With urban regeneration breathing new life into this historical part of London, what is Barking like today? What can buyers and renters expect when they look east in search of affordable property? Come find out, as we tour the top-rated new build homes in Barking.
New build homes in Barking: 10 highest rated developments
The following are the top 10 best rated new build homes in Barking. As always with HomeViews, this list is determined by the scores given on verified reviews from actual residents.
*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.
Jumping up from 5th place to 1st in recent months, Abbeville Apartments is a residential development of much interest to Barking-bound renters. There are one, two and three-bedroom apartments here – all rental only. Close by is Barking train station, which means easy access for residents to the town’s Overground, National Rail and District line services.
Read reviews and details of Abbeville Apartments, IG11
Taking the number 2 spot, Apo Barking is a development situated on the banks of the River Roding and opposite Abbey Park. It features a range of studios, and 1 and 2-bed apartments. Residents can choose from a range of flexible leases and apartment upgrades. In addition, they can access plenty of amenities and facilities on site. These include an exclusive onsite gym, The Barking Local, a co-working and lounge space as well as The Hub, the Apo HQ where residents can get help with any day-to-day stuff. There’s also a members’ roof terrace on the 7th floor. Residents can also manage their home and membership through the Apo app.
Read reviews and details of Apo Barking, IG11
The bronze medal goes to Discover Apartments, a development by Country & Metropolitan, which features 254 residential units with a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments alongside a canoe club. The development is situated alongside the River Roding and Barking station is only a 17-minute walk away, with connections to the Overground and c2c rail services into Central London.
Read reviews and details of Discover Apartments, IG11
Simple Life’s offering at Fresh Wharf takes 4th place in Barking. It has a mix of 77 build-to-rent properties. The one and two-bedroom apartments are fully furnished and pet-friendly. This gives residents more renter-friendly options in this prime development that’s only 20 minutes from Canary Wharf.
Read reviews and details of Simple Life London at Fresh Wharf, IG11
In 5th we have the Fresh Wharf development itself. Situated on the Barking waterfront, it’s a new mixed-use community with a highly desirable location with direct links to the City and beyond.
Read reviews and details of Fresh Wharf, IG11
In 6th place, Barking Central is a joint venture development between Redrow Homes and Galliard Homes. It comprises 272 one and two-bedroom apartments and three-bed homes. In addition, the development is conveniently located in the centre of Barking. Barking station is also close by. Residents have access to a variety of Underground, Overground and National Rail Services. Futhermore, in 2011, Barking Central received a RIBA Award for architectural excellence.
Read reviews and details of Barking Central, IG11
7th place goes to Rivermill Lofts, a development by Weston Homes, comprising 118 residential units with a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments. The development is adjacent to the River Roding and only a 12-minute walk away from Barking station, which has connections to the Overground and c2c train services.
Read reviews and details of Rivermill Lofts, IG11
Next up, L&Q are offering a range of private rental homes at Barking Riverside, which is set to be the new ‘Barcelona on the Thames’. The site itself runs along 2km of south-facing Thames river frontage, offering excellent views and river breezes. In addition, residents can benefit from the area becoming a vibrant neighbourhood extended well past 10,000 homes.
Read reviews and details of Barking Riverside, IG11
In 9th we have Weavers Quarter, another L&Q development built in partnership with London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. It offers 421 apartments and located within a new district in central Barking, where residents can reach Liverpool Street in 22 minutes.
Read reviews and details of Weavers Quarter, IG11
Rounding off the list for Barking, L&Q also have a range of private rental homes at Barking Riverside. The development is one of the most exciting placemaking projects in Europe. Barking Riverside will transform a former industrial site along the River Thames into a new London district. As well as this, the site is alongside 2km of south facing Thames river frontage. In addition, residents can benefit from the area becoming a vibrant neighbourhood of over 10,000 homes.
Read reviews and details of L&Q at Barking Riverside Private Rental, IG11
Where is Barking?
Barking is a town and wider segment of the Barking and Dagenham borough of East London. It straddles the A13 and extends right down to the River Thames, which serves as its southern border.
Why live in Barking?
Barking has some stiff competition locally, in the form of neighbouring Greenwich and Bexley. However, the western half of this East London borough is a definite up-and-comer, thanks to its designation as a priority urban regeneration recipient.
