself. Henry VIII chose it as the site of his new docks, giving Greenwich the slightly fancier task of hosting a new palace. However, don’t let its more practical roots fool you, Deptford has a lot more going on under the surface.

Historically, Southeast London hasn’t had much of a chic, bohemian vibe compared to the likes of Shoreditch or Camden. Today, Deptford is filling that role nicely. There’s a slew of independent markets, boutique shops and arty bars padding out its once rather soulless streets. The best places to live in Deptford have easy access to the latest shopping, dining and entertainment scenes.

Not only is Deptford now a thriving arts scene, it also boasts a chilled, tasteful drinking and dining culture. Add in the outstanding transport links, reliably attractive rental rates and constant supply of new properties coming online, and you have a very popular area for all manner of Londoners.

Is Deptford up and coming?

Technically, Deptford has been an ‘up and comer’ for about 500 years. It’s seen a steady and diverse influx of new inhabitants across the centuries.

After recovering from its post-war damage in the late 1940s, Deptford became a magnet for new housing. After welcoming the first members of its South Asian and Caribbean Communities, Deptford underwent several regeneration phases, culminating in the smart, confident area it is today.

Alongside the well-rooted communities of Deptford, there’s also a stream of young professionals moving here. Not to mention the large student population from the likes of Goldsmiths University. They’re attracted by the enticing mix of interesting history and solid prospects for the future, and so the dynamic of Deptford is changing yet again.

What is HomeViews?What is HomeViews?

Average property prices in Deptford

Living in Deptford is affordable when compared to nearby Greenwich, with properties going for an average of around £430,000 today (September 2024), according to Rightmove. This compares to an average property price of £615,000 in Greenwich.

As for renting, Deptford sports an area-wide rental average of £2,225 PCM. Additionally, there are plenty of options for cheaper renting, with one-bedroom properties around the £1,750 PCM price point.


If our list of the best places to live in Deptford has inspired you, take a closer look at this exciting part of London. Our guide will give you more details about new developments in Deptford, its major attractions and more.

DeptfordDeptford
If you haven’t yet heard of Deptford, chances are you will very soon. Artists, students, first-time buyers and lifelong Londoners; they gather in this exciting district, which has become as cool and sought-after as places like Peckham and Hackney. Read on to discover developments Read more about Deptford

HomeViews is the only independent review platform for residential developments in the UK. Prospective buyers and tenants use it to make an informed decision on where to live based on insights from carefully verified resident reviews. Part of Rightmove since February 2024, we’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to give residents a voice, recognise high performers and to help improve standards across the industry.



real estate

10 best places to live in Hammersmith


If you’re considering making the move to West London, Hammersmith is always worth a look. Popular with everyone from families to young professionals, it’s generally on the radar for those looking westwards. To help you get started on your search, we’ve listed our top 10 best places to live in Hammersmith according to the people who live there – HomeViews reviewers!

10 best new developments in Hammersmith

On with the show! The following list is the top 10 best places to live in Hammersmith according to the residents who live there. Each property development has achieved high enough scores from our verified HomeViews reviewers to place it above the competition. So read on, and see where the top developments are in this major West London district.

*PLEASE NOTE these rankings take into account how recently reviews have been submitted, so may not match the overall star ratings shown. More recent reviews are given a greater weighting to reflect current building performance. Developments with more reviews from verified residents are also given priority over unverified reviews.

Image of Fulham Reach, W6

Despite its name, Fulham Reach is actually in Hammersmith. This mixed-use development from St George (part of the Berkeley Group) was constructed with the support of architect John Thompson and Partners, and interior designer, Jestico + Whiles. Since our last update, it has surpassed Queen’s Wharf to nab the top spot.

It’s situated close to Hammersmith Broadway and Hammersmith Station and lies adjacent to the River Thames, which affords residents some stunning views. There are currently 744 apartments and penthouses here, which range from one to four bedrooms. A multi-phase project, Fulham Reach is due to be fully completed in 2022.

