East London property has its own thing going on. Heavily bombed during World War Two and home to the once-industrial heartland of the Docklands, here imaginative new builds coexist with converted wharfs and Victorian terraces that survived the Blitz. 

Life in east London is just as unique: residents live among the historic landmarks of Greenwich, the independent galleries of Hoxton, and the fantastic resources of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, which itself has undergone a massive facelift in recent years. Shoreditch has long been home to a proliferation of colourful pubs, cafes and street art, and you can find all manner of antiques, collectibles and street food on bustling Brick Lane. The original east London market, however, is Old Spitalfields, built in 1876, while Columbia Road Flower Market is known for the beautiful blooms which draw crowds on a Sunday.

Hackney and London Fields are the spiritual homes of artists and creatives, but east London isn’t just for hipsters – it is also home to the ancient City of London and the financial institutions that now reside there, so plenty of professionals opt to live east. Notably, Canary Wharf has swung towards residential, becoming a weekend pleasure playground, in the last decade.

If you like homes with a bit of personality, and find yourself drawn to the beating heart of the capital’s creative scene, read on to discover some of the most characterful homes for sale in east London.

Canvas House, SE1

This two-bedroom penthouse is situated in a small warehouse conversion in the heart of Shad Thames, a historic riverside district in Bermondsey. The property exemplifies the east London warehouse aesthetic, possessing the requisite exposed brick walls and open-plan, triple-aspect layout, which allows sunlight to cascade in. The home also boasts lovingly-preserved period features, including towering double-height vaulted ceilings, and original windows and staircases. Even the hooks which were once used to hang canvases can still be found in the roof timbers. Elsewhere, find a bespoke kitchen, a generous mezzanine and a roof terrace.

£3,000,000, knightfrank.com

Ropemakers Fields, E14

This imposing Georgian home has been all but completely rebuilt, the result being an imposing three-or-four-bed with an immaculate finish. The reception is laid with European oak flooring, while the striking steel and oak staircase is as much an architectural feature as anything else. Living spaces comprise an open-plan kitchen – hand-crafted in oak – a sitting room separated by a Crittall screen, and a dining area with space to seat 12. Extra features include a wine store, a pretty walled garden and a private terrace accessed via bifold doors with views of Canary Wharf and The Shard.

£2,850,000, knightfrank.com

One Park Drive, E14

This home resides on the 30th floor of one of Canary Wharf’s most desirable buildings, an architecturally-unique skyscraper designed by Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron. This two-bedroom apartment is found in the ‘Cluster’ typology, which is located on levels 10-32 of the building and comprises 948 square feet of contemporary living space and private terraces with views over Compton Gardens and Canary Wharf. Residents of One Park Drive enjoy access to amenities including a 24-hour concierge, a cinema room, a gym with a 20-metre swimming pool, and a steam room and sauna. 

£1,315,000, knightfrank.co.uk

Granville House, SE13

This property represents the culmination of its owner’s life’s work: over the years, it has undergone  a complete gut-renovation, from the handsome triple-fronted façade, which is set behind high courtyard walls, to 8,488 square feet of Victorian living space which comprises London stock bricks, an iron Regency balcony and tall sash windows. All period features have been meticulously sourced or replaced as new in an intelligent, sustainable modernisation. The result is a comfortable family home which still oozes luxury, with the added benefit of views over the 112 acres of Blackheath.

£11,500,000, struttandparker.com

Minerva Street, E2 

It doesn’t get much more ‘east London’ than this penthouse apartment, which occupies the entire top floor of a factory conversion located a short walk from London Fields. The former warehouse comprises three separate units, all with a share of the freehold, which was originally sold as a shell and has since been restored, maintaining many original features to pay homage to its industrial roots. The penthouse boasts over 1,200 square feet of space divided by stud partition walls, allowing for relatively easy re-configuration should a new owner wish to do so. 

£1,225,000, fyfemcdade.com

London Fields West Side, E8

This home represents the other side of east London property – a new build townhouse designed by award-winning architect Chance de Silva, with muted pastel interiors that mix industrial and modern materials. It’s situated on the northwest corner of London Fields with views across the park and a large private courtyard. Set over two storeys and accommodating two bedrooms, the property also boasts two split-level living spaces, two living rooms, and a kitchen/dining room on the ground floor, all connected by a central light well.

£1,500,000, fyfemcdade.com

Dock Cottages, E1W

This Grade II-listed property was originally constructed in 1823 as a three-house terrace, but it is now arranged as a single dwelling, resulting in a spectacular open-plan, double-height space. One of the most appealing features is the walled garden on either side of the house, which offers insulation from the urban surroundings. Upon entering (via the eastern entrance; there are multiple), you are greeted with a porch/garden room, which leads into the cosy reception. The country-style kitchen also resides on the ground floor, as do the sitting and dining areas. A spiral staircase ascends to three double bedrooms, two bathrooms and a roof terrace.

£2,500,000, savills.com

Wilton Way, E8

This end-of-terrace family home also benefits from a self-contained garden studio designed by architect Bernard Tulkens, which was originally used as a design studio but offers a versatile proposition for a new owner. The main house is pretty special, too, comprising a stainless steel kitchen, a double reception room with original cornicing and floorboards and custom-made bookshelves, and a principal bedroom with an en-suite shower room and fitted wardrobes. There is a private roof terrace on the first floor which looks onto the south-facing garden, which has been redesigned as a courtyard.

£2,450,000, savills.com

Read more: Stunning home for sale in West London