You can already see how this influx of investment has changed Barking. The town centre, which was finished in 2007, is now a thriving hotspot for festivals, outdoor events and smart shops. Then there’s the ongoing Barking Riverside regeneration scheme. This is a major effort to revitalise the southern end of Barking, in the form of the largest housing development in east London, with planning permission for up to 10,800 new homes and masses of local facilities. Already, the area has over half a billion pounds of new transport links, communal infrastructure and modern new build homes to show for it. Once finished, this ‘Barcelona on the Thames’ will be a sight to behold.
This pattern of development plays to Barking’s existing strengths. It is a well-connected part of London, with solid transport links heading both east and west. It’s also a thriving residential area that continues to provide new job opportunities and that rare unicorn in London – affordable housing!
So, if you’re looking to get on the property ladder without breaking the bank, Barking is a solid bet. It has excellent commuter prospects and the area is on the up and up. What’s not to like?
Transport in Barking
Barking has District Line and the Hammersmith & City Line Underground connections, and heading into Central London takes less than 30 minutes. There’s also a brand-new overground station opening at Barking Riverside, with train services due to open in Autumn 2022.
As well as extensive bus services, Barking residents can get around in the car very easily for London. The A12 and A13 are excellent roads that connect Barking with the rest of the borough and lead right into the heart of the capital.
Barking property prices
Barking’s average house price for December 2024 was £356,000, according to Rightmove. This borough-wide average but it shows just how affordable it is to buy new builds in Barking. This is £152,000 less than the recorded London house price average of £508,000 for December 2023. That’s concrete proof that Barking is one of the best places in the capital to hunt for affordable homes.
Not only is the Barking average house price comparatively low, there are also numerous help-to-buy and affordable rent schemes operating here. In 2012, the borough council set up Reside, an affordable housing company that lets out new build homes in Barking and Dagenham for 65% to 80% of the market rate.
Hopefully, this guide has given you at least some idea of the potential offered by Barking. The whole area is undergoing a major transformation, so make sure you head back to check what’s happening in the Barking new build homes market in the coming months.
If you want to know more about what it’s like to live in Barking, check out our area guide below.
London’s largest regeneration scheme, Barking is something of a work-in-progress. For instance, project milestones include a brand-new town centre completed in 2007, as well as an ongoing riverside neighbourhood that’ll be packed with restaurants and shops when complete. But where are the best places Read more about Barking
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.
New homes in Cambridgeshire command plenty of interest – and it’s no wonder. Famous for its university, the county around the city also combines beautiful fenland, cathedral towns and medieval markets, creating an atmosphere of charm and culture. But which new build developments offer the most bang for your buck? Let’s find out who made our Top 10 – according to verified residents on HomeViews.
NOTE: We recently expanded this list from a Top 10 to a Top 15 ranking of the best Cambridgeshire has to offer. This is based on the widening range of tp-notch new developments to buy and rent across the county. Happy hunting!
New build homes in Cambridgeshire: Top 15 developments
New builds in Cambridgeshire are popular for professionals and families alike. But which development will suit your unique needs and lifestyle? Our frequently updated Top 15 explores the highest-reviewed sites in the area, empowering you to make the right choice.
*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.
Top spot for Cambridgeshire goes to Rayners Green, a joint venture development by Hill and Scotsdale Garden Centre. Rayners Green offers two, three and four bedroom houses in the thriving village of Fordham. It is located in an active community with a variety of restaurants and schools. Additionally, there are great road links in all directions, as well as lots of green space around.
Read reviews and details of Rayners Green, CB7
In 2nd, we have Crossway Gardens, located just a mile away from the picturesque village of Grantchester, which is infamous for its beautiful meadows, a plethora of pubs, and punting on the River Cam. This development boasts 61 stylish apartments with the opportunity to enjoy everything about city life.
Read reviews and details of Crossway Gardens, CB2
In 3rd place, Hampton Lakes lies in Hampton Vale, which boasts a host of amenities as well as a vibrant neighbourhood and Peterborough’s excellent transport links. Nearby, you’ll find a good range of shops, schools, local walks for the dog and play areas for kids.
Residents say that “Cala homes are beautifully designed and made with high ceilings and lots of natural light” and that the design of the development has been well thought out to include open spaces with park facilities. Most properties have parking for more than one car and there is visitor parking too.