Read reviews and details of Fulham Reach, W6

Image of Queen’s Wharf, W6Image of Queen’s Wharf, W6

Still a top-rated contender hitting the number 2 spot, Queen’s Wharf is a residential development from Mount Anvil and Fabrica, set right next to Hammersmith Bridge and overlooking the River Thames. It’s home to 165 apartments – a combination of studios, apartments and penthouses, and is based on the old Riverside Studios site. The whole area is currently in the middle of an urban regeneration phase, and will soon welcome state-of-the-art theatre, film and dance facilities.

Read reviews and details of Queen’s Wharf, W6

Image of Hammersmith Central, W6Image of Hammersmith Central, W6

The number 3 development was designed for people who want to be right in the thick of the action. Hammersmith Central by Linden Homes sits directly in-between Ravenscourt Park and Hammersmith Underground stations, with Broadway Shopping Centre and its vast array of shops and restaurants only a few minutes’ walk away. The development itself comprises 88 one, two and three-bedroom flats on Glenthorne Road.

Read reviews and details of Hammersmith Central, W6

Image of Sovereign Court, W6Image of Sovereign Court, W6

In 4th, and just a four-minute walk away from Hammersmith Underground station, Sovereign Court is a new development made up of a mix of 418 one, two and four-bedroom apartments and studios. The building is also located moments away from Broadway Shopping Centre, meaning that residents have everything they need close at hand.

Read reviews and details of Sovereign Court, W6

Image of Brackenbury Square, W12Image of Brackenbury Square, W12

This Notting Hill Genesis development opened in 2015 and was designed by Hunters. It comprises 63 one, two and three-bedroom apartments and located in the prime location that is Hammersmith. It is located within easy reach of several underground stations and numerous bars and restaurants.

Read reviews and details of Brackenbury Square, W12

Image of Fulham Reach, W6Image of Fulham Reach, W6

6th place goes to Fulham Reach, a mixed-use development from St George (part of the Berkeley Group), constructed with the support of architect, John Thompson and Partners, and interior designer, Jestico + Whiles. It’s situated in West London’s Hammersmith, close to Hammersmith Broadway and Hammersmith station, and adjacent to the River Thames. There are currently 744 apartments and penthouses

Read reviews and details of Fulham Reach, W6

Image of White City Living, W12Image of White City Living, W12
White City Living is a St James development set in the heart of West London. The development is home to 1465 flats, and offers a range of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. Next door to Westfield and Imperial College London, residents at this development can access the White City and Wood Lane Underground stations. […] Read reviews and details of White City Living, W12
Image of Eighty Eight Wood Lane, W12Image of Eighty Eight Wood Lane, W12
Image of Bush Court, W12Image of Bush Court, W12
A Brookfield development, Bush Court is a high-rise residential development located in the heart of Shepherd’s Bush. The site is opposite White City station for National Rail and Underground services into Central London and beyond via the District, Hammersmith & City and Central lines.   Read reviews and details of Bush Court, W12
Image of Television Centre, W12Image of Television Centre, W12
A mixed development from Stanhope, the Television Centre comprises of one, two and three-bedroom residential units, offices, television studios and independent restaurants. Located in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, the nearest Underground stations are White City and Wood Lane. Read reviews and details of Television Centre, W12

What’s it like living in Hammersmith?

Hammersmith has a great reputation as a district that offers something for everyone. Safe, spacious, great schools, green spaces, good transport links and local shopping scenes – it’s a solid all-round package.

While in previous years, Hammersmith has suffered a bit from a ‘concrete jungle’ reputation, this is no longer the case. Today, there’s an interesting mix of modern builds and more quirky architectural oddballs to be found among the concrete holdovers of previous generations.

There’s also a great (and growing) food scene here, so you’ll never be stuck for inspiration when deciding where to eat in Hammersmith.

First of all, where is Hammersmith exactly? Hammersmith is one of the capital’s major districts, so it occupies a good chunk of West London. It sits between Shepard’s Bush and Fulham, while pushing up against the Thames with Chiswick on its western edge.

