Characterful, close to central London and featuring a lovely mix of East End colour and general convenience, it’s Bow. Sitting pretty in Zone 2, Bow is a fascinating mix of historic London stories and renewed prospects. If you’re looking to find the best places to live in Bow, our reviews can give you some great places to start.

10 best places to live in Bow

Let’s dive right into Bow and dig out its top-rated developments. As always, this list of the best places to live in Bow has been determined entirely by the ratings of the residents who have submitted their scores to HomeViews. Verified by us, we can share with you the real opinions of the people who live in Bow. More importantly, they can guide you to the best property spots in the area.

*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.

A new entry in Bow, and straight into top spot, it’s Riverstone Heights. This rental development by Way of Life is located on the banks of the River Lea. With a rooftop terrace mid-barbecue, a private lounge and dining room, the development is an elegant home in the heart of east London. Alongside thoughtfully designed apartments, the building’s first floor is dedicated to co-working; with meeting rooms, phone booths and a kitchen for residents. Residents can take meetings, or find a quiet corner to catch-up on their to-do list. Superfast WIFI and our on-site resident hosts are also included.

Read reviews and details of Riverstone Heights, E3

In at number two is Marner Point by Barratt London. This residential development is situated in Jefferson Plaza in Bow. Residents can enjoy access to a residents-only gym as well as a communal roof terrace. The development is moments away from Bromley-By-Bow Underground Station with links to the District and Hammersmith & City lines.

Read reviews and details of Marner Point, E3

Hitting number three on our list is Ivy Point, which is part of Barrett London’s St Andrew’s development. Residents particularly appreciate the good range of facilities, which include access to a 24-hour concierge service, gym and a communal roof terrace. The development itself is located only moments away from Bromley-by-Bow Underground stations with links to the District and Hammersmith & City lines. This means that Canary Wharf is less than 10 minutes away.

Read reviews and details of Ivy Point, E3

Taking fourth place in Bow is Fish Island Village, a joint venture development by Hill and Peabody. The development comprises a collection of one, two and three apartments. Located conveniently between the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Victoria Park, the development is less than a twenty-minute walk away from Westfield Stratford Shopping Centre. It’s also only a 12-minute walk away from Hackney Wick Overground station with connections to the Overground. This new community benefits from a concierge and a resident’s gym, which also has bespoke artwork, courtesy of local artist Xenz.

Read reviews and details of Fish Island Village, E3

Sitting in fifth place is Caspian Wharf, a new-build development made up of two sites divided by Violet Road in the centre. The properties are next to the Limehouse Cut and apartment sizes vary from studios to penthouses. Good transport links are enjoyed on both sides, as Landgon Park and Devons Road DLR stations are just over a five-minute walk away from Caspian Wharf, and Bromley-by-Bow Underground station is a 15-minute walk away.

Read reviews and details of Caspian Wharf, E3

In sixth place, this is another development that enjoys a great location both for enjoying local amenities and quick access to central London. St Paul’s Square is a Countryside development comprising 364 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments. Both Mile End and Bow Road station are less than 15 minutes’ walk away, with connections to the Central, District and Hammersmith & City lines.

Read reviews and details of St Paul’s Square, E3

Residents at Gunmakers rate their development highly. Located on the banks of the canal by Victoria Park, Gunmakers is a residential development by A2Dominion Rental Only. It features a range of family homes as well as a mix of studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Residents have a lot of praise for the design and useful layout of the flats, as well as the quality and variety of local amenities. Gunmakers is only moments away from Victoria Park and a 20-minute walk away from Hackney Wick Station.

Read reviews and details of Gunmakers by A2Dominion Rental Only, E3

Number eight goes to Bow Cross, a residential development comprising 1-2-bed apartments that have undergone a comprehensive refurbishment and get the thumbs up from residents. The development is located just outside the City of London, situated in between Bow Road and Bromley-by-the-Bow Stations. This means that residents enjoy quick links to the City, West End and Canary Wharf.

Read reviews and details of Bow Cross, E3

In ninth place is St Andrews, a residential development from the Greater London Authority and Circle Anglia, which offers 964 homes. Designed by Glenn Howells Architects, the development is a mix of smart new-build apartments and townhouses set around a courtyard area over six separate buildings in the heart of Bromley-by-Bow.

Read reviews and details of St Andrews, E3

Our final spot in the Top 10 for Bow is Merchants Walk, a Weston Williamson-designed development, featuring a selection of 154 one, two, three and four-bedroom homes. The development is located next to the Devons Road DLR station providing easy access to the City, Canary Wharf and Central London.

Read reviews and details of Merchants Walk, E3

Lock No.19, by L&Q, sits in Hackney Wick. This is located in the heart of East London’s newest creative quarter. The area is well known for its independent cafes, bars and warehouse pop up galleries that residents are able to enjoy. As well as this, locals benefit from living in an exciting location with popular […] Read reviews and details of Lock No 19, E3

St Clements is a development by Linden Homes Eastern, and comprises of one and two-bedroom apartments. Excellent public transport links come courtesy of Mile End Underground station, which is just under a five-minute walk away, and the development is a short stroll from Victoria Park Read reviews and details of St Clements, E3

Lime Quarter is a contemporary mixed-use development located in Bromley-by-Bow, London E3, created by Linden Homes. It features a variety of residential units, including 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, as well as exclusive 3 bedroom duplex penthouses, each designed with a contemporary style and modern amenities. Notably, Lime Quarter offers an on-site co-working area and […] Read reviews and details of Lime Quarter, E3

Omega Works is a popular development sitting on the corner the Hertford Canal and the River Lea, on what is known as Fish Island. Within a stone’s throw from the apartments are popular riverside cafes, bars and restaurants in the heart of Hackney Wick. The development is just a 5-minute walk to Hackney Wick station, […] Read reviews and details of Omega Works, E3

Sitting in 16th place for Bow is Bow River Village on the banks of the River Lea in East London. The development is a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes. This property sits minutes away from Bromley-by-Bow tube station, and is just a short walk from Westfield Stratford, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the neighbourhood of Hackney Wick. Bow River Village boasts a wide range of facilities such as on-site parking suitable for cars, mobility scooters and motorcycles. The property also has a 66-capacity bicycle stand within the landscaped gardens, as well as an additional on-site cycle store located in the secure basement for those who want to explore the Rive Lea’s towpath, or cycle into work (Victoria Park, Canary Wharf and Old Street can be reached on bicycle in 14-minutes, 16-minutes and 23-minutes, respectively).

Read reviews and details of Bow River Village, E3

The Foundry is a new-build residential development featuring 121 apartments on Monier Road in Fish Island, Hackney Wick, developed by Weston Homes Plc. The property’s one, two and three-bed apartments are less than a 20-minute walk from Hackney Wick train station, while Stratford station is walkable in around 25 minutes. Crossrail will improve transport links […] Read reviews and details of The Foundry, E3

Essence is a residential building in Bow E3, built in 2014 by Clarion Housing Group. It sits less than 10 minutes walk from three underground and rail stations, and is made up of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. Read reviews and details of Essence3, E3

A Higgins Homes development, Aqua Vista features a 13-storey tower, which comprises of 157 residential units with a range of studios and one, two, three, four and five-bedroom apartments. The development is adjacent to the Limehouse Cut and is less than a 20-minute walk away from Limehouse Rail and DLR station. Read reviews and details of Aqua Vista, E3

Bow East by L&Q comprises of forty 1, 2 and 3-bedroom Shared Ownership apartments. Completed in 2019, residents here benefit from private outdoor spaces, private communal courtyards and a children’s playground with CCTV. Bow East is just a 4-minute walk from Bow Church DLR station and an 8-minute walk from Bow Road tube station. Read reviews and details of L&Q at Bow East, E3

Living in Bow – old and new, side by side

London’s East End fosters incredibly strong communities to this day, and Bow is a prime example of this. It’s a delight to walk around, as Bow’s old conservation areas of beautiful Victorian and Georgian houses are clustered around a hive of new property development activity. With dozens of new sites springing up, offering thousands of new riverside homes, the old and new come together beautifully in Bow.

In terms of accessibility, Bow has a lot to offer. Canary Wharf and the City of London are both within easy biking distance. As for the Underground, there are plenty of Hammersmith & City and District Line connections, as well as the Central Line at Mile End.

If you’re looking for green spaces, Bow is home to Victoria Park, which is London’s oldest public park. There are plenty of other options too, such as Mile End Park and Grove Hall.

While Bow is attracting young professionals in greater numbers, there’s plenty that appeals to families too. Bow’s schools are generally either rated ‘Good’ or higher by Ofsted. Plus there’s a growing range of family-friendly restaurants and gastropubs opening up across the area.

What are property prices like in Bow?

While Bow is less than five miles from the centre of London, you won’t have to pay Central London prices. Average property prices in Bow stand at £496,500 for the 12 months to September 2024. This is significantly below the London average of £747,000. Flats tend to sell for around £428,000, while terraced, semi-detached and detached houses are, understandably, pricier at around the £900,000-£1,000,000 mark.

Want to know more about living in Bow is really like? Our area guide to Bow will show you more of the top spots to buy and rent. It also has more gems of knowledge about Bow’s history, transport links and wider community.

Bow embodies that fierce East End community spirit, while also being in close proximity to central London; so it’s a top choice for renting or buying if you want somewhere with lots of character that’s easily accessible. Read on to discover the developments that Read more about Bow

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.

On the cusp of London, Watford has a foot in the capital and one in the Hertfordshire countryside. This makes it prime territory for commuters and those looking for the best of both urban and rural lifestyles. See what we mean, as we reveal some of the best new homes in Watford – according to the people who live there.

Where is Watford?

Watford is one of the larger towns in Hertfordshire. A mere 15 miles northwest of London, it’s just off the M1 and inside the circuitous M25.

If you want to live within striking distance of London, but not actually in the capital, Watford is the ideal choice. Its outstanding road and rail links make it a natural base for enjoying London as well as nearby St Albans, Hemel Hampstead and the Chiltern Hills AONB. It’s also within Zone 7 for TfL services, so you can get into London Euston in under 20 minutes.