Read reviews and details of Cala at Hampton Lakes, PE7
4th place in Cambridgeshire belongs to Marleigh, a joint venture from Hill and Marshall. Located three miles east of Cambridge city centre, Marleigh offers a brand-new community of three and four-bedroom homes, surrounded by green space. As well as a community of new homes there is a supermarket, a nursery, on-site facilities, community centre, café and office space. Marleigh also introduces a primary school, sports pitches and allotments, while the meadows and water features of Gregory Park run through it, with Kingsley Woods at its edge.
Read reviews and details of Marleigh, CB5
Our 5th ranking belongs to Pear Tree Gardens, located in the village of Balsham, 10 miles east of Cambridge. The village is also ideally located to the M11, offering direct access to Stanstead Airport and East London. The village is home to a primary school, post office and two pubs!
Read reviews and details of Pear Tree Gardens, CB21
Claiming 6th place, Knights Park is an award-winning new development of beautifully-designed, modern homes in Eddington. From light and airy apartments to luxury large villas, Knights Park is designed for all stages of life and offers a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
One resident waxed lyrical about the estate’s quiet and safe wildlife friendly atmosphere, the lovely walks, including Brook Leys with its world-class sculptures, and the clever underground bin system. People also love Dulcedo, an ‘amazing bakery’ in the square.
Read reviews and details of Knights Park, CB3
Brampton Park, by Linden Homes, sits in the Cambridgeshire countryside – and in 7th position. Brampton has a host of amenities, such as shops, restaurants, country parks and a golf course. The development offers three, four and five-bedroom houses for sale, which are designed to be spacious and flexible family homes with capacity for your home office or workspace.
One resident told us that the estate is ‘quite idyllic’ and ‘well presented and looked after’. It’s also surrounded by trees and green spaces, with plenty of playgrounds for young children to enjoy.
Read reviews and details of Brampton Park, PE28
Chapter House is a newcomer to this list, currently sitting in 8th place. The development is situated 1-mile from Cambridge city centre, and is the first phase of Vertex Living’s new neighbourhood, Howes Green. The development offers 68 luxury apartments to rent in Cambridge and can come fully furnished with interiors and WiFi included.
Read reviews and details of Chapter House, CB3
In 9th place, Warboys offers both a peaceful countryside setting and an easy commute to Cambridge and London. Close to the A1 and A14, Warboys benefits from excellent transport links up and down the country.
Residents say Warboys is a great village to live in and comes with pubs, a pharmacy, and a good local shop. It’s also near Huntingdon, St Ives, and Ramsey, so anything you need lies within striking distance. There are good local public footpaths too, one of which goes through woodland.
Read reviews and details of Warboys, PE28
Roman’s Edge is located on the edge of the town go Godmanchester, and surrounded by countryside. A selection of shops are within walking distance as well as the A14 providing easy access to Cambridge which is just under 20 miles away. A deserving entry to the Top 10.
Read reviews and details of Roman’s Edge, PE29
Cambridgeshire’s 11th best -ranked development is Crown Place, a collection of traditionally designed homes, located within a a new community with good local schools. The development offers 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes.
Read reviews and details of Crown Place, PE28
Next up, in 12th we have Ironworks from The Hill Group. This is a popular new development within Central Cambridge situated just off the spine of Mill Road.
One happy resident says: “I really like the layout and design of the development. I like how it has underground parking as this is very useful and saves space on the road. Parks are great for families with children. Great location of the development with close proximity to city centre.”
Read reviews and details of Ironworks, CB1
In 13th place, and bordering open countryside, Meridian Fields is a new development of 98 homes in the village of Hardwick. Located just five miles away from Cambridge, it offers a range of properties from two bedroom houses and bungalows to large detached five-bedroom houses.
Read reviews and details of Meridian Fields, CB23
Oakthorpe takes the penultimate spot on our list. This is a collection of new properties ranging from one and two bedroom apartments to three and four bedroom houses. Oakthorpe is situated in the cathedral city of Peterborough, which boasts a variety of attractions and amenities.
Read reviews and details of Oakthorpe, PE3
Finally, rounding off the Top 15 we have Northstowe, which is ideally located less than 10 miles from Cambridge and only 12 miles from Huntingdon. It has excellent commuter links, with the A14 and M11 minutes away.
Read reviews and details of Northstowe, CB24
Where is Cambridgeshire?