This puts it in a prime position for people living here to enjoy both West and Central London. Plus, Hammersmith is one of the best-connected districts in the capital. Three main Tube lines run through it, and it’s a major bus hub.

Hammersmith Bridge currently allows access to cyclists and pedestrians, but not to motorists. This means that Hammersmith residents can hop across the river with ease on foot or by bicycle.

What is HomeViews?What is HomeViews?

Average property prices in Hammersmith

If you’re hoping to rent in Hammersmith, you’ll be looking at an average (median) rate of £3,500 per calendar month. This is almost in line with the London-wide average of £3,000, making Hammersmith just a shade pricier.

For buyers, Hammersmith offers great variety for every budget and taste. Properties here can go for anything from £300,000 for basic flats to several million for smart mini-mansions. According to Rightmove, the average for the 12 months to September 2024 was just over £1,000,000, though flats were most commonly sold at an average of £596,000.


Need to know more about the best places to live in Hammersmith? Our dedicated area guide has plenty more to show you. Or if you’re looking for more West London inspiration, we have guides to both the North West and South West of London too – just click the links below.


HomeViews is the only independent review platform for residential developments in the UK. Prospective buyers and tenants use it to make an informed decision on where to live based on insights from carefully verified resident reviews. Part of Rightmove since February 2024, we’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to give residents a voice, recognise high performers and to help improve standards across the industry.

(Main image credit: Diliff)



real estate

Top 10 new build homes developments in West London


Leafy, lovely and never lonely, living in West London is a ‘have your cake and eat it’ experience. You have great access to the delights of the big city lifestyle, but it’s easy to step outside the mad rush and enjoy things at your own pace. But where are the most exciting hotspots in this part of the capital? Let’s find out, as we list the 10 highest-rated new build homes developments in West London according to verified residents on HomeViews.

Top 10 new build homes developments in West London

If you’re not put off by the prices, then why not peruse our line-up of the 10 top-ranked new build homes developments in West London? These are the 10 new build developments that have attracted the highest overall scores from their residents. This is no easy task – there’s an awful lot of competition in this part of town, and people expect plenty of bang for their buck.

As with all our top-rated lists, we determine the rankings purely based on verified resident reviews. Since the people who live there know these new build developments best, we leave the scoring entirely up to them!

*PLEASE NOTE these rankings take into account how many reviews a scheme has and how recently those reviews have been submitted, so may not match the overall star ratings shown. Buildings with a larger number of more recent reviews are given a greater weighting to reflect current building performance.

Image of Charter Place, TW3

A Hounslow development takes the top spot on our list. Charter Place is an INSTRATA Lifestyle Residence, managed by Greystar. It features a collection of studios, one, two, and three-bedroom rental homes. Residents have access to an onsite gym, lounge, a private dining room, and co-working spaces. In addition, Charter Place is only a short walk away from Hounslow East Underground station.

Read reviews and details of Charter Place, TW3

Image of Fizzy Hayes, UB3Image of Fizzy Hayes, UB3

It’s over to Hayes for number 2. Fizzy Hayes is a residential development of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, also managed by Greystar. It’s in the southern part of Hayes, right near Hayes & Harlinton Station, and just a short drive from London Heathrow Airport. Also, the development sits between two popular green spaces – Minet Country Park and Lake Farm Country Park.

Read reviews and details of Fizzy Hayes, UB3

Image of Gravity Co West Court, TW3Image of Gravity Co West Court, TW3

Hitting the bronze position of our list, Gravity Co-Living West Court is located just a short 5-minute walk to Hounslow Central tube station. The the property boasts 97 cleverly designed, fully furnished en-suite studios, each containing a double or king size ottoman bed, lots of hidden storage space, a small dining table with chairs and a compact kitchenette, complete with sink, fridge, convection hobs and microwave. On the ground floor, all Gravity residents have access to a communal lounge / co-working space, complete with a large flat screen TV, comfortable seating area, free pool table, co-working tables with ample power sockets and a newly fitted communal kitchen, complete with complimentary coffee.