New homes in Watford: 5 best developments

If the thought of moving to Watford appeals, take a closer look at what’s on offer. The following list is composed entirely of the top-rated new homes in Watford listed on HomeViews and ranked solely on verified resident reviews. If you see anything you like, click on it for a dedicated listing, complete with all residents’ comments.

*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.

Our best ranked, and most commented on, development in Watford is The Quarters. This collection of short-term let apartments is situated in the heart of Watford’s central business district, a brief walk from Watford Junction Station. The Quarters Watford provides an ideal base for residents relying on a convenient, connected location, as Euston is accessible in as little as 14 minutes. There are 100 high-specification studios here, which all feature high-speed wireless internet access, television, kitchenette, laundry facilities and easy parking.

Read reviews and details of The Quarters Watford, WD17

Our second spot is something special, as Watford Riverwell is set to be the largest regeneration project in Watford when fully completed. Kier and Watford Borough Council have partnered together to create this scheme, which aims to turn 70 acres of land into a new community across several phases. The Woodlands are the first homes that have been built so far, along with riverside apartments set in the site’s southern area of the new Colne Island Park, all with very positive reception from those who have moved in.

Read reviews and details of Watford Riverwell, WD18

In third, South Oxhey Central by Countryside is adjacent to Carpenders Park Station. Residents here benefit from excellent local amenities and great transport links to London. As well as this, apartments come with private balconies and fitted wardrobes. Residents comments tell of their positive experience with the design and build quality of the flats here, which feature good soundproofing and plenty of natural light.

Read reviews and details of South Oxhey Central, WD19

In fourth, Lancaster Grange is a contemporary collection of 2 bedroom apartments and 3 & 4 bedroom houses in the desirable village of Bricket Wood. Residents here value the location and sleek, modern design of the properties overall.

Read reviews and details of Long Acres, WD18

Taking fifth place, Cortland Cassiobury is located near award-winning parks and gardens, ideally positioned for commuters with easy access to London, Watford station, and a few minutes’ drive from the A41 and M25. The apartments range from studios to penthouses, with thoughtful designs and high-quality finishes tailored for modern living. Residents benefit from balconies, views, regular events, superb amenities, including a fitness centre, business lounge, and club lounge, dining suites, cinema room, along with landscaped gardens with BBQ areas, play area, and a dog park.

Read reviews and details of Cortland Cassiobury, WD18

Why live in Watford?

Watford has a great offering in all the major factors that appeal to the majority of new home hunters. It combines a highly convenient location for UK travel and commuting with local assets including great schools, shopping, entertainment and green spaces. Rated in 2024 as the best place to live and work in the UK based on a number of metrics that contribute to overall growth prospects, Watford clearly has a lot to offer.

For families with school-aged children, Watford offers a high number of ‘outstanding’ rated schools and colleges. The majority of its remaining schools are ranked ‘good’.

Watford also has plenty of parks, green spaces and local beauty spots for everyone to enjoy. One of the favourites is Cassiobury Park, voted one of the top 10 parks in the UK. Watford Market is another particular highlight. This is one of the many community events that blends Watford’s strengths in terms of heritage, convenience, culinary appeal and local spirit.

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, Watford lets you step directly into that world. Here you can take the Warner Brothers Studio Tour. Explore the incredible sets, costumes, props and thousands of extra details that brought the award-winning film series to life.

And, let’s not forget that Ginger Spice Geri Halliwell was born here. If that doesn’t make you ‘wannabe’ in Watford, nothing will!

What are average property prices in Watford like?

Watford is outside London, but it doesn’t escape the high property prices associated with being so close to the capital. According to Rightmove, Watford average house prices for the past 12 months (up to September 2024) came in at around £455,000. This covers a wide range of property types, though, and cheaper prospects can still be found.

Semi-detached new homes in Watford averaged around £555,000 for this period. While averages for detached houses hit nearer the £875,000 mark.

Back in August 2021, Watford recorded the UK’s third-highest average house price increase over the previous 10 years.

If this list has been enough to turn your head, now is the time to explore new homes in Watford. Bear in mind that Hertfordshire has plenty of other great commuter towns to offer. That’s without mentioning the outstanding countryside further out. Explore this sought-after county via our area guide below.

Hertfordshire is a county in the East of England that has been an important centre for trade, industry and commerce since the Iron Age. The county has over 760,000 residents, which makes it one of the most populous counties in England. It also contains Read more about Hertfordshire

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.

Nine Elms (or 9 Elms, if you want to sound cool) is a strip of London in the south bank of the Thames which includes Vauxhall to the east and parts of Battersea to the west. For a very long time, the area exemplified London’s industrial hangover. Now, however, the whole area is reborn as an outpost of prime central London, with major new investment capital pouring in. If you want to live in Nine Elms, our list of top-ranked developments can give you a head start on your search.

At the heart of the regeneration is the new US Embassy which is relocated to Nine Elms from its previous site on Grosvenor Square in Mayfair. So great is the extent of the transformation that the area now has two new tube stations. These both sit on a new branch of the Northern Line connecting into Kennington. The Northern Line extension (NLE), including ‘Battersea Power Station’ and ‘Nine Elms’, stations opened in September 2021.

Note: We know that the title of this list is “Top 5” for Nine Elms, but the simple fact is the area has gained a lot of popularity with renters and this has translated into a lot more developments being entered onto HomeViews’ database. That’s why we’ve expanded it all the way to a top 20!

20 best places to live in Nine Elms

So, where are the best new build developments in Nine Elms? The best way to find out is by asking the people who already live there, and we did exactly that! Every day we speak to hundreds of locals across the capital. We ask what they think not only about their area but also about their specific new build homes. Here’s the inside scoop from the people who know Nine Elms best.

*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.

Bloom Nine Elms has flourished to the top of the charts for Nine Elms. A collection of rental apartments by Greystar, located in Zone 1, each apartment is pet-friendly and offers all the amenities you need for better living. Situated in south west London, Bloom Nine Elms has a collection of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. Onsite amenities include a 24/7 gym, swimming pools, rooftop terraces, pet spa. Additionally, WFH in a dedicated co-working space or your choice of the resident lounges.

Read reviews and details of Bloom Nine Elms, SW11

Get in early and make an impression. That’s what larks do, and that’s what The Lark in Nine Elms has achieved, racing to number two. Residents benefit from having Nine Elms Park on their doorstep and a car-free pathway between Battersea Power Station and Vauxhall Cross. Additionally, Battersea Power Station is just a 5 minute walk away, and Vauxhall Station is 15 minutes away. Furthermore, The Lark offers a coworking space, a residents’ lounge, onsite parking, an onsite gym and pet friendly living spaces.

Read reviews and details of The Lark, SW11

Blitzing into third place is Mansbridge House, which offers one, two or three-bedroom apartments to rent in Battersea. All apartments come with their own winter garden, along with flexible contracts, the freedom to decorate and the ability to swap apartments, or developments if you’d like to, all come as standard. Additionally, Mansbridge House is pet friendly.

Read reviews and details of Mansbridge House, SW8

In fourth is Nine Elms Point, a development by Barratt Homes that incorporates a whole new residential, cultural and business quarter. 648 homes are located within the space, ranging from one to three-bedroom apartments and penthouses. The development is adjacent to Vauxhall Underground, bus and rail station, offering rapid access to Oxford Circus via the Victoria Line and Waterloo via the Overground.

Read reviews and details of Nine Elms Point, SW8

In fifth, MyLo by Greystar is a collection of premium rental apartments located in zone 1 & 2 locations across London. Each MyLo location is pet friendly and offers onsite amenities together with a professional landlord service, by Greystar. Situated in south west London, MyLo at Nine Elms has a collection of one, two, three-bedroom apartments and also, penthouses; all with their own private winter garden or outside space. Residents’ at MyLo at Nine Elms have access to a private gym, lounge, private hire dining space and communal roof gardens. Vauxhall station is only a 7-minute walk away with quick links via the Victoria line.

Read reviews and details of MyLo at Nine Elms, SW8

Sixth place goes to Vauxhall Sky Gardens, which is a Frasers Property mixed-use development comprising of 239 residential one and two bed apartments spanning over its 36 storeys. Commuters benefit from its close proximity to the transport hub at Vauxhall that carry Underground and Overground services into the city and beyond, multitude of bus services and boat transport via the Thames!

Read reviews and details of Vauxhall Sky Gardens, SW8

Next up, this residential development by UNCLE is in the heart of Stockwell, and features a collection of studios overlooking Larkhall Park. A rental-only property, Uncle Stockwell is close to Stockwell tube station (on the Victoria line) and Wandsworth Road station (for Overground and Southeastern National Rail links).

Read reviews and details of Uncle Stockwell, SW8

We have another new entry for number eight – A mixed-use development by St James, Riverlight comprises 6 buildings, which features 813 residential units with a range of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments. The development is directly on the riverfront in Nine Elms, and residents have access to a range of amenities, including leisure facilities, a concierge service, healthcare facilities, as well as various restaurants and cafes. Battersea Park station is only a 12-minute walk away, which has links to the Overground and Southern rail services.

Read reviews and details of Riverlight, SW8

Ninth place goes to Keybridge, a residential development in Vauxhall, which features a collection of 595 studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments across six individual buildings situated at the site. Vauxhall rail station is only a seven-minute walk away with connections to the Southern West Railway including links to London Waterloo.

Read reviews and details of Keybridge, SW8

Ranked 10th in Nine Elms is Vista, a development by Berkeley Homes in Battersea which features a collection of 454 one, two and three-bedroom apartments alongside commercial space. A short walk away from the shops and restaurants of Sloane Square, Vista is in prime location with its apartments overlooking Battersea Park and the River Thames.