So, where is Cambridgeshire? A county in the East of England, its most notable settlements include the county town of Cambridge, the cathedral cities of Peterborough and Ely and the market town of Huntington. The region borders Lincolnshire to the north, Norfolk to the north-east and Suffolk to the east. Essex and Hertfordshire lie to the south, with Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire to the west.
Living in Cambridgeshire
Cambridgeshire’s characterful and historic towns and cities often claim a spot in the Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live guide. Why? Let’s start in Ely – one of the country’s smallest cities. Here, period homes and a riverside setting promote an air of quiet beauty, while lantern towers grant romantic views of the county’s wetlands.
In the green-belt ringed county town of Cambridge, you’ll discover an intellectual’s paradise. The town’s status revolves around its prestigious medieval university, where student life intermingles with the modern bars, restaurants, and shops serving the wider community. It’s also home to some lovely parks, a botanical garden, and a river famous for its idyllic punting scenes.
However, Cambridgeshire is not all about the weekend. The growing local economy is doing well, contributing £22bn to the UK. Since 2009, employment in the area has also been on the rise, supporting hubs for artificial intelligence, life sciences, food production and advanced manufacturing. Anglia Ruskin University and The Open University have campuses in the county too, so whether you’re looking for a world-class education or a new career, Cambridgeshire has plenty to offer.
You can also explore the county’s wartime history in your downtime, symbolised by the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial. Alternatively, let your cares float away at the Cambridge Folk Festival, roam 254.5 hectares at Wicken Fen, visit Peterborough’s Norman cathedral, or jump in the car for a day trip to AONB coastlines in neighbouring Norfolk and Suffolk.
“The local economy is doing well, contributing £22bn to the UK”
Transport in Cambridgeshire
Cambridgeshire has excellent road links connecting its towns and cities to the wider country. The M11 provides a direct route from Cambridge to the M25 and Central London. Meanwhile, the A1(M) cuts through the county’s western side in its journey from London to Peterborough. Travel east to west via the A14 or use the other main A-roads to quickly reach the region’s largest settlements.
Cambridgeshire also lies within easy commuting distance of London and Essex. From Cambridge train station, services run to London Liverpool Street in 70–90 minutes. Besides this, Kings Cross is reachable in as little as 50 minutes, with St. Pancras International just over an hour by rail.
Cambridgeshire property prices
According to recent Rightmove data, the average price for property in Cambridgeshire currently stands at £364,000 (December 2024). In terms of property types, flats achieved an average of £228,000, with terraced houses going for around £305,000. Semi-detached homes were a little more expensive at £325,000, while detached properties sold for about £479,000 on average.
According to Home.co.uk, the average rental price for a property in the area is £1,580 PCM. On the smaller end of the scale, one-bedroom homes currently cost £1,380 PCM. This rises to £2,500 PCM for a five-bedroom house. These figures fluctuate daily, but they give a rough indication of what rentals can achieve in the county.
So, are you intrigued by our round-up of the best new build homes in Cambridgeshire? Our dedicated area guide will help you explore the pros and cons of each development. Simply click the link below to narrow down your options.
AREA GUIDE
Cambridgeshire is a county in the East of England. It borders Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. The centre of Cambridgeshire is Cambridge, which has one of the largest populations in the country with just over 100,000 people living there. If you are looking for an Read more about Cambridgeshire
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.
Sitting pretty on the south coast, Southampton is a regular favourite for holidaymakers and property shoppers. If you’re in the second group, come check out some of the best new build homes in Southampton. How do we know they’re worth a look? The list is determined by the opinions that matter most – those of the residents themselves!
New builds in Southampton: 5 best developments
Why not take a look at some of the best new homes in Southampton? These are the top-ranked property developments, according to verified residents living there. Nobody knows Southampton better than the people who call it home, so let’s see why they have to say.
*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 – as on our area guide pages.
Our number one development on HomeViews for Southampton is Gatehouse Apartments. Scoring highly across all categories, this is a development of build-to-rent apartments by Grainger, located close to the city centre. This gives residents easy access to everything Southampton has to offer, but with plenty of space for themselves. Residents love the modern, stylish design, which many liken to a great hotel.
Read reviews and details of Gatehouse Apartments, SO14
Bow Square takes the number 2 spot on our list. Interestingly, this was the first Build-to-Rent development in Hampshire, and it lives up to the best elements of the BtR concept. Residents here benefit from premium lifestyle amenities, as well as on-site management and outdoor spaces.