Read reviews and details of Gravity Co West Court, TW3

Image of NewHayes, UB3Image of NewHayes, UB3

A newcomer at number 4, NewHayes is an new development located at the heart of an up-and-coming area of West London. It has a selection of well-designed studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. This includes wheelchair accessible apartments and parking. In addition, there are number of distinctive area to enjoy, from podium gardens to a family-friendly woodland area as well as Chalfont Square. Likewise, for commuters, Hayes & Harlington Station is within an 8 minute walk. This is ideal for journeys to Heathrow Airport (Terminals 2 & 3) in 6 minutes. Also, Ealing Broadway in 9 minutes and London Paddington in 21 minutes.

Read reviews and details of NewHayes, UB3

Image of Verdo Kew Bridge, TW8Image of Verdo Kew Bridge, TW8

With only 15 reviews, Verdo Kew Bridge by EcoWorld is a relative newcomer to HomeViews, but it has made a very favourable first impression. It’s a residential development surrounded by parks, the tropical gardens of Kew and the River Thames. There’s collection of studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments on offer. With the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Village and Chiswick close by – plus good rail and road connections, the location is very desirable.

Read reviews and details of Verdo Kew Bridge, TW8

Image of Tillermans at Greenford Quay, UB6Image of Tillermans at Greenford Quay, UB6

Tillermans at Greenford Quay is our 6th top-ranked listing, and is located in Ealing. This Build-to-Rent development has 379 residential units on offer and is placed conveniently between Greenford, Sudbury Hill and Sudbury Hill Harrow stations. These provide regular connections to the Piccadilly and Central Lines, not to mention Chiltern Railways and GWR services.

Read reviews and details of Tillermans at Greenford Quay, UB6

Image of Faber Green, UB5Image of Faber Green, UB5

Another new development has made it onto the prestigious West London Top 10 list. Faber Green is the latest project in the renewal of the homes and neighbourhoods throughout the London Borough of Ealing. There’s a limited selection of Shared Ownership homes here – one bedroom apartments at Parkside and two bedroom apartments at Grandstand which are now ready to move into. Surrounded by Ealing’s vibrant and evolving neighbourhoods, with easy access to open green spaces and great connections to central London and beyond, Faber offers a variety of homes to suit all your needs. Each home comes with private outside spaces, bright and modern interiors, designed with the aim of building a community, not just somewhere to live.

Read reviews and details of Faber Green, UB5

In 8th place, The Stylus in Hayes offers a variety of living options including studios, 1-3 bedroom apartments, and 3-bedroom maisonettes, each furnished and complemented by balconies, a roof terrace, and a multi-level podium garden. Situated near the Grand Union Canal and less than 2 minutes’ walk from Hayes & Harlington station, it is ideal for commuting and offers amenities like free broadband, secure parking, and electric vehicle charging. The development’s design includes biodiverse roofs and is part of a sophisticated urban aesthetic in West London​.

Read reviews and details of The Stylus, UB3

Image of One Lampton, TW3Image of One Lampton, TW3

9th position goes to One Lampton, which is situated in central Hounslow with easy access to the M4. The building was a conversion of the existing 11 storey office building into 115 residential units. In addition, the apartments vary in size a mix between, studios, one-bedroom two-bedroom apartments. As well as a central location residents benefit from a private gated residents entrance, 2nd floor terrace and co-working space.

Read reviews and details of One Lampton, TW3

Image of Homesgate Place, UB3Image of Homesgate Place, UB3

Finally, in 10th place we have a Barratt Homes development, Homesgate Place, which comprises 183 residential dwellings with a range of one and two-bedroom apartments and studios alongside a mix of one, two, three, four and five-bedroom houses. The development is a 7-minute walk away from Barra Hall Park and a 19-minute walk away from Hayes & Harlington station.

Read reviews and details of Homesgate Place, UB3

Where is West London?

