Top ten developments in London 2015

When we set out to compile a top 10 list of London’s best developments in 2015, we thought we’d be able to put them in some sort of order. Not so, it seems. Speaking to our agents, they were all equally evangelical about the developments on their respective patches. While Beaufort Park offers an incredible amount of luxury for those on a budget, The Knightsbridge is the perfect address for those for whom money is no object. Tenants are drawn to The Landmark in Canary Wharf because it offers easy access to the shops and restaurants in the area while Imperial Wharf residents need never set foot off the development unless they want to. To each their own, we say. So in no particular order, here are the top 10 developments in London.

Beaufort Park

Where:  Colindale, NW9

On-site amenities: Fully equipped spa, hair dressing salon, Tesco Express, three restaurants, a coffee shop and a park.

Starting price: £344,950

Average rental yield: 4-5%

Who wants to live there: Young professionals on the first or second rung of the career ladder are drawn to Beaufort Park.  The development offers affordable luxury yet is just a short commute into the City or West End.  The flats are spacious and the development itself is friendly with a strong sense of community.  It’s also a good option for anyone who is security conscious as the flats are well guarded and have the latest technology for residents’ peace of mind.

Marine Wharf

Where: Surrey Quays, SE16

On-site amenities: 24-hour concierge, fitness and leisure suite, Tesco Express, park

Starting price: £570,000

Average rental yield: 3-5%

Who wants to live there: Surrey Quays has great transport links and is only one stop on the Jubilee Line or a short ferry ride to Canary Wharf.  Many of those living here like the fact that they’re close to work but not on top of it.  The good schools in the area are also attracting families to this development.

The Landmark

Where: Canary Wharf, E14

On-site amenities: 24-hour concierge, on-site security, underground parking, private gym, on-site shops cafes and restaurants

Starting price: £450,000

Average rental yield: 3-5%

Who wants to live there: Professional singles and couples who work in Canary Wharf.  The average tenant here works hard and socialises locally in the evenings.  They’re too busy for a long commute and at the end of the tenancy, landlords often find the manual still inside the oven as it’s never been used.

Cityscape

Where: Spitalfields, E1

On-site amenities: 24-hour concierge, residents only gym and top floor roof terrace

Starting price: £740,000

Average rental yield: 3-5%

Who wants to live there: Given its proximity to the City, it has a surprisingly diverse tenant mix.  Obviously there are lots of City professionals living there but also a number of tech entrepreneurs, fashion designers and those in the creative industry.

New Capital Quay

Where: Greenwich, SE10

On-site amenities: Concierge, on-site restaurants, bars shops and Waitrose with complimentary delivery on any orders over £50.  A new art gallery is also proposed.

Starting price: £399,999

Average rental yield: 5-8%

Who wants to live there: Professionals working in Canary Wharf who want to escape London at the weekends.  The development also has a wide range of ages: from students up to retired downsizers.

21 Wapping Lane

Where: Wapping, E1

On-site amenities: 24-hour concierge, residents only gym, spa, screening room, shops.

Starting price: £430,000

Average rental yield: 3-5%

Who wants to live there: This development’s close proximity to the City draws in lots of professionals.  The area has a number of owner occupiers, though, which creates a strong sense of community.  Many of the area’s residents are native Londoners who have moved there from other parts of the capital.

Dickens Yard

Where: Ealing, W5

On-site amenities: 24-hour concierge, swimming pool, residents spa and fitness suite.

Starting price: £669,950

Average rental yield: 4-6%

Who wants to live there: There are a number of corporate lets here with many major corporations getting in now in advance of the new Crossrail station opening in 2018.  Dickens Yard mainly attracts a young crowd with ages ranging from  mid-20s up to those in their 40s.

3 Merchants Square

Where: Paddington, W2

On-site amenities: 24-hour concierge, nursery, cinema, residents only gym, meeting area, coffee shops, restaurants, upmarket shops plus regular events held in the square such as food markets, Christmas fairs and outdoor cinema screenings.

Starting price: £610,000

Average rental yield: 2.5-4%

Who wants to live there: Thanks to its proximity to the Heathrow Express, many high-powered executives who have to travel for work seek apartments here, as do very posh international students.  Even members of foreign royalty live here.

The Knightsbridge

Where: Knightsbridge, SW7

On-site amenities: The amenities here are akin to a five-star hotel.  24-hour concierge, valet parking, zen gardens, business centre with complimentary refreshments, fitness centre, 20-metre swimming pool and Kinesis spa.

Starting price: Rarely available but one unit is currently on the market for £3.85m

Average rental yield: 2-3%

Who wants to live there: If you are one of the privileged few to call The Knightsbridge home, then you have – as they say – arrived. This predecessor to One Hyde Park which is arguably more discreet, boasts a who’s who of industry, royalty and private wealth amongst its residents.  Many residents are from overseas and are very security conscious.  This will probably be one of several homes they own around the world so they value the fact that the setup is on par with a very luxurious hotel but the apartments offer considerably more space than a hotel room.

Imperial Wharf

Where: Fulham, SW6

On-site amenities: 24 hours concierge, a choice of restaurants, coffee bars, upscale boutiques, Tesco Express, two nurseries, a children’s indoor play centre, and residents only gym.

Starting price: £849,950

Average rental yield: 3-5%

Who wants to live there: Imperial Wharf attracts a different sort of tenant.  It’s really a community within a community and many tenants move out when they have children thinking they need a house, only to return shortly thereafter because they miss all the on-site amenities.  Unsurprisingly, there are a lot of families here who love the fact that the indoor play centre offers the opportunity to let Junior run around and play while the parents work remotely thanks to the high-speed internet access.  Equally, a lot of affluent tenants – including a number of footballers – who originally looked at period properties in South Kensington or Chelsea change their minds when they see what Imperial Wharf has to offer.

If you are an investor looking to increase your property portfolio or if you are interested in investing at any of the above developments, please contact Marc von Grundherr on 020 7319 9780.