Read reviews and details of Market Quarter, SO14
In 3rd place, Centenary Quay by Crest Nicholson sits in a new waterside development, giving residents beautiful views as well as space and peaceable surroundings. Centenary Quay offers a range of smart, well planned and furnished 1-2-bedroom apartments. As well as the great waterside views, residents benefit from a huge selection of amenities on their doorstep. Many of the flats are also available with the Government-backed Help to Buy scheme.
Read reviews and details of Centenary Quay, SO19
4th place goes to Kingfisher Grange, by Taylor Wimpey, which is in Bursledon, towards the eastern edge of Southampton. The development offers a range of 2-5-bedroom homes, all surrounded by beautiful Hampshire countryside, while still close to the city centre and all its activities.
Read reviews and details of Kingfisher Grange, SO31
To round off our list, Meridian Waterside is in 5th place. Coming from Indland Homes, this is a luxury apartment development that’s being delivered in phases, and features a growing range of properties, from penthouse apartments with spectacular views, to family homes with space to grow. All of them are situated on the River Itchen waterfront. This gives residents beautiful riverside views, as well as an expanding range of ultra-modern facilities and features, such as super-fast WiFi, podium terrace garden, gym, cycle storage and much more.
Read reviews and details of Meridian Waterside, SO14
Where is Southampton?
Southampton is a major port city located on the coast of South East England, in the county of Hampshire. It’s a good 70 miles southwest of London, and not far from Portsmouth, another storied coastal city.
Why live in Southampton?
Southampton regularly features in ‘top places to live’ type lists for England and the UK (sixth-best, according to PwC!). And it’s not hard to see why.
Firstly, its location is enviable. It has great access to London by road and rail, as well as the best hotspots on the south coast. It’s also nestled right between two scenic wonders – South Downs National Park and the New Forest. Plus, Southampton has its own international airport, if none of that appeals!
As for the city itself, Southampton has a fascinating history, which is does well to maintain and show off to residents and visitors alike. Tudor House, Solent Sky, and SeaCity are just three examples of great museums within the city centre. There’s also the medieval town walls, the Norman-era St Michael’s Church and literally dozens more sites of historical importance to explore. Southampton also has the dubious honour of having launched the Titanic on its fateful voyage.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that Southampton’s best days are behind it though. They aren’t. The city routinely ranks high for job opportunities, excellent healthcare and education services, and its expansive retail, dining and entertainment scenes. These are supported and enriched by the city’s two main universities, Solent University and the University of Southampton. The latter is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities globally and carries out world-leading research.
Add in vast green spaces – like the 326 acre Commons in the heart of the city – amazing musical and theatre venues and sports teams, and you have a city with great appeal for everyone.
What are average property prices in Southampton like?
Sadly, all of these advantages come at a price. Southampton is, on average, a significantly more expensive place to buy property, compared to the rest of the UK. In December 2024, the 12-month average house price for Southampton stood at £279,000, according to Rightmove.
This is £6,000 lower than the UK housing price average, as recorded by the ONS in December 2023. This may still be a little pricey, but Southampton’s property market is also varied and dynamic. This means that even though you shouldn’t expect to find too many bargains here, there are good prospects for more affordable properties. That’s if you play your cards right, have good timing, and enjoy a little bit of luck!
If Southampton sounds appealing, check out our dedicated area guide below. Here you’ll find plenty of extra info on one of the most interesting cities in the South East. Check back on this list regularly to find new homes in Southampton and updated rankings.
Southampton has long been a popular destination for visitors and home buyers alike. The city is well-known for its cultural heritage, with attractions such as the Tudor House Museum, Southampton Maritime Museum and National Motor Museum providing insight into its history. This guide provides Read more about Southampton
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.
Have you written a review and need to claim your ‘thank you’ voucher? See below for a step-by-step guide, and how to get more help if you need it.
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Yes, vouchers do expire on the date shown. After this date you are no longer able to access them.
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.
Have you written a review and need to claim your ‘thank you’ voucher? See below for a step-by-step guide, and how to get more help if you need it.
1. Check email
You will receive an email from us that includes a link to claim your voucher. If you don’t see the email, check your junk or spam folder.
2. Click link
Click the link in the email. You will then be asked to type in your email address to confirm your identify.
3. Claim voucher
After typing your email address, click the ‘Claim voucher’ button to reveal your unique voucher code.