West London is the general term for the western sweep of the capital. This starts from Paddington and Chelsea near the centre, extending all the way out to Hayes and Uxbridge, near the M25. On the way, it includes the likes of Notting Hill, Hammersmith, Ealing, Brentford and Hounslow.

Why live in West London?

You can find plenty of variety in West London, in practically every metric of city living. Towards the centre, you’ll find the hyper-affluent areas of Chelsea and Kensington, which offer up many of the smartest and chic properties, shops and dining experiences in the capital. If you want things a little quirkier, look towards Notting Hill, where boutique stores and tucked-away restaurants are the order of the day.

Further west, Chiswick and Ealing offer outstanding retail opportunities, with their exceptional high streets. As for green spaces and great days out, there’s the always delightful Kew Botanical Gardens to enjoy. Not to mention the many outstanding parks – Gunnersbury Park, Holland Park, Osterley Park and House, and the unmissable Hyde Park are all located in West London.

What is HomeViews?What is HomeViews?

As well as the great access to green spaces, fitness is a major theme throughout West London. Over 100 health and fitness clubs operate across this part of London, alongside innumerable fitness groups organised over social media.

If you want more space and possibly more solitude, head out further west. Hayes and Uxbridge provide competitive rental rates and property prices, but still offer great access to central London.

What are Transport Links like in West London?

West London is very well supported in terms of great transport links. Major A-roads such as the A40, A312 and A406 connect the different West London boroughs. Plus, the M4/A4 runs all the way from the M25 Orbital Motorway to central London.

This section of London also has excellent Underground connections, with 7 out of 11 major lines servicing the area. The Hammersmith & City Line is particularly useful in getting to and from the city centre. The District Line is also great for servicing popular commuter areas of West London.

What are West London property prices like?

West London is not cheap. This is where you’ll find some of the most desirable properties in the capital, along with big price tags.

At the time of writing (September 2024), Rightmove put the West London house price average at £1.3 million. Admittedly, the more central parts of West London are dragging this average up, but it still paints a picture. Don’t expect much by way of cheap property deals.

Flats in West London averaged at almost exactly £1,000,000 for this period too. Meanwhile, detached homes can easily run into several millions of pounds. Again, if you’re looking for more affordable London property, choose a different compass point. West London is still charging top-tier prices in early 2024, and this seems unlikely to change any time soon.


Hopefully, our roundup of the best new build developments in West London provides some useful insight into what’s on offer. If you want to widen your search, check out our dedicated area guide below.

West LondonWest London
West London stretches from Hayes in the west to Paddington in the east. Best known for central West London it is widely regarded as one of the city’s most sophisticated expanses. It’s little wonder this place is a millionaire-magnet. West London merges charming high Read more about West London

HomeViews is the only independent review platform for residential developments in the UK. Prospective buyers and tenants use it to make an informed decision on where to live based on insights from carefully verified resident reviews. Part of Rightmove since February 2024, we’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to give residents a voice, recognise high performers and to help improve standards across the industry.



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10 best places to live in Southwark


The borough of Southwark is right in the heart of London on the south side of the Thames. It covers a great mix of areas, from lively Elephant and Castle to the ultra-smart riverside sweep of the South Bank. If you want to find some of the best places to live in Southwark, verified resident reviewers on HomeViews can point you in the right direction.

10 best new build developments to live in Southwark

Let’s take a look at what this exciting borough can offer. The following list includes some of the best new developments in Southwark, as rated by reviewers on HomeViews.

If any catch your eye, just click to see a full listing of the development. This will also show all reviews, ratings and comments submitted by verified resident reviewers.

*PLEASE NOTE these rankings take into account how many reviews a scheme has and how recently those reviews have been submitted, so may not match the overall star ratings shown. Buildings with a larger number of more recent reviews are given a greater weighting to reflect current building performance.