Read reviews and details of Vista, SW8

Developed by St William for Berkeley, Prince of Wales Drive is a collection of contemporary one, two and three-bedroom apartments. The development is well connected with Battersea Park and Queenstown Road Overground Stations both reach central London in minutes. Read reviews and details of Prince of Wales Drive, SW11

Battersea Exchange is a large, mixed-use development built by Taylor Wimpey and managed by Cushman & Wakefield. Its 290 apartments have been launched across multiple phases, with the final phase set to complete in late 2019. The site is home to a primary school and a selection of commercial units (which are still growing), and […] Read reviews and details of Battersea Exchange, SW8

St George Wharf is a St George residential Development comprising of 274 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments in Vauxhall. Commuters benefit from its close proximity to the the transport hub at Vauxhall that carry Underground and Overground services into the city and beyond, multitude of bus services and boat transport via the Thames! Read reviews and details of St George Wharf, SW8

Exchange Gardens comprises of 159 apartments to rent. Residents benefit from a range of facilities and amenities on site. In addition to a concierge, residents can access the Keybridge Club Lounge. This includes informal seating areas, a hot desk area, a meeting table and WiFi access. Likewise, there is a Spa and Gym, with a […] Read reviews and details of Exchange Gardens by A2Dominion Rental Only, SW8

Chelsea Bridge Wharf is a collection of more than 1,000 modern apartments from The Berkeley Group, developed in conjunction with Lifetime Homes, EcoHomes and BREEAM. The homes are right on the River Thames in Battersea, close to Battersea Park and Queenstown Road train stations, and neighbouring Battersea Park. It’s a mixed-use development of residential units, […] Read reviews and details of Chelsea Bridge Wharf, SW11

Embassy Gardens is a mixed-use EcoWorld and Ballymore development, featuring luxury apartments and commercial units and designed by HAL Architects and Sir Terry Farrell CBE. It’s got a prime setting in the waterfront Nine Elms district, close to the River Thames and the US Embassy. In addition, the site is walkable from Vauxhall, Battersea and […] Read reviews and details of Embassy Gardens, SW8

Developed by Bellway Homes and designed by GRID Architects, The Residence is a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments in the regenerated Nine Elms neighbourhood. The Residence is right opposite the new American Embassy and is within easy walking distance of Vauxhall Underground. Read reviews and details of The Residence, SW8

The Battersea Power Station development is a large-scale mixed-use scheme, transforming the iconic Grade II listed building and surrounding area with a mix of residential, commercial, office, hotel and cultural spaces. The riverside London development offers transport links via the Thames Clipper River Bus located next to the site and Victoria and Vauxhall Rail stations, […] Read reviews and details of Battersea Power Station, SW8

L&Q have bought and operate 114 one, two and three-bedroom apartments at the Residence developed by Bellway Homes. At the Residence, tenants can enjoy access to a residents-only roof garden, as well as membership to a residents’ gym, located on site. The Residence is right opposite the new American Embassy and is within easy walking […] Read reviews and details of L&Q at The Residence Private Rental, SW8

Optivo at Embassy Gardens comprises of 80 apartments, 38 of which are available for shared ownership. As a part of the bigger development by Ballymore, residents here have access to a wide range of amenities. As well as this, Optivo at Embassy Gardens is ideal for walking access to Vauxhall’s transport hub. Read reviews and details of Optivo at Embassy Gardens, SW11

Is Nine Elms safe?

Nine Elms is repeatedly ranked as having a crime rate that is average for London. Recent years have seen violent crimes decline, while other areas of safety (traffic safety, fire, streetlight maintenance, etc) show improvement.

While Nine Elms does not have a perfect record, the investment pouring into the area is having a transformational effect on overall safety levels over time.

What are the best places to live in Nine Elms?

Nine Elms’ most exclusive properties are located on the banks of the Thames and along Nine Elms Lane, where there’s a wealth of towering new luxury developments. The new development at Battersea Power Station gives buyers the chance to live in one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Additionally, to the west of the area, residents have the advantage of being just moments from Battersea Park, one of the area’s most scenic, peaceful and serene parks.

What are Nine Elms property prices like in 2024?

Much of Nine Elms comes with a hefty price tag these days, due to the many luxury developments being built here. At the time of writing (September 2024), Nine Elms property prices stood at an average of around £990,000. This is according to the latest update on Rightmove. This places property in Nine Elms significantly above the London average of £816,000.

Has Nine Elms got everything you’re looking for in your ideal London location? If you want to find out more about living in Nine Elms, you can check out our area guide by clicking the link below. From there you’ll also be able to find all the best new build developments to buy and rent in Nine Elms.

Welcome to Nine Elms, London’s most Cinderella-like transformation story to date. Covering a massive 227 hectares, this huge venture breathed new life into a South London riverside district. Infrastructure, transport, offices, education, entertainment, parks and thousands of new-build homes ; it’s all part of Read more about Nine Elms

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.

London is one of the world’s most vibrant, exciting cities. With so much to explore, a studio apartment in the city could be the perfect base from which to enjoy all that London has to offer. Many of the capital’s newest luxury apartment developments have studios to rent or buy. In this Top 10 rundown, we use the reviews of verified residents to create a list of the highest-rated studio apartments in London.

Top 10 studio apartments in London by resident ratings

For London’s prime apartment developments, there’s a lot of competition to take the top spots. On the surface, it’s hard to know which properties deliver the best facilities, service levels and overall value for money. But thanks to the insights of our HomeViews reviewers, you don’t have to guess.

The following rankings are based purely on what the residents think of each of our top 10 luxury new build apartment blocks. These cover apartments to rent and buy. Every reviewer gives a star rating for the development’s facilities, design, location, value and management team. If you want to know more about any of these developments, simply click and explore.

Just a quick note: to qualify to be on this list, the development needs to offer studio apartments for sale or rent.

*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.

A new and very popular development has recently snatched the top spot for London. In green and serene Harrow, just a 12 minute train from Euston, you’ll find The Palm House. It’s filled with fully-furnished studio apartments and shared spaces, each designed for an effortless living experience. You’ll enjoy an onsite co-working space, gym, cinema, cafe and two panoramic roof terraces, all included in your monthly rent. You can meet your neighbours and get stuck in at daily events, from boxing classes to wine tasting masterclasses.

Read reviews and details of The Palm House, HA3

The Sessile is a collection of studio, one, two and three bed apartments located in the heart of Tottenham Hale. Amenities include a sizeable gym, yoga studio and spaces to work throughout The Sessile to support your working week, evenings and weekends alike. Furthermore, a Private dining room and a 24/7 concierge are also available. Read reviews and details of The Sessile, N17

The Quarters Swiss Cottage accommodates 102 self-contained spacious units for short-term stays. Guests can enjoy a range of services and amenities, including in house maintenance and housekeeping. Similarly, Finchley Road station  is less than a minute’s walk away, meaning easy access to transport links. Likewise, there is a great selection of shops, restaurants, bars and […] Read reviews and details of The Quarters Swiss Cottage, NW3

In fourth, long-term letting scheme The Quarters Croydon offers residents a stylish and convenient base in this thriving South London suburb. There are 151 high-specification studios at the development, with Croydon station only a 4-minute walk away. Trains reach London Bridge in just 14 minutes, while Gatwick Airport is also easily accessible.

Read reviews and details of The Quarters Croydon, CR0

Taking the fifth spot on the list is a Tower Hamlets development, Dressage Court. There are 104 rental-only one, two and three-bedroom apartments available here, but this small development is much loved. One thrilled resident recently wrote: “Life in the city never felt better”!

Read reviews and details of Dressage Court, E2

London’s sixth-highest rated development for studio apartments is The Gessner in Tottenham Hale. The development offers 164 apartments to rent, including a mix of studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments. The range of amenities available includes a gym, smart parcel lockers, free super-fast Wi-Fi and an 24-hour on-site team. Furthermore, residents can enjoy rooftop garden views, cosy lounges and an on-site café.

Read reviews and details of The Gessner, N17

Taking seventh spot in the Top 10 for London is an old favourite, Sailmakers. Greystar’s Sailmakers is a Build to Rent scheme, which offers 327 units. It is within the mixed-use Galliard Homes development, Harbour Central. The site is situated on the Isle of Dogs close to the River Thames, and less than a 10-minute walk from the heart of Canary Wharf. In addition, transport links come courtesy of nearby South Quay DLR and Canary Wharf’s DLR and Underground services. Residents enjoy fast and frequent connections to the likes of Bank and Monument.

Read reviews and details of Sailmakers, E14

Sitting comfortably in eighth it’s Blackhorse Mills, a rental only development by Legal & General and Urbanbubble. The development features a roof terrace with a lido, a gym, a yoga studio, a tennis court and resident dining rooms, while the management permits pets and even allows residents to decorate their apartments. Blackhorse Mills overlooks the wilds of Walthamstow Wetlands, yet is just 20 minutes to Central London on the Victoria Line from Blackhorse Road station.

Read reviews and details of Blackhorse Mills, E17

Bloom Nine Elms, by Greystar, is a collection of rental apartments located in Zone 1. Each apartment is pet-friendly and offers all the amenities you need for better living. Situated in south west London, Bloom Nine Elms has a collection of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. Onsite amenities include a 24/7 gym, swimming pools, […] Read reviews and details of Bloom Nine Elms, SW11

Glasshouse Gardens is a residential development near the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in East London. Brought to us by Land Lease Europe, it features a mix of studios and one, two and three-bedroom apartments, all of which overlook the park. Stratford International station and Westfield Stratford City are both within close proximity.   Read reviews and details of Glasshouse Gardens, E20

Anthology Hoxton Press is a selection of Studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom homes. It comprises of two landmark buildings, Mono and Duo, as well as a community café and landscaped gardens.  Nestled between Shoreditch Park and the Regents Canal, Hoxton Press will celebrate the heritage left by the sites former occupiers, The Mullord Brothers […] Read reviews and details of Hoxton Press, N1

In 12th is The Quarters Kilburn, located in north-west London and offering 82 self-contained studios. Kilburn Park station is just moments away. As a result, residents have easy access to Central London and the major terminal of London Euston. Facilities include resident parking, a concierge and a communal lounge.