4. Spend
Copy the voucher code and spend it on the website shown.
FAQs
I’ve lost the code. Can I see it again?
Yes. If you have already claimed your voucher and need to view the code again, just click the link in the email again and follow the instructions above.
Do the vouchers expire?
Yes, vouchers do expire on the date shown. After this date you are no longer able to access them.
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.
Whether you want the big city lights of Manchester and Liverpool, the idyllic charms of the Lake District, or something in between, North West England can likely provide it. Explore this diverse and appealing part of the country with us, as we review some of the best new homes in North West England.
New homes in North West England: Top 10 best developments
If the idea of house hunting in the North West appeals, the following list can be a starting point. You can find the 10 top-ranked property developments for the region listed on HomeViews. As always, we determine this list purely based on the scores given by verified reviewers. This gives you an entirely informed opinion in each case.
*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.
At the time of writing, Erie Dock Apartments (Eda for short) is the top of the table for the North West with an incredible 4.99 overall rating. From parcel signing to private dining, workplace to WiFi, Eda’s developers claim that it’s “all sorted for you”. All Eda’s furnished apartments include king size beds with ottoman storage, corner sofas and TV units to name a few.
Read reviews and details of Eda, M50
In at 2nd place, The James Liverpool is a vibrant community located in the heart of the city on James Street. The new development serves as a place for big thinkers and game changers to live, work, and socialise, while they pursue their big and bold goals. The James offers everything necessary for modern living under one roof, including spaces for focus, a quiet five minutes, or conversation with others.
All of the fully furnished studios are private and have access to shared communal spaces situated on the first floor, and all on-site amenities. Residents also benefit from a gym, laundry facilities, high speed Internet, an outdoor terrace, and an active social calendar.
Read reviews and details of The James Liverpool, L2
We’re staying in Liverpool for 3rd-placed The Keel. This build-to-rent development managed by Allsop, sits in Queen’s Dock. Comprising 240 apartments overlooking the River Mersey, residents benefit from onsite concierge and a private residents’ gym. As well as this, the development is pet-friendly and has access to a wide variety of transport links.
Read reviews and details of The Keel, L3
Hitting number 4 for the North West is Vox, managed by Allsop. The development is located just off the A56, opposite St George’s Park and between the Old Trafford and Hulme areas of Manchester. This puts it a short journey from the city centre. Vox offers a collection of 1,2 and 3-bed apartments. In addition to underbuilding parking, there is also storage for over 280 bikes. These are monitored by CCTV and stored behind fob-operated doors. Other facilities include a gym, roof terrace and residents’ lounge.
Read reviews and details of Vox, M15
In 5th, The Castings offers studio, 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments in Manchester’s newest neighbourhood, Piccadilly East. Residents benefit from top-notch amenities ranging from 3 roof terraces, complete with wraparound views of Manchester, to a high-spec gym and studio space with 24/7 virtual classes. Additionally, there are 2 social lounges, a cinema room, bookable private dining room and a working hub with meeting rooms and private booths.
Read reviews and details of The Castings, M1
In 6th, The Trilogy is located in the heart of Castlefield in Manchester and it has access to a good variety of transport links for exploring the city and wider county. Deansgate is a three-minute tram journey, whilst Cornbrook Metrolink Station is a three-minute walk away. In addition, MediaCityUK is a 12-minute commute. The development comprises 232 pet-friendly 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments. Residents have access to a wide range of facilities, including a fully equipped gym as well as a landscaped communal garden. Likewise, the building provides a 24-hour on-property concierge service.
Read reviews and details of The Trilogy, M15
Ranked 7th is Chapel Wharf by Dandara Living, which sits right in the heart of Manchester. Offering a range of studios to 3-bed apartments, residents benefit from a pet-friendly policy, an onsite gym as well as car/bike parking. In addition, there is a courtyard, a library and a residents’ lounge called The Gallery. Additionally, the development is just moments away from Manchester’s famous cultural, shopping and entertainment scenes.
Read reviews and details of Chapel Wharf, M3
Number 8 goes to Duet, adjacent to the bustling MediaCityUK on the waterfront in Salford Quays. There’s wide range of local amenities here, 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
At 9th place we have The Green Rooms, managed by AmroLiving, offers a range of 1-3-bedroom apartments for rent, all with outstanding waterside views and access to a residents’ gym, bike storage and other on-site facilities. The Green Rooms is also just a few minutes’ walk from a wide variety of transport links and amenities, and is pet friendly.