Image of Elephant Central, SE1

At the top of the ratings list we find Elephant Central by Get Living, located right in the heart of London’s Elephant & Castle. It’s a Zone 1 location with great connections to the City, Oxford Circus, King’s Cross and walking distance to London Bridge, Borough and the South Bank. There’s a mix of, one-to-three-bedroom apartments, duplexes and penthouses available fully-furnished, with superfast WiFi included and pet friendly. Residents have access to a Club Lounge and kitchen, as well as the Sky Courtyard. There’s also a Sainsbury’s and Gymbox right on the doorstep.

Read reviews and details of Elephant Central, SE1

Image of Marine Wharf West, SE16Image of Marine Wharf West, SE16

In the Surrey Quays area of London Docklands, we find Marine Wharf West at number two. This is a residential development from The Berkeley Group, and its apartments are separated by landscaped grounds. It’s also close to the River Thames and London’s largest working marina – South Dock, which makes for some lovely views. London City Airport, Surrey Quays Station and the Thames Clipper riverbus services are all conveniently close by.

Read reviews and details of Marine Wharf West, SE16

Image of The Music Box, SE1Image of The Music Box, SE1

We have a relative newcomer at number three. Just a 30-second walk from Southwark Station, The Music Box is a residential development made up of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. The building is just a stone’s throw from the Tate Modern and the River Thames, as well as The Cut – which is home to the Old Vic and New Vic theatres.

Read reviews and details of The Music Box, SE1

Image of Wood’s Road, SE15Image of Wood’s Road, SE15

At number four, Wood’s Road is a modern, residential development by Surrey-based housebuilder Crest Nicholson. It enjoys an enviable central spot in Peckham, close to the Queens Road and Peckham Rye stations for links to the likes of London Bridge and London Victoria. There are one, two and three-bedroom apartments available here, most of which offer excellent views of the 02 Arena and Canary Wharf.

Read reviews and details of Wood’s Road, SE15

Image of One the Elephant, SE1Image of One the Elephant, SE1

And it’s back to Elephant and Castle again for number five. This shows the appeal of the area as one of Southwark’s more versatile and engaging districts. One the Elephant is a Lendlease development comprising 284 apartments built across 37 storeys. These homes range from studios to 3-bedroom apartments, most of which contain private balconies. The development is situated just a 3-minute walk from the station, which serves the Northern and Bakerloo lines.

Read reviews and details of One the Elephant, SE1

Image of Folio London at Porter’s Edge, SE16Image of Folio London at Porter’s Edge, SE16

There’s a new entry at number six; Porter’s Edge by Folio London is a development located in Canada Water and is only a short walk away from the tube station. The Folio London project has 234 units to rent, which are made up of studios, one, two, three and four-bedroom properties.

Read reviews and details of Folio London at Porter’s Edge, SE16

Image of Elephant Park, SE1Image of Elephant Park, SE1

At number seven it’s back to the large-scale regeneration project in Elephant & Castle, Elephant Park by Lendlease. This mixed-use development features 3,000 new homes alongside new shops, restaurants and cafes. It is the UK’s first climate-positive development, which includes an Energy Hub to provide net-zero carbon heat and hot water to all homes at Elephant Park.

Read reviews and details of Elephant Park, SE1

Image of Park Central East, SE17Image of Park Central East, SE17

New to the list but with plenty to say for itself, Park Central East is a Nordic-inspired oasis in Elephant Park. Each apartment available to rent is equipped with built-in wardrobes and social spaces. The development also offers a selection of resident lounges and a 24-hour gym.

One happy resident says: “The development is well made and well maintained. The gym is fairly well equipped for a residential gym. The management are friendly and helpful – they are a real highlight of living in the building. There is also a community lounge and games room, but they are almost never used.”

Read reviews and details of Park Central East, SE17

Image of Camberwell Fields, SE5Image of Camberwell Fields, SE5

In ninth place, Camberwell Fields is a new-build development on the site of the former Elmington Estate in Camberwell. Camberwell Fields was developed by Notting Hill Genesis. The development features a mix of 279 apartments, duplexes and townhouses with one, two and three bedrooms. Burgess Park is a five-minute walk from the development.

