Everyone wants to get on the property ladder in London and there are housing developments springing up to suit every budget. Here are seven of the best:
(Photo: Batterseapowerstation.co.uk)
It’s something of a joke that the British like to talk about the weather. But there is perhaps one thing that is even more of a topic of conversation in the UK – buying a property. Getting on the property ladder remains a top priority for Britons, especially those living in and around London, looking at housing as a way to financial security in the future and potentially a large profit. The housing market is also driving a large profit for the UK Treasury – Stamp Duty raised from London property hit a record £5.6 billion last year – so there are always plenty of incentives around to drive people towards getting that set of door keys.
When it comes to buying in the UK for foreigners and nationals, there is not too much red tape – even Brexit didn’t change the situation much. However there is no Golden Visa system for buying a property and getting fast-tracked residency – if you are a foreigner you will need to apply for a visa to live in the UK if you are planning to reside in your new property.
The hottest properties on the market in London right now tend to be large housing developments full of studios and one- and two-bed flats, aimed at first time buyers and young people. These often come with both the First Time Buyer scheme (knocking off a sizeable chunk of the market sticker price to first time buyers), Shared Ownership, and also don’t be surprised if the developer offers to chip in to the deposit to make it even easier to get your hands on the keys. Then there are a good selection of medium-range and millionaire-spec riverside properties designed for oversees buyers looking for an investment or just a place to crash when on business. Here are seven of the best property developments in London right now:
Battersea Power Station
The hulking Battersea Power Station stood dormant and crumbling for many years before it was finally agreed on a £9bn project to transform it into a mixed-use development with new homes, shops, offices, public space in and around the Power Station. There are fewer than 10 apartments remaining inside the Grade II* listed Power Station itself, including a handful of Sky Villas. These are a collection of unique duplex, dual-aspect apartments positioned between the building’s iconic chimneys. Next to the Power Station sits Gehry’s Prospect Place, which is the first residential building in the UK by world-renowned architect, Frank Gehry. Some 308 apartments are positioned between the two buildings that together form Prospect Place. Adjacent to Prospect Place is Foster + Partners’ Battersea Roof Gardens, a collection of 436 homes with one of London’s largest residential rooftop gardens on top of the building.
Capella
(Photo: capellakingscross.co.uk)
Capella is a range of 120 spacious studios, one-, two- and three-bed apartments in King’s Cross starting from less than £700,000. The area has been transformed in recent years, with a host of good food and drink options, as well as great travel connections too. The emphasis with these apartments is to create an organic and adaptable living space, packed full of a combination of natural elements and man-made materials. Due for completion next year, there is a show home for viewing by interested potential buyers.
Barking Riverside
Barking Riverside is a really interesting new development of 10,000 homes on the river 22 minutes from the centre of London. The developers haven’t stopped at making new homes, this is a whole new community, with schools, nature walks and even an annual festival to make the whole thing feel like somewhere you want to live, rather than just a desperate first rung of the housing ladder. On offer are a range of affordable, architecturally designed, contemporary family homes and apartments available, all with access to a community hub and workspaces for residents.
London Square
Croydon, to the south of London, is changing rapidly. Once the epitome of suburbia, the town is now a property hotspot, with buyers attracted to the lower than average prices and easy access to the city centre. One of the best new developments is London Square Croydon, comprising of one-, two- and three-bed private apartments close to two key stations, all with contemporary styling and Smart fitted kitchens with integrated appliances. The modern commuter is well catered for, with everything from 24-hour concierge to cycle storage, as well as several communal terraces and gardens to unwind in at the end of the day.
Triptych Bankside
For something a bit more upmarket, Triptych Bankside still has a number of apartments available in its intriguing, wavy residential towers on the vibrant Southbank. The apartments are beautifully designed – incidentally the outer structure is inspired by the ebb and flow of the Thames running outside – and there are views of the St Paul’s, The Shard and other London landmarks. At ground level there is a new independent retail and cultural space too. A two-bed apartment starts at £1,640,000.
Westin Residences
Another development for the deep of pockets, the Westin Residences by Marriot is a collection of nine three-bed contemporary residences priced between £4,230,000 and £6,250,000. Located in the historic Queenhithe Dock, within the historic and ultra-exclusive City of London, each home is carefully designed to maximise light and to have a calm and soothing living environment. There are plenty of bespoke and luxury touches too, from dark oak carpentry to Italian-design kitchens with high quality Gaggenau appliances and Quooker taps.
Riverside Quarter
Located in the vibrant heart of Wandsworth, Riverside Quarter is a mid-range development with a lot going for it. Not only is this leafy South West London at its finest, the apartments are extremely good quality, with balconies or winter gardens and great wellbeing facilities included. There are well-equipped gyms and a large swimming pool, making this an excellent choice for anyone wanting both a great living space and to keep fit.