Read reviews and details of The Quarters Kilburn, NW6

Canary Wharf Group are pleased to offer a selection of affordable studios, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments at 30 Harbord Square in Canary Wharf. Every apartment has been designed to a high-specification and all residents benefit from waterside views of the Thames or westwards towards Canary Wharf. Discover Canary Wharf’s latest neighbourhood, Wood Wharf, and […] Read reviews and details of 30 Harbord Square, E14

Paddington Exchange is 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- in operation. Read reviews and details of Paddington Exchange, W2

The Makers is a Londonewcastle and London Borough of Hackney development located in Hoxton. It is comprised of 175 apartments, over 28 floors and these range from studio and one-bedroom apartments to three-bedroom apartments. The development is conveniently situated a 7-minute walk to Old Street station, which is served by the Northern line and national […] Read reviews and details of The Makers, N1

Our 16th spot goes to Vantage Point, a Build to Rent development by Essential Living offering 118 apartments, ranging from studio to 1-2 bedrooms. All Vantage Point residents get access to a wide range of features and amenities. These include a 24-hour onsite 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

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

Equipment Works by Greystar offers premium studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments to rent in Walthamstow. Just moments from Blackhorse Lane tube, you can enjoy the tranquillity all while staying connected to the city. Additionally, residents at Equipment Works benefit from a 24/7 onsite team and a number of amenities.  Residents have access to a communal […] Read reviews and details of Equipment Works, E17

The Dumont is a mixed-use St James development in Southwark, which overlooks the River Thames. It’s home to a selection of studios and one to four-bedroom apartments. Vauxhall, the nearest station, offers brilliant links to the City via National Rail services and the Victoria line. Read reviews and details of The Dumont, SE1

The Hub is a collection of studios and one and two-bedroom apartments from developer, JLL. The development is in a plum spot on Harrow’s College Road, handily situated right next door to Harrow-on-the-Hill station for the Metropolitan line and National Rail services, and directly opposite St Anns Shopping Centre. Read reviews and details of The Hub, HA1

The perfect base for exploring London

If you’re moving to London for the first time, there’s a good chance you’ll be overwhelmed by the array of different locations to choose from. Studio apartments are a great choice if you want to be in Central London. This means you don’t have to settle for a far-flung suburb.

Many of the developments in our rankings are situated in London’s most sought-after central locations. Meanwhile, others feature in newly regenerated, up-and-coming neighbourhoods with excellent transport links to central areas. Whether you want to be right in the action, or within easy reach of the centre via London’s world-class transport network, these studio apartments offer you the very best locations.

Tailor-made for social living

If you opt to rent a studio in one of London’s newest rental developments, expect plenty of resident perks. These contemporary living spaces all benefit from social design and facilities. These include on-site gyms, spas, communal work spaces, lounges, and terraces.

When you choose to live in one of London’s top new studio apartments, you’re choosing a life with plenty of social possibilities. Thanks to the wealth of communal spaces and facilities, experiencing London life with new friends couldn’t be easier.

Build to Rent studios

Many of London’s top studio apartments are located in the capital’s newest luxury Build to Rent developments. Build to Rent developments are made especially for rent, rather than to sell. As such, they differ in design and facilities from sales-oriented developments.

Build to Rent properties tend to offer substantial extras and perks to residents. These include social and communal spaces, gyms, health spas, work spaces and meeting rooms. The developments can become a focal point of your community and social life. Additionally, many Build to Rent developments offer first-class services, such as concierge, dry cleaning and on-site maintenance teams.

Build to Rent can offer flexible tenancies, from short-term options including monthly stays, to longer tenancies. Some offer terms as long as three years. While they can appear pricier than traditional rentals, the added perks available in rental-only developments can add significant value.

Discover more about life in London by clicking on our Greater London area guide below. Alternatively, browse London regions, boroughs and neighbourhoods in more detail by visiting our homepage and clicking on ‘Guides’.

Greater London is the name of the ceremonial county that covers the London region, excluding the City of London. With a population of over 8.9 million (2018), this 607 square mile area is split into 33 districts that stretch from Hillingdon in the west Read more about Greater 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.

A borough with a star that’s solidly on the rise, Croydon still remains a very attractive first-time buyer’s prospect. Find out why as we take a look at this large and diverse area of South London. Our list of the top 10 new build homes developments in Croydon will give you a fair idea of what to expect if you decide that this is the place for you.

10 highest-rated new build homes in Croydon

Below is our list of the best new build homes developments in Croydon on HomeViews, according to verified resident reviews. If you want to see any of the listings in more detail, just click to see their dedicated page.

*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.

Our top-rated development in Croydon is the long-term letting scheme The Quarters Croydon. This is part of Bravo’s ‘The Quarters’ dedicated build-to-rent London offering, with each location providing residents with a stylish and convenient base in different parts of the city. For the Croydon version, there are 151 high-specification studios across the development. Flats are perfectly furnished and decorated with high-quality furniture and appliances. Despite being located next to the main road and the train station, residents can barely hear anything, making this an ideal work-from-home location.

Read reviews and details of The Quarters Croydon, CR0

Coming a close second in Croydon is Ten Degrees, by Greystar. This huge building dominates the Central Croydon skyline, comprising 546 apartments over 44 floors. Residents love the style of the building itself as well as the flats and communal facilities. These include a games room, rooftop gym, pet spa, screening room and various co-working spaces. Ten Degrees also provides easy access to convenient transport links that get you to central London in just 15 minutes.

Read reviews and details of Ten Degrees, CR0

Jumping up from sixth to third in recent months, place, No.26 offers 183 studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments managed by Native. They all include high-end kitchen appliances, Conran furnishings and king-sized beds. It’s another development that’s just minutes away from Croydon Station. Reviewers describe the management team as being super welcoming and friendly.

Read reviews and details of No.26, CR0

In fourth, The Fold is a Build to Rent development by Urbanbubble that sits right in the heart of Croydon. Offering 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, each with their own balcony, there’s plenty of choice for renters. Furthermore, residents benefit from private and communal dining spaces, a residents’ lounge, coworking spaces and meeting rooms. In terms of local transport links and amenities, the development is a short walk from BOXPARK and East Croydon station.

Read reviews and details of The Fold, CR0

Vertex House is located in the heart of Croydon, close to West Croydon and East Croydon train stations, and near the town’s shopping centre. Run by Zest Living, part of the Durkan Group, the development has 98 total residential units available for rent, shared ownership and as affordable housing. The apartments range in size from one to three bedrooms. There’s lots of praise from residents for the design of the bathrooms and kitchens here.

Read reviews and details of Vertex, CR0

Taking seventh place, Bauhaus is another Durkan development. It’s named after the geometric, abstract style of architecture used to design the building itself Bauhaus offers 189 one, two and three-bedroom apartments with community and retail spaces on the ground floor. The development is conveniently placed in-between East Croydon and South Croydon station, a 10-minute walk from both. The big windows in the flats mean lots of natural light and warmth in the winter.

Read reviews and details of Bauhaus, CR0

New South Quarter is a Barratt London development comprising 496 studio, one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments. The development is conveniently located in-between West Croydon Station and Waddon Station, just a 15-minute walk from both. There’s a pleasing brick-based sloping design to the building and apartments come with private terrace/balcony from which you can enjoy the view.

Read reviews and details of New South Quarter, CR0

In ninth place, Saffron Square is a huge, 43-storey development from the Berkeley Group. Currently the tallest building in Croydon, its distinctive purple and red façade pierces the skyline, making it easy to remember where you live! Residents love the central Croydon location, the modern interior design and high-standard finish throughout, not to mention the facilities. These include the sizeable gym and on-site restaurants and coffee shops.

Read reviews and details of Saffron Square, CR0

In 10th we have what one happy resident describes as a “Fantastic development at the heart of croydon”. Resident reviewers at Ikon rountinely praise the spaciousness and design of the apartments, with high scores across the board.

Read reviews and details of Ikon, CR0

In 8th we have another Cairo New Road development from Optivo. Cairo Apartments are modern studio, one, two and three-bedroom flats available through Shared Ownership to help you take your first step on the property ladder. The apartments feature a light, bright and airy décor throughout, and the rooftop terrace provides breath-taking views.

Read reviews and details of Cairo Apartments, CR0

Morello is a development by Redrow Homes, it is comprised of 370 one to three-bedroom apartments. It is made up of 4 residential buildings: Maraschino, Santina, Rainier and Amarelle. The apartments boast a full range of modern appliances and fixtures and fittings including: comfort cooling and heating, fitted wardrobe to master bedroom and carpets. Morello […] Read reviews and details of Morello, CR0

Ruskin Square is a residential development in the heart of Croydon by Places for People. The development features a range of one and two-bedroom apartments in a multi-storey tower. Residents can enjoy easy access to East Croydon station with connections to both Thameslink and Southern services into Central London. Read reviews and details of Ruskin Square, CR0

Fusion is a development by Fairview New Homes, comprising of 319 residential units with a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and studios. Located less than a 15-minute walk away from the centre of Croydon, with access to West Croydon and East Croydon stations as well as a vast array of shops and restaurants. Read reviews and details of Fusion, CR0

Emerald House is developed by Sunbel Development Ltd. It is comprised of 121 one and two-bedroom apartments and located in Croydon, South London. The development is conveniently located in between West Croydon and East Croydon station, just a short 10-minute walk from both. It is also a 5-minute walk from local amenities, like the Whitgift […] Read reviews and details of Emerald House, CR0

Located in Croydon, Queens Gate is a converted Grade II listed building by Fairview New Homes. The development comprises of 360 residential units with a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments. West Croydon station is a 20-minute walk away with links to the Overground and Southern rail services into Central London. Read reviews and details of Queens Gate, CR0

Leon House in Croydon, CR0 1QR, is a transformed 60s building now offering 263 one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments as part of the Leon Quarter project. It’s recognized for its mid-20th century brutalist architecture, featuring a rooftop sky garden, concierge service, private dining, and co-working space. The development is well situated in Croydon’s restaurant quarter, […] Read reviews and details of Leon House, CR0

Cygnet House is a residential development by AA Homes & Housing completed in 2016. It features 56 residential units located in the heart of Croydon with access to both West Croydon and East Croydon stations, which have links to the Overground as well as Thameslink and Southern rail services. Read reviews and details of Cygnet House, CR0

Where is Croydon?