Read reviews and details of Camberwell Fields, SE5

Image of Strata, SE1Image of Strata, SE1

Nicely rounding off the list for Southwark is Strata, a Brookfield Multiplex development offering 408 apartments in a 43-storey building. Homes here come in studio, one, two and three-bedroom arrangements. The building also features retail space and restaurants, which the residents can benefit from. The development is located just a 4-minute walk from Elephant & Castle underground station, which is served by the Northern and Bakerloo lines.

Read reviews and details of Strata, SE1

Living in Southwark – what can you expect?

Given its variety, there really is something for everyone in Southwark. If you’re a young professional looking for the next London trends, Peckham and Elephant and Castle are great choices. The South Bank has some of the best river views, shopping and dining experiences in the capital. While East Dulwich and Bermondsey offer a more tranquil, suburban lifestyle.

There are plenty of big-ticket cultural and entertainment attractions here too. The Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the beloved Borough Market are just a couple of Southwark’s highlights.

As for getting around, Southwark is extremely well connected to London’s transport network. Four main stations serve the borough – London Bridge, Southwark, Borough and Elephant and Castle. All of them offer both National Rail and Underground train services.

Southwark also offers easy access to good schooling; currently there are 34 ‘outstanding’ Ofsted-ranked schools in the borough.

What is HomeViews?What is HomeViews?

What are average property prices in Southwark in 2024?

Like its districts, Southwark also offers a wide variety of property types to buyers and renters. For those with a big budget, the South Bank has many of the most impressive, ultra-modern riverside apartments in the city. If you want more space, look further south towards the Elephant and Castle and Bermondsey for terraced and semi-detached houses.

Average property prices in Southwark are high but decidedly more competitive than across the river in Westminster. The house price average for the borough over the past 12 months was around £645,000 (September 2024). However, there is a big price range by area to factor in, as this average is dragged up by expensive South Bank property.

The most expensive area within Southwark was Dulwich Village (£1,388,000) and the cheapest was Surrey Quays (£524,000).

For those looking to rent in Southwark, the median rental price in the borough is £3,466 per calendar month. While steep (well above the £3,000 monthly rental average for London), the borough has a high number of luxury apartments available for rent. Almost a quarter (22%) of all properties for rent listed at upwards of £5,000 per calendar month.


This list only scratches the surface of what Southwark has to offer. If you want to know more about this diverse and attractive London borough, check out our Southwark area guide. Here you’ll find tips on the foodie hotspots, cultural attractions, and other upcoming property developments in Southwark, not to mention more of the best places to live in Southwark.

Borough of SouthwarkBorough of Southwark
Southwark is nestled on the South Bank of the Thames, and among its luxury riverside apartments and ultra-modern offices, are some of London’s biggest icons. This area is rich in culture, architecture and entertainment, charming millions of visitors (and residents) each year. For the Read more about Borough of Southwark

HomeViews is the only independent review platform for residential developments in the UK. Prospective buyers and tenants use it to make an informed decision on where to live based on insights from carefully verified resident reviews. Part of Rightmove since February 2024, we’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to give residents a voice, recognise high performers and to help improve standards across the industry.



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Help to Buy scheme ending: What then?


The Government’s popular Help to Buy scheme ended in March 2023. With more than 225,000 buyers taking advantage of the equity loan scheme since its launch in 2013, Help to Buy has enabled many people to take those first steps on the property ladder. So, now that the scheme has ended, what options are available to support buyers after Help to Buy? Read on to find out more.

What is Help to Buy?

The UK Government introduced the Help to Buy scheme to help prospective home buyers to own their own home. It provided assistance to those who could afford to pay a mortgage, but might have trouble finding a property they can afford to pay the deposit on. Under the scheme, the Government would lend buyers up to 20% of the value of the property (40% in London), for properties up to a value of £600,000. Prospective buyers were required to have saved at least a 5% deposit, and the loan was interest-free for the first five years.

When is the Help to Buy scheme ending?