Read reviews and details of The Green Rooms MediaCityUK, M50
Finishing the list for the North West is Poplin, which 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
Which areas cover the North West?
The North West region of England is bordered by Scotland to the north, Yorkshire to the east, and the Midlands to the south. County-wise, the North West contains Lancashire, Cumbria, Cheshire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester.
Why live in the North West of England?
As a region, the North West of England is starkly beautiful. It has stunning coastline areas, the Scottish and Welsh borderlands, and the Lake District – one of the UK’s most picturesque areas.
There’s also plenty of opportunity in the North West. Manchester, Liverpool and other cosmopolitan urban hubs are constantly supporting the growth of new jobs, industries and homes across the region. From young professionals to top executives, the North West holds plenty of promise for exciting career advancement opportunities.
Quality of life is another frequently cited benefit of moving to the North West of England. Communities across the region are known for their friendliness, making it easy to slip into the lifestyle here.
Finally, the North West offers excellent value for money, whether you’re buying or renting, as the next section shows.
What are North West England property prices like?
At the time of writing (December 2024) the North West average property price stood at just over £243,000, according to Rightmove. This is a fair chunk more than you’ll find in the North East (roughly £191,000). However, the North West is still extremely competitive in this regard, since the country-wide average for England is £302,000.
If you’re looking to buy flats in North West England, expect to pay around £158,000. Broadly expect about £172,000 for terraced houses.
As for renting in North West England, rates vary greatly across the different counties and cities. Liverpool’s average monthly rent is £895 while for Manchester it’s £1,350 per calendar month. Rural areas typically remain decidedly cheaper.
If you’d like to dig a little deeper into the North West as a property prospect, check out our area guide below. This will give you extra background information on the region, plus dozens of developments that are constantly being updated.
North West England is one England’s nine official regions. It is made up of Lancashire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside. This corner of the UK is its third most-populated region, with Manchester and Liverpool its two principal cities. Read more about North West England
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.
With urban regeneration breathing new life into this historical part of London, what is Barking like today? What can buyers and renters expect when they look east in search of affordable property? Come find out, as we tour the top-rated new build homes in Barking.
New build homes in Barking: 10 highest rated developments
The following are the top 10 best rated new build homes in Barking. As always with HomeViews, this list is determined by the scores given on verified reviews from actual residents.
*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.
Jumping up from 5th place to 1st in recent months, Abbeville Apartments is a residential development of much interest to Barking-bound renters. There are one, two and three-bedroom apartments here – all rental only. Close by is Barking train station, which means easy access for residents to the town’s Overground, National Rail and District line services.
Read reviews and details of Abbeville Apartments, IG11
Taking the number 2 spot, Apo Barking is a development situated on the banks of the River Roding and opposite Abbey Park. It features a range of studios, and 1 and 2-bed apartments. Residents can choose from a range of flexible leases and apartment upgrades. In addition, they can access plenty of amenities and facilities on site. These include an exclusive onsite gym, The Barking Local, a co-working and lounge space as well as The Hub, the Apo HQ where residents can get help with any day-to-day stuff. There’s also a members’ roof terrace on the 7th floor. Residents can also manage their home and membership through the Apo app.
Read reviews and details of Apo Barking, IG11
The bronze medal goes to Discover Apartments, a development by Country & Metropolitan, which features 254 residential units with a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments alongside a canoe club. The development is situated alongside the River Roding and Barking station is only a 17-minute walk away, with connections to the Overground and c2c rail services into Central London.
Read reviews and details of Discover Apartments, IG11
Simple Life’s offering at Fresh Wharf takes 4th place in Barking. It has a mix of 77 build-to-rent properties. The one and two-bedroom apartments are fully furnished and pet-friendly. This gives residents more renter-friendly options in this prime development that’s only 20 minutes from Canary Wharf.
Read reviews and details of Simple Life London at Fresh Wharf, IG11
In 5th we have the Fresh Wharf development itself. Situated on the Barking waterfront, it’s a new mixed-use community with a highly desirable location with direct links to the City and beyond.
Read reviews and details of Fresh Wharf, IG11
In 6th place, Barking Central is a joint venture development between Redrow Homes and Galliard Homes. It comprises 272 one and two-bedroom apartments and three-bed homes. In addition, the development is conveniently located in the centre of Barking. Barking station is also close by. Residents have access to a variety of Underground, Overground and National Rail Services. Futhermore, in 2011, Barking Central received a RIBA Award for architectural excellence.