Croydon is one of the South London boroughs, taking its name from the large town of Croydon itself. As well as the town, the borough also includes areas like Thornton Heath, Norbury, Crystal Palace and Upper Norwood.

What’s Croydon like to live in?

Croydon is on the up and up, reflecting a wider trend across South London that has seen the area surge in popularity. Like many other places across this part of the capital, Croydon is enjoying a period of surging investment and urban regeneration efforts. Impressive new builds continue to pop up across this rapidly regenerating borough.

Commerce is enjoying a knock-on effect from all the residential development across Croydon, with an increasing population and economic clout giving rise to plenty of new, exciting businesses. Today, it’s one of the biggest commercial districts in Greater London, offering outstanding retail and nightlife experiences.

Croydon may be teeming with shiny new developments, but it’s still a great place to live a peaceful family life. There are plenty of beautiful green spaces, including South Norwood Country Park, Lloyd Park, Happy Valley, Farthing Downs and Wettern Tree Gardens. Also important to families is the easy availability of ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’-rated Ofsted schools across the borough. These include Purley Nursery School, Harris Invictus Academy Croydon, Heathfield Academy and Coloma Convent Girls’ School.

Transport in Croydon

Croydon offers good access to the centre of the city. It’s very well connected to the rest of South London too. Main A-roads are reliable and well maintained, with the M23 and M25 also nearby. Despite being in Zone 5, Croydon has good bus route coverage, and you can be at London Bridge within 15 minutes or Victoria in 20 via the City Thameslink service. There are also frequent train links to Brighton for a quick seaside getaway.

There’s also the beloved Croydon tram network, that winds through the borough and into Wimbledon and Beckenham.

Croydon property prices

Despite its up-and-coming status, Croydon is one of the most affordable London boroughs for renting and buying property. There’s an expanding portfolio of new build homes developments in Croydon, as well as plenty of Victorian period houses.

The current (August 2024) Croydon house price average according to Rightmove is just over £456,000. However, pricey detached houses bump this rate upwards. Whereas buying flats in Croydon can set you back on average as little as £282,000. This makes Croydon one of the best places to look for a first-time buyer in London.

Renting in Croydon is also extremely competitively priced. Rental properties command an average rate of £1,650 per month. If you compare this to the London average of £3,300 per month, it constitutes a major saving of more than £1,600.

We hope you find our list of the top 10 new build homes developments in Croydon to be a useful yardstick. Remember that this is a borough that continues to develop and change quickly, so check back on our list for regular updates. If you’d like to see more of what Croydon has to offer, don’t forget to click our dedicated area guide below.

There are two great reasons to live in Croydon, these go hand in hand to make it a compelling choice; its relatively cheap property prices and its excellent transport links into Central London. On top of that, numerous initiatives are transforming Croydon and helping Read more about Croydon

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.

It’s a home county with a great sense of pride, history and community. Hertfordshire is reliably ranked among the best counties in England for commuting to London and for raising a family. This shows that it has plenty to offer within its borders, as well as easy access beyond them. If you want to see more, come explore some of the best new homes in Hertfordshire.

New homes in Hertfordshire: 10 best developments

Want to be close to London while having natural and historic beauty on your doorstep? Then get searching. Hopefully, the following list of the top 10 ranked new homes in Hertfordshire on HomeViews will be a useful starting point.

*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.

The Quarters Watford takes the crown for Hertfordshire’s top-ranked developments. This prime rental development is situated in the heart of Watford’s central business district, just a short walk from Watford Junction station. There are 100 high-specification studios available at The Quarters Watford, all of which feature high-speed wireless internet access, television, kitchenette, laundry facilities and easy parking. The Quarters Watford provides an ideal base for residents relying on a convenient, connected location. Euston is also accessible in as little as 14 minutes.

Read reviews and details of The Quarters Watford, WD17

PLATFORM_ is a fully integrated investor, developer, operator and asset manager of purpose-built residential communities throughout the United Kingdom. Its Stevenage development takes the number nine slot on our list, and residents here are delighted with the building design, facilities and general location of this development. The rooftop garden is a particular favourite for many of them.

Read reviews and details of PLATFORM_ in Stevenage, SG1

A relative newcomer finds itself in the top three of our Hertfordshire list. Welcombe House may only have eight reviews to date but they are all stellar. The development itself hosts a range of two and three-bedroom homes with views over Harpenden Common. Harpenden station is just a seven-minute walk from Welcome House and provides links to London. There are regular direct services to Kings Cross and St Pancras International stations, which take just 26 minutes. Additionally, Luton Airport is only a 23-minute train journey away.

Read reviews and details of Welcombe House, AL5

Takoing fourth place is Hatfield Rise, located in the centre of Hertfordshire, with easy connections to London. A collection of one and two bedroom apartments, all homes come with parking. Also including shops, bars, cafés & leisure facilities all within easy reach.

Read reviews and details of Hatfield Rise, AL10

Our fifth spot goes to Watford Riverwell, which is set to be the largest regeneration project in Watford once complete. Kier and Watford Borough Council have partnered together to create this highly anticipated regeneration scheme. It involves turning 70 acres of land into a brand-new community. The Woodlands are the first homes that have been built so far, along with riverside apartments set in the site’s southern area of the new Colne Island Park.

Read reviews and details of Watford Riverwell, WD18

Our sixth-placed development for Hertfordshire is South Oxhey Central, by Countryside. The development is located in Watford, adjacent to Carpenders Park Station, making it a great commuter location for central London. Residents here benefit from excellent local amenities, while the apartments come with private balconies and fitted wardrobes. Help to Buy options are also available.

Read reviews and details of South Oxhey Central, WD19

Next we have Hertsmere Mews, developed by Bellway and located in Borehamwood, not far from Edgeware. There’s a range of sizes available here to appeal to different buyers, including one to two-bedroom apartments and three to four-bedroom houses. In addition, properties here include open plan living spaces and en-suite shower rooms. As well as a variety of homes on offer, the development has good links to London, making it another solid choice for commuters.

Read reviews and details of Hertsmere Mews, WD6

Next up, Royal Connaught Park is a residential development from Comer Homes, set in a Grade II-listed Victorian estate in Bushey, Hertfordshire. Previously used as a school for boys and a university, as well as a backdrop for movies like Harry Potter, it’s now a selection of luxury apartments and houses, set in 100 acres of greenery. It’s close to Bushey Station for direct trains to Euston, the M1 and M25 motorways, and the town of Watford and its Intu shopping mall.

Read reviews and details of Royal Connaught Park, WD23

New at number nine in the latest update, Kooky Bishop’s Stortford is a collection of brand-new boutique rental apartments. Located next to Bishop’s Stortford station, this development is only a 40-minute journey to Central London. The apartments are fully furnished with balconies or terraces, are pet friendly and have private parking available.

Read reviews and details of Kooky Bishop’s Stortford, CM23

Sitting comfortably in 10th place, Long Acres, by Shanly Homes is another prime Watford development. Comprising 107 townhouses, residents here benefit from resident parking, private gardens and the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside. As well as this, the development is only 17-miles from Central London, making it an ideal location for commuters.

Read reviews and details of Long Acres, WD18

In 11th, St Michael’s Hurst offers well-designed living spaces and all the benefits of living near high-quality green space all-year-round. The nearby town of Bishop’s Stortford is a much loved centre for shopping, café’s and cultural amenities.

Read reviews and details of St Michael’s Hurst, CM23

The Reserve is a Higgins Homes development built on the site of the old Britannia Nurseries. The development offers a mix of three, four and five bedroom homes. Lea Valley Regional park is on the doorstep, which boasts a mix of gardens, lakes and riverside trails. Additionally, London Liverpool Street is under 30 minutes by […] Read reviews and details of The Reserve, EN8

Welcome to Cortland Cassiobury, a sophisticated development nestled near award-winning parks and gardens, ideally positioned for commuters with easy access to London, Watford station, and a few minutes’ drive from the A41 and M25. Our range of apartments, from studios to penthouses feature thoughtful designs and high-quality finishes tailored for modern living. Residents benefit from […] Read reviews and details of Cortland Cassiobury, WD18

Taking 14th place is Lancaster Grange by Crest Nicholson. The development is a contemporary collection of two-bedroom apartments and thre and four-bedroom houses in the desirable village of Bricket Wood near Watford.

Read reviews and details of Lancaster Grange, AL2

Forge Yards and Exchange is part of an imaginative, collaborative development. Boasting 110 new homes to rent in Stevenage, this property is inspired by the future. This collection of contemporary studio and 1-bed apartments provides that perfect setting for urban living. Fitted with high-spec interiors contrasted against the exterior 1960s architecture, Forge is a place […] Read reviews and details of Forge, SG1

Watford Cross offers a range of luxurious homes featuring contemporary open plan living areas and designer kitchens and bathrooms. Just a 5 minute walk to Watford Junction, trains to London Euston take 16 minutes. Read reviews and details of Watford Cross, WD24

Hornbeam Court is a Network Homes development located in the historic market town of Ware. A selection of 3 and 4 bedroom private sale houses are available with the option to purchase through Help to Buy. Read reviews and details of Hornbeam Court, SG12

SO Resi Times Square is an award-winning building, featuring a unique atrium which provides a public meeting area. The building has been renovated over the last year for residential use and is located a 10 minute walk from the town centre and Welwyn Garden City train station. Read reviews and details of SO Resi Times Square, AL7

Aspen Park is a new development by Bovis Homes situated in Apsley, within the Chiltern Hills. The development is a 30 minute train journey from London Euston and three miles from the centre of Hemel Hempstead. Read reviews and details of Aspen Park, HP3

Where is Hertfordshire?

Hertfordshire is one of the counties that makes up the East England region. It’s also one of the ‘home counties’, which are the ones that surround London. Hertfordshire is bordered by Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire to the north, Essex to the east, and Buckinghamshire to the west. Meanwhile, Greater London lies just to its south.

Why live in Hertfordshire?