Help to Buy’s equity loan scheme closed for new applicants on 31 October 2022, and ended altogether in March 2023, after 10 years of helping buyers realise their dream of owning of their own home. The previous government also phased out the separate Help to Buy ISA, the savings account designed for people saving to buy their own home. The account has been closed to new applicants since 2019, and while account holders can still keep their accounts, they only have until 1 December 2030 to claim their 25% bonus. This bonus is payable to the account holder upon completion of their first home purchase.

What happens from now until the end of Help to Buy?

[Note: This advice only applied at the original time of writing in November 2022] The Help to Buy Equity Loan Scheme closed to new applicants at the end of October 2022. If you’ve placed an application with the scheme, you must legally complete your property purchase by 31 March 2023 to be eligible for an equity loan.

Couple buying a house under help to buy

What are my options after Help to Buy ends?

Currently there’s no direct replacement for the Help to Buy equity loan scheme, though the previous government did introduce a replacement for the Help to Buy ISA. The Lifetime ISA (LISA) offers account holders the potential of a 25% bonus on their savings every time they pay in, but unlike the previous Help to Buy ISA, the Lifetime ISA allows you to deposit more each year, over a longer timeframe. This makes the potential bonus much larger, with up to £1,000 payable every year for up to 32 years.

First Homes

Couple secures house under First Homes SchemeCouple secures house under First Homes Scheme

Currently, the simplest and most direct alternative scheme to help potential homeowners get on the ladder is the government’s First Homes Scheme. The scheme offers new homes discounted at least 30% compared to market value for first-time buyers. The discount is then passed on to future sales. There are conditions around the maximum value of the property (£250,000, or £420,000 in London) and the annual household income of the buyers (below £90,000). Currently (September 2024), this is the best and easiest way to get significant help in securing your first home, if you meet the criteria. Fortunately, we have a full guide to the First Homes scheme right here!

Shared Ownership

Another alternative to Help to Buy for prospective buyers is the Shared Ownership scheme. Shared Ownership allows buyers to purchase a share of a property and rent the remaining share of the property from a landlord or housing association. As a part-owner, you’ll only pay a mortgage for the part of the property you own, meaning you’ll also pay a lower deposit. You can also increase your share of the property over time, using an approach called ‘staircasing’. Just like the First Homes scheme, we’ve got a full guide right here if you’re interested in learning more about Shared Ownership.

Help to Build

Don’t want to buy a home, but would rather build it yourself? Then help is at hand via the Help to Build scheme. Launched on 27 June 2022, the scheme allows you to build your own home and secure a loan with the government for up to 95% of its value. I.e.: you only need a minimum 5% deposit and the rest is covered, up to a total home value of £600,000. While building your own home might sound daunting, it could be a vital alternative to buying an existing if you can’t secure a more traditional mortgage loan.

Private home buying assistance schemes

With the end of Help to Buy, some private businesses are starting to offer alternative schemes to help people get on the property ladder. Fable is a new scheme offering support to house hunters.

You can apply to Fable and if you meet their criteria, start searching for your new home that fits the budget they’ve approved. If your preferred home is eligible, Fable can buy the property for you. Over the next two years, Fable gives you the chance to build up a deposit to buy the house from them, or you can move out and cash in your savings.

Labour’s New “Freedom to Buy” Mortgage Scheme

During its successful election campaign, the Labour Party promised that it would introduce a new housing policy, called the Freedom to Buy Scheme. The plan is designed to help 80,000 young people get onto the housing ladder by acting as a guarantor for those who can’t afford a large deposit.

Essentially, it is very similar in purpose and design to the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme, though this is supposedly going to be a permanent offering, while the current scheme is only temporary. Additionally, the new scheme is going to offer “more comprehensive assistance” to buyers, though details have been slim. At the time of updating this article (September 2024) no new details have been given by the sitting Labour Government.


HomeViews is the only independent review platform for residential developments in the UK. Prospective buyers and tenants use it to make an informed decision on where to live based on insights from carefully verified resident reviews. Part of Rightmove since February 2024, we’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to give residents a voice, recognise high performers and to help improve standards across the industry.



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