Read reviews and details of Barking Central, IG11
7th place goes to Rivermill Lofts, a development by Weston Homes, comprising 118 residential units with a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments. The development is adjacent to the River Roding and only a 12-minute walk away from Barking station, which has connections to the Overground and c2c train services.
Read reviews and details of Rivermill Lofts, IG11
Next up, L&Q are offering a range of private rental homes at Barking Riverside, which is set to be the new ‘Barcelona on the Thames’. The site itself runs along 2km of south-facing Thames river frontage, offering excellent views and river breezes. In addition, residents can benefit from the area becoming a vibrant neighbourhood extended well past 10,000 homes.
Read reviews and details of Barking Riverside, IG11
In 9th we have Weavers Quarter, another L&Q development built in partnership with London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. It offers 421 apartments and located within a new district in central Barking, where residents can reach Liverpool Street in 22 minutes.
Read reviews and details of Weavers Quarter, IG11
Rounding off the list for Barking, L&Q also have a range of private rental homes at Barking Riverside. The development is one of the most exciting placemaking projects in Europe. Barking Riverside will transform a former industrial site along the River Thames into a new London district. As well as this, the site is alongside 2km of south facing Thames river frontage. In addition, residents can benefit from the area becoming a vibrant neighbourhood of over 10,000 homes.
Read reviews and details of L&Q at Barking Riverside Private Rental, IG11
Where is Barking?
Barking is a town and wider segment of the Barking and Dagenham borough of East London. It straddles the A13 and extends right down to the River Thames, which serves as its southern border.
Why live in Barking?
Barking has some stiff competition locally, in the form of neighbouring Greenwich and Bexley. However, the western half of this East London borough is a definite up-and-comer, thanks to its designation as a priority urban regeneration recipient.
You can already see how this influx of investment has changed Barking. The town centre, which was finished in 2007, is now a thriving hotspot for festivals, outdoor events and smart shops. Then there’s the ongoing Barking Riverside regeneration scheme. This is a major effort to revitalise the southern end of Barking, in the form of the largest housing development in east London, with planning permission for up to 10,800 new homes and masses of local facilities. Already, the area has over half a billion pounds of new transport links, communal infrastructure and modern new build homes to show for it. Once finished, this ‘Barcelona on the Thames’ will be a sight to behold.
This pattern of development plays to Barking’s existing strengths. It is a well-connected part of London, with solid transport links heading both east and west. It’s also a thriving residential area that continues to provide new job opportunities and that rare unicorn in London – affordable housing!
So, if you’re looking to get on the property ladder without breaking the bank, Barking is a solid bet. It has excellent commuter prospects and the area is on the up and up. What’s not to like?
Transport in Barking
Barking has District Line and the Hammersmith & City Line Underground connections, and heading into Central London takes less than 30 minutes. There’s also a brand-new overground station opening at Barking Riverside, with train services due to open in Autumn 2022.
As well as extensive bus services, Barking residents can get around in the car very easily for London. The A12 and A13 are excellent roads that connect Barking with the rest of the borough and lead right into the heart of the capital.
Barking property prices
Barking’s average house price for December 2024 was £356,000, according to Rightmove. This borough-wide average but it shows just how affordable it is to buy new builds in Barking. This is £152,000 less than the recorded London house price average of £508,000 for December 2023. That’s concrete proof that Barking is one of the best places in the capital to hunt for affordable homes.
Not only is the Barking average house price comparatively low, there are also numerous help-to-buy and affordable rent schemes operating here. In 2012, the borough council set up Reside, an affordable housing company that lets out new build homes in Barking and Dagenham for 65% to 80% of the market rate.
Hopefully, this guide has given you at least some idea of the potential offered by Barking. The whole area is undergoing a major transformation, so make sure you head back to check what’s happening in the Barking new build homes market in the coming months.
If you want to know more about what it’s like to live in Barking, check out our area guide below.
London’s largest regeneration scheme, Barking is something of a work-in-progress. For instance, project milestones include a brand-new town centre completed in 2007, as well as an ongoing riverside neighbourhood that’ll be packed with restaurants and shops when complete. But where are the best places Read more about Barking
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.