Hertfordshire, like the rest of the home counties, offers an appealing blend of urban and rural lifestyles. It has miles of stunning green belt countryside, charming market towns and historical villages, but also excellent transport links to London. This makes it an ideal location for commuters, young families or anyone who wants a foot in both the country and big city living.

Another big plus for families looking to live in Hertfordshire is the availability of excellent schools. The county has over 120 schools rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Popular Hertfordshire locations

Hertfordshire has plenty to offer for house hunters of all different backgrounds and circumstances. Look towards Much Hadham, Standham, Flaunsden and Fairfield for idyllic village life complete with excellent gastro pubs and independent shops. Meanwhile, Bishops Stortford, Hitchin and Tring are all exceptionally pretty towns, with no shortage of attractive period homes. St. Albans is the county’s only official city, and its cathedral and many other cultural attractions, plus its superb dining and pub scene, make for a reliably lovely day out.

Transport in Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire is an exceptionally well-connected county, with its close-knit towns and cities joined by a network of A-roads. Getting between the main towns in the county is a breeze with the M25, A1(M) and A10, among other major roads, providing easy access. The county also boasts excellent rail connections, with major lines running through Hemel Hempstead, St. Albans and Harpenden and Potter’s Bar, Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City.

What are average property prices in Hertfordshire like?

At the time of writing (August 2024) Hertfordshire house prices were at an average of just over £531,000. This makes Hertfordshire a relatively expensive county in which to purchase residential property, even compared to some of the other home counties. If you compare it with the June 2024 national average house price for England (£305,000), Hertfordshire’s average is significantly higher.

Renting in Hertfordshire costs an average of £2,272 per calendar month. If you’re looking for a smaller property, one-bedroom homes go for around £1,334 PCM, while a three-bedroom property averages a monthly rent of £2,351.

It’s worth remembering that Hertfordshire’s average sales and rental prices cover a broad range of locations and property types. While St. Albans, Harpenden and other key commuter towns remain expensive places to buy, there are plenty of areas offering more affordable averages to rent and buy in Hertfordshire.

Hopefully, this list will give you some idea of what Hertfordshire has to offer. If you want to see more developments and keep your finger on the pulse of this home county, check out our dedicated area guide below.

Hertfordshire is a county in the East of England that has been an important centre for trade, industry and commerce since the Iron Age. The county has over 760,000 residents, which makes it one of the most populous counties in England. It also contains Read more about Hertfordshire

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.

The South East remains one of the most popular areas in England for new home construction. New developments are springing up all the time. If you’re looking for a fresh start in a new home, then there’s no better place to be than in the South East. To get you started, let’s take a look at some of the best new homes in South East England.

The region’s rolling hills, picturesque villages and market towns never lose their appeal. Meanwhile, excellent commuter links from most areas into London make it a popular choice for commuters.

If you’re looking for a new home in this part of England, there are plenty of options to choose from.

New homes in South East England: 10 highest-rated developments on HomeViews

For those looking to get on the property ladder, or for those who just want a great place to live, here are 10 of the most popular new build developments in South East England.

*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.

Flying into our top 10 rankings for the first time, and straight to top spot in the latest update, is The Almere. This rental development by Native is located in the heart of Milton Keynes and offers a choice of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. The development is pet-friendly and Milton Keynes’ mainline station is just a 12-minute walk away, making it an ideal choice for commuters.

Read reviews and details of The Almere, MK9

Arriving in second place in our top listings for the South East of England, Hove Gardens is a boutique collection of studio, one, two and three-bedroom rental apartments. Close to Hove Station, this BTR development benefits from being just a short stroll from the sea. Additionally, Hove Gardens boasts sky terraces, courtyard gardens, work and social spaces and an abundance of perks from 24/7 concierge to flexible contracts.

Read reviews and details of Hove Gardens, BN3

A secon Brighton and Hove development to make the top 3, York & Elder is a BTR development sandwiched between the South Downs and the sea. York & Elder offers studio, one two or three-bedroom apartments. Residents benefit from pet friendly apartments, flexible contracts, extra storage space and private terraces. Additionally, the apartments can be furnished or unfurnished, or easily adaptable for accessibility. There is also an on-site concierge and maintenance team on hand 24/7, for whatever you may need, from taking in parcels to planning events to help you get to know your neighbours.

Read reviews and details of York & Elder, BN1

In fourth places it’s over to Reading for Ebb & Flow, a rental development from Native. The scheme offers a collection of Studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments in the heart of Reading. All apartments have spacious kitchens, enhanced floor to ceiling height, and bespoke furniture. As well as this, residents benefit from a 24hr support team, wellness classes and community events. Private social and co-working spaces are also included.

Read reviews and details of Ebb & Flow, RG1

Woking’s The Marches takes fifth place in the South East. The Marches offers studios, one and two bedroom apartments to rent in the heart of Woking. In addition, there a lots of resident amenities with a 24/7 onsite team and co-working spaces, terrace gardens as well as inclusive Wi-Fi and resident events. Likewise, it is pet-friendly.

Read reviews and details of The Marches, GU21

In sixth place for the South East is Howard Court. The development offers a variety of studio to two-bedroom apartments to rent. Located in High Wycombe, the development also consists of a landscaped courtyard, a concierge and a pet friendly policy. The development is well connected with High Wycombe station within walking distance, which will take commuters into central London in only 26 minutes.

Read reviews and details of Howard Court, HP11

Taking seventh place is The Kell, located in Gillingham, Kent. The Kell is a Build to Rent development managed by Way of Life, offering 192 new apartments with a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments. It’s a pet-friendly development and residents have access to an onsite team with 24/7 CCTV security. Reviewers say that they love the views over the Chatham Docks.

Read reviews and details of The Kell, ME4

Fizzy Epsom KT19 is a contemporary development, managed by Greystar, located in a leafy Surrey market town. Made up of a collection of one and two-bedroom apartments, the complex is handily located next to Epsom train station. Also, the development sits an easy walk from Epsom’s main high street. Read reviews and details of Fizzy Epsom, KT19

Taking ninth place in the South East is Berkshire House by Essential Living. The development provides 68 residential units, with a range of studios as well as one and two-bedroom apartments. Additionally, Berkshire House has a central location on Maidenhead High Street. As such it is close to Maidenhead station and just a short drive from the historical town of Windsor, which hugs the River Thames.

Read reviews and details of Berkshire House, SL6

Kooky Redhill is a collection of brand-new boutique apartments in the heart of town, just a 2-minute walk from Redhill station for a quick 35-minute journey to central London. Gatwick Airport is only an 8-minute ride away – great for work or a much needed holiday. Stylishly furnished with private balconies, the apartments are pet friendly, […] Read reviews and details of Kooky Redhill, RH1

11th place goes to L&Q at Huntley Wharf, which is a collection of riverside 1 and 2-bedroom Shared Ownership apartments and duplex apartments in the prospering town of Reading. Once fully complete, the development will compliment the transformation of Reading as an urban hub, providing contemporary riverside apartments to this evolving town. Huntley Wharf will provide a new destination for central Reading featuring a central riverside square with proposed local amenities such as a café, restaurant, a local store, gym, nursery and landscaped open spaces along the river. The apartments will provide a desirable specification, making it the perfect space for modern day living.

Read reviews and details of L&Q at Huntley Wharf, RG1

Sitting in 12th place, Primrose Crescent is a small development of new homes set in the Buckinghamshire community of Wingrave, offering the ideal blend of semi-rural life in the Aylesbury Vale, combined with the convenience of easily accessible local towns and connectivity for commuting by road or rail. The development is a collection of 3 to 5 bedroom homes homes.

Read reviews and details of Primrose Crescent, HP22

The Paperyard is located in the centre of Horsham. The development comprises of one and two bedroom apartments. This location not only boasts fantastic shopping, dining and entertainment facilities but excellent transport links. Horsham train station is a few minutes’ walk with trains to London in under 50 minutes, whilst both Gatwick Airport and Brighton […] Read reviews and details of The Paperyard, RH12

The Blockhouse is situated in the heart of Brighton, with 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom townhouses available to rent. With flexible tenancies, the option of furnished or unfurnished and a variety of homes and layouts available, renting at The Blockhouse gives you the choice and control to live the way you […] Read reviews and details of The Blockhouse, BN1

Enigma Square boasts brand new apartments fitted with stylish interiors, integrated white goods and excellent storage. Based in the heart of Milton Keynes, residents will also benefit from a range of on-site amenities such as co-working spaces, residents lounge and outdoor terrace. Read reviews and details of Enigma Square, MK9

Gravity Co Royal Heights is home to 53 brand new studio, 1 bed, 2 bed and penthouse apartments.  Each apartment comes fully furnished with high spec furniture and kitchen appliances.  Opened in June 2022, each apartment is brand new with a modern design – perfect for working professionals and students alike.  Apartment size does vary […] Read reviews and details of Gravity Co Royal Heights, RG1

Solstice Apartments, by Grainger, comprises of one and two bedroom apartments located in Milton Keynes. Residents here benefit from on-site management, 24-hour fitness area, residents’ lounge and a rooftop terrace. As well as this, Solstice Apartments is within walking distance to the dining, cultural and shopping attractions within Milton Keynes. Read reviews and details of Solstice Apartments, MK9

Kooky Staines-Upon-Thames provide 70 rental units of a wider London Square development. The 70 units comprise of one and two bedroom apartments and 35 parking spaces. Residents benefit from a combination of public transport links to Central London, close proximity to Heathrow Airport. Read reviews and details of Kooky Staines-Upon-Thames, TW18

House prices in South East England

At the time of writing (August 2024), The average house price in the region stands at £475,000. This is according to the latest figures from the UK property website Rightmove.

Because of its popularity, the South East continues to outperform its neighbours. Homes here cost more than the South West (£363,000) and West Midlands (£278,000). However, they are still cheaper than London (£705,000).

Within the South East there’s also a lot of price variance. Areas like Surrey (£624,000) cost twice as much as more rural areas like the Isle Of Wight (£315,000). The region’s proximity to London makes it an ideal choice for commuters. While this drives prices up, there are still affordable options within reach of the capital. Average prices in Kent, for example, stand at £426,000.

We hope our top 10 list of new homes in South East England provides a better sense of the region. Don’t forget to check back for updates to this list, as new reviews are being added all the time. Check out our specific area guides if any of the listings catch your eye.

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.

Following decades of regeneration and a continuing influx of new property developer attention and investment, East London is more self-confident than ever. But what does this always exciting and often surprising part of the capital have to offer? Read on, and discover some of the best new build homes in East London.

10 top-rated new build homes in East London

The following list contains the 10 East London new build developments listed on HomeViews with the highest ratings at the time of writing (August 2024). As with all our top-rated lists, these rankings are determined entirely by verified resident reviews. Since the people who live there know these 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.

Taking top spot in East London is Dressage Court. Located in Bethnal Green, the development has 104 rental-only one, two and three-bedroom apartments by Essential Living. It offers easy access to Bethnal Green’s tube and rail stations, with views towards the City and nearby Canary Wharf. In addition, residents can access a 24-hour on-site team along with shared spaces that are free for all residents to enjoy.

Read reviews and details of Dressage Court, E2

It’s over to the Isle of Dogs for number two on our list. Greystar’s Sailmakers is a Build to Rent scheme, comprising 327 units. It is within the mixed-use Galliard Homes development, Harbour Central, putting it less than a 10-minute walk from the heart of Canary Wharf. In addition, transport links come courtesy of nearby South Quay DLR and Canary Wharf’s DLR and Underground services. Residents enjoy fast and frequent connections to the likes of Bank and Monument.

Read reviews and details of Sailmakers, E14

Taking third place is Fizzy Stepney Green, by Greystar and Fizzy Living. This rental development has a prime setting in E1, very close to Stepney Green Underground and Queen Mary’s University. There are one, two and three-bedroom apartments here, managed by Greystar.

Read reviews and details of Fizzy Stepney Green, E1

Greystar’s Coppermaker Square lies in fourth place. The development offers 1,225 rental apartments in a vibrant city neighbourhood, where residents can benefit from resident-only amenities including a 25m pool, spa, gym and studios, co-working space, roof terrace, private dining space and more, in the heart of Stratford, East London’s new cultural hub. Residents can enjoy green spaces and amenities on their doorstep in a well-connected area of London.

Read reviews and details of Coppermaker Square, E20

Taking fifth place is the vibrant rental-only community of East Village in desirable Stratford. It offers fully-furnished studios, one, two, three and four bedroom apartments and townhouses. All of these have Superfast WI-FI. In addition, parking spaces and storage pods are available for rent and free cycle storage is provided.

Read reviews and details of East Village, E20

For number six we head over to Apo Barking, a development situated on the banks of the River Roding and opposite Abbey Park. It features a range of studios, 1 and 2-bed apartments. Residents can choose from a range of flexible leases and apartment upgrades. In addition, residents can access a range of amenities and facilities on site. This includes 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. Likewise, there is a members’ roof terrace on the 7th floor. Residents can also manage their home and membership through the Apo smartphone app.

Read reviews and details of Apo Barking, IG11

Riverstone Heights is located on the banks of the River Lea. With a rooftop terrace mid-barbecue, a private lounge and dining room, Way of Life’s newest residence is an elegant home in the heart of east London. Alongside thoughtfully designed apartments, the building’s first floor is dedicated to co-working; with meeting rooms, phone booths and […] Read reviews and details of Riverstone Heights, E3

Oxbow – East London is a joint venture by EcoWorld and Poplar Harca.  It’s just 7 minutes away from Canary Wharf and 15 minutes from the City. This development offers a range of studios as well as one and two-bedroom apartments in East India Dock. Canning Town Underground station is only a 11-minute walk away, […] Read reviews and details of Oxbow, E14

Taking ninth place is Newfoundland, which offers 636 pristine apartments in the ever-desirable Canary Wharf. Residents here can choose to look out over Canary Wharf itself, or the Thames and the City. Among other benefits, they also have access to private amenities including a gym, lounge, terrace and an expansive children’s play area.

Read reviews and details of Newfoundland, E14

Fizzy East16 is located only 30 seconds from Canning Town Station. It comprises of 292 apartments with a mix of studios and 1,2 and 3-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. Likewise, the development is pet-friendly. Read reviews and details of Fizzy East16, E16

Glasshouse Gardens is a residential development near the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in East London. Brought to us by Land Lease Europe, it features a mix of studios and one, two and three-bedroom apartments, all of which overlook the park. Stratford International station and Westfield Stratford City are both within close proximity.   Read reviews and details of Glasshouse Gardens, E20

The Otto is a development by Londonewcastle and the London Borough of Hackney, which features 90 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments alongside a primary school located on the ground and first floors. The development is moments away from the Hackney Downs park and Clapton, Rectory Road and Hackney Downs stations are all within a […] Read reviews and details of The Otto, E5

Canary Wharf Group are pleased to offer a selection of affordable studios, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments at 30 Harbord Square in Canary Wharf. Every apartment has been designed to a high-specification and all residents benefit from waterside views of the Thames or westwards towards Canary Wharf. Discover Canary Wharf’s latest neighbourhood, Wood Wharf, and […] Read reviews and details of 30 Harbord Square, E14

Baltimore Wharf is a mixed-use development from Galliard Homes, comprising of residential units, retail outlets and a hotel. There are one and two-bedroom apartments, premium duplexes and penthouses on offer here. The development is moments from the Crossharbour DLR Station and Canary Wharf is less than a 10-minute walk away, which carries the Jubilee line […] Read reviews and details of Baltimore Wharf, E14

St George’s Park is a development of new homes in Hornchurch. Most apartments have balconies, houses have private gardens and allocated parking is available. The development has excellent commuting links to London. Read reviews and details of St George’s Park, RM12

Marner Point by Barratt London is a residential development situated in Jefferson Plaza in Bow. Residents can enjoy access to a resident’s only gym as well as a communal roof terrace. The development is moments away from Bromley By Bow Underground station with links to the District and Hammersmith & City lines.   Read reviews and details of Marner Point, E3

Managed by L&Q, The Silk District offers one, two and three-bedroom apartments, plus studios. Additionally, it is close to Whitechapel’s London Underground and London Overground stations. As well as this, it is within walking distance of Shoreditch and Brick Lane. Read reviews and details of The Silk District, E1

Our 18th placed development for East London is Wardian London, a unique residential development from EcoWorld and Ballymore. The development itself is close to Canary Wharf’s Jubilee line, DLR, and London City Airport. Furthermore, residents have access to a cinema, a pool and a gym, as well as other shared facilities.

Read reviews and details of Wardian London, E14

Our fifth London Docklands development is 10 George Street, which rises 37 storeys above Canary Wharf’s new district, Wood Wharf. There are 327 ultramodern apartments available, all overlooking waterside gardens and boardwalks below. In addition, residents have exclusive access to “Vertus+.” This includes access to a 24/7 gym studio, self-service bar, private dining room and lounge which […] Read reviews and details of 10 George Street, E14

Ability Place by Ability Group is a residential development offering 600 apartments over 21 floors. There’s a mix of studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments on offer, as well as a selection of penthouses. South Quay DLR station is the closest to the property, but there’s also a reliable bus network locally and the Jubilee […] Read reviews and details of Ability Place, E14

Where is East London?

Although there’s no specific boundary, most definitions describe East London as the area east of the tiny central square mile ‘City of London’ and north of the River Thames. This takes in several London boroughs, ranging from built-up urban areas to leafy suburbs, including Barking and Dagenham, Hackney, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.

What is East London known for?

The East End is the perfect place to start exploring the rich, compelling and sometimes downright gritty history of London. This is mostly within the borough of Tower Hamlets, and it tells London’s story of constant change and reinvention. Out of the poverty-stricken, disease-ridden conditions of the late 19^th century, the area created a formidable identity as a tough but community-spirited place.

Having once been best known for the Jack the Ripper murders in Whitechapel, the East End slowly transformed. The area shook off its shabby docklands industrial feel to develop a modern-day vibe as a bustling centre of service industry businesses, fashion and innovative culinary culture.

Why live in East London?

East London is a fascinating and constantly surprising place to live. It’s arguably one of the coolest parts of the capital. It fuses an incredibly rich history with a vibrant modern culture and entertainment scene.

Change and excitement are watchwords for East London as a whole. If you want to be a part of new London trends in fashion, dining, live music and more, this is the place for you. With the likes of Shoreditch, Hoxton and Bethnal Green, you’ll never be bored or starved of something new.

Where are the best places to live in East London?

Finding the best areas to live in East London depends on your personal tastes and budget. There are so many thriving communities to consider, both established neighbourhoods and ‘up-and-coming’ prospects. Canary Wharf is a great example of the kind of big change that continues to shape East London. Once derelict docklands, this whole area is exploding with sleek new build developments and café culture hubs. Fortunately, it’s not just for young bankers and the smart professional set either, as the inclusion of some great schools and family-friendly attractions make it appealing to different kinds of buyers and renters.

Overall, East London is a part of the capital that continues to attract all sorts of newcomers. They come for the excitement, the buzz and the new energy of the area, but stay for the convenience and sense of community.

Transport in East London

Overall, East London enjoys excellent transport links. Being north of the Thames means that it has a much higher concentration of London Underground lines and stops than South London. The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is another impressive (and improving) transport string to East London’s bow.

Those stretches of East London along the river also have the added convenience of Thames Clipper River Bus services. This makes hopping across the river for work or pleasure even easier, and more fun!

East London property prices

East London’s property market is extremely varied. Its offerings range from super-slick new build luxury apartments in Canary Wharf, to grand period homes and Victorian terraced housing. There’s also everything in between when it comes to new build homes developments in East London!

Whatever you’re looking for in terms of size and style, East London should be able to provide it. As for price, Rightmove puts the East London house price average at around £577,000 for August 2024. Remember, this is just a yardstick average that covers a wide range of boroughs and property types. For more accurate estimates, it’s best to focus on specific East London districts or postcodes that interest you.

Hopefully, this roundup of the best new build homes developments in East London provides a useful glance at what’s on offer. If you want to wider your search, check out our dedicated area guide below. And remember, close by, but distinctly different, are the areas of North East and South East London. These are more than worth your time spent in exploration.

Perhaps the capital’s biggest oxymoron, East London is a place where traditional meets contemporary and all walks of life collide. And there lies its draw, as many of its millions of occupants will attest to. Read on to discover developments that are the best Read more about East 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.

Stamp duty is a major consideration whenever you want to buy a residential property. The good news is that if you’re a first time buyer, you’ll pay much less, or even nothing! Read on, and discover how stamp duty relief for first time buyers works.

What is stamp duty?

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax paid on all property purchases over a certain value in England and Northern Ireland. Wales and Scotland don’t have SDLT, but they do have very similar schemes with slightly different rules.

Do first time buyers pay stamp duty?

First time buyers are not exempt from stamp duty. However, if you’re buying for the first time, you’ll pay less. This is because the value threshold for when you start paying SDLT is higher.

The government brought in the ‘SDLT relief for first time buyers’ policy in late 2017. It means that first time buyers currently pay zero stamp duty on residential property worth £425,000 or less. Normally, you would start paying SDLT at £250,000.

How did stamp duty change in 2022?

The government introduced two changes to stamp duty as part of its September 2022 ‘mini budget’. Firstly, the 0% SDLT band was raised from £125,000 to £250,000 for all property purchases. Secondly, the 0% threshold for first time buyers was increased from £300,000 to £425,000.

How much do first time buyers pay stamp duty in 2024?

At the time of writing (August 2024) the stamp duty changes brought in during 2022 are still in place. The amount you pay as a first time buyer is 0% if the value of the property is £425,000 or under. You will pay 5% stamp duty on the remainder of the sales price, up to a value of £625,000.

Be aware that if you are buying a property that is worth over £625,000, you will pay the full, normal rate of stamp duty. It doesn’t matter if you are a first time buyer in this case, you will have to pay stamp duty at the same rate as normal buyers. The first time buyer SDLT relief policy was designed to help people get on the property ladder, which is why there is this property value threshold.

A simple way to figure out how much you’ll pay on your planned purchase is to use a stamp duty calculator. The HomeOwners Alliance has a good one here. They also have a full breakdown of the different stamp duty bands for all parts of the UK.

How do I qualify as a first time buyer?

Qualifying as a first time buyer is simple. Firstly, you have to have never owned a residential property before in the UK. Secondly, the property you’re buying must be your main residence, it can’t be buy-to-let or a second home.

Can I pay stamp duty in instalments?

Sadly, you cannot pay stamp duty in instalments. The full amount of SDLT owed must be paid to HM Revenue and Customs within 30 days of the completion of the property’s sale.

Can I get a refund on stamp duty?

There are some situations where you can get refunds on stamp duty. However, these are mostly related to SDLT higher charges on purchases of second homes or buy-to-let property. If you’re a first time buyer, it is unlikely that you will qualify for any kind of stamp duty refund.

We have a full description of stamp duty refunds, and how to claim them.

How do I pay stamp duty?

Paying stamp duty is usually done by the buyer’s conveyancing solicitor as part of the sale completion. You can do it yourself if you prefer, or if you aren’t using a conveyancer. This UK Gov guide gives you an overview on how to pay stamp duty, and what deadlines are involved.

How do first time buyers avoid stamp duty?

Avoiding stamp duty entirely as a first time buyer is difficult because there are few exceptions that apply beyond the SDLT relief policy. The best way to avoid it is to purchase a property worth under, or as close to, £425,000 as possible. If you can negotiate the price down to this marker, you’ll save yourself an SDLT bill.

How can you avoid stamp duty if you’re not a first time buyer?

If you’re not a first time buyer, there are very few ways to legally avoid stamp duty. However, there are a few possibilities and minor exemptions to consider:

• Buy the property in the name of a family member, provided that they are a first time buyer.
• Purchase a property worth £40,000 or less – all properties of this price are fully exempt from SDLT, even if it’s a second home.
• Buy a motorhome, caravan or houseboat – these are all exempt from SDLT, no matter how much they cost.

Are there any proposed changes to stamp duty?

The cuts to stamp duty introduced in 2022 are due to end in 2025. This means that any property transaction until 31 March 2025 can benefit from the reduced stamp duty thresholds. However, at the time of writing (August 2024), the reductions to the stamp duty threshold are due to be reversed after this time.

As such, standard stamp duty rates will revert to 5% for transactions over the value of £125,000. For first-time buyers, stamp duty will be owed on transactions over the value of £300,000. Also, the highest possible purchase price that is still eligible for first time buyer stamp duty relief will drop from £625,000 back down to £500,000.

However, housing being a hot-button political issue, so it’s possible that stamp duty rules will change again in the near future under the new Labour Government.

To clarify, after March 31 2025, the following stamp duty bands will apply to a first time buyer:

0% up to £300,000

2% above £300,000 and up to £500,000

5% above £500,000 and up to 925,000

10% above £925,000 and up to £1,500,000

12% above £1,500,000

If you have more specific stamp duty questions, we have answers. Our dedicated guides to paying stamp duty on a second home, or how to reclaim stamp duty can help.

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.

Are you considering living in Putney? We take a look at the five highest-rated new developments in this popular suburb in South West London. We’ll explore what it’s like to live in Putney and discover the best places to live in Putney as rated by real residents in the neighbourhood.

Top 5 best places to live in Putney

These five new developments have been rated as the best in Putney by verified residents on HomeViews. Developments are rated on location, design, management, value and facilities, giving an overall star rating combining all five categories. We’ve only included developments with at least 10 reviews completed.

*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.

Residents on HomeViews currently rate London Square Putney as the best place to live in Putney. This new development was designed by signature architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris and comprises one, two and three bedroom apartments and penthouses. The scheme’s excellent location brings Putney Mainline and East Putney stations within easy reach, and is also a short walk away from Putney High Street.

Read reviews and details of London Square Putney, SW15

Second on our list of outstanding places to live in Putney is Putney Rise from Barratt Homes. This development offers 125 one, two and three-bedroom apartments and 30 houses within a gated complex, and was designed by Carey Jones Architects. Trains from Putney Station reach London Waterloo in just under 20 minutes, and residents also have easy access to the District line at nearby East Putney and Putney Bridge stations.

Read reviews and details of Putney Rise, SW15

Our third-ranked development in Putney is Langham Square by St James. Located adjacent to East Putney underground station, the development offers one, two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses, all with private outdoor space. Residents of these apartments also benefit from ground floor retail shops, cafes, a public piazza, and basement car/cycle parking.

Read reviews and details of Langham Square, SW15

The fourth highest-rated new development in Putney is currently Putney Square – a Barratt London scheme. It was designed by PRC Architects and comprises 215 one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Residents benefit from having private car parking spaces, landscaped gardens and bicycle storage. The development is conveniently located between Putney station and East Putney underground station.

Read reviews and details of Putney Square, SW15

A St. James development for Berkeley, Emerald Square takes the fifth spot on our list. it offers a selection of homes located just off Roehampton Lane, and situated close to Richmond Park and the Roehampton Club. Local bus routes go to nearby Barnes and Barnes Mainline station, and trains from here go directly to Waterloo.

Read reviews and details of Emerald Square, SW15

What is Putney known for?

Putney is perhaps best known for being the starting line for the annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. Many prominent rowing clubs and universities have boat sheds on Putney Embankment. A number of sailing clubs can also be found on this stretch of the river. This makes it an important hub for watersports in the west of the city.

Putney Bridge joins Fulham to the north with Putney to the south. The bridge is overlooked by churches on both banks – All Saints Church Fulham and St Mary’s Church Putney. Putney High Street connects with the bridge and leads up past Putney station to Putney Hill.

Is Putney a nice area of London?

Putney is widely considered to be a very desirable part of the capital to live in. The combination of tranquil riverside walks, a very smart high street and a great range of property options make it a must-consider for those who want a more relaxed London lifestyle. The best places to live in Putney can hold their own against the best that the rest of London has to offer.

What is living in Putney like?

Life in Putney runs at a slower pace than in Fulham across the river. This attracts families and young professionals who are drawn to the area’s beautiful properties, peaceful neighbourhoods and easy access to green spaces.

Putney residents can head down to the riverside to enjoy the historic Wandsworth Park. Alternatively, the smaller Leader’s Gardens park is also next to the river and features excellent tennis facilities, a playground and small cafe.

Heading up Putney Hill brings you out onto Putney Heath. This historic 400-acre area of scrub and open land is popular for dog walks and weekend picnics and connects with Wimbledon Common to the south and Richmond Park to the west.

What are the Transport links in Putney like?

Transport connections in Putney include regular South Western Rail services from Putney station. This provides great transport links for commuters into Clapham Junction and London Waterloo.

Underground services on the District Line run from East Putney and Putney Bridge station just over the bridge in Fulham. In addition, weekday peak time riverboat services also depart from Putney Pier on the Embankment. These run through the city into Blackfriars Millennium Pier.

How is the Housing market in Putney performing in 2024?

The Putney housing market is performing well in 2024, as post-pandemic prices normalise. Putney boasts an excellent network of handsome Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian terraced streets. The area is also home to some fine mansion blocks and apartment buildings. These date from the 1930s through to modern luxury developments on the riverside, which are among the best places to live in Putney.

It is pricey to buy property in Putney, however. Rightmove puts the current Putney house price average at £871,000. This places it significantly above the London average of around £686,000. Renting in Putney costs an average of £3,250 PCM, according to the latest data from Home.co.uk (August 2024). Again, this is higher than the London average of £4300 PCM.

Check out our Putney area guide to find out more about the area, or discover London’s 10 highest-rated young professional accommodation options for great rental developments around central London.

Putney is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Those who’ve never set foot here will probably know it as the starting point for the annual Cambridge and Oxford boat race. It’s home to a number of rowing clubs, along with a selection of groups dedicated Read more about Putney

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.