Perfectly mixing the old and new, historic and cutting edge, up-and-coming and very much there, East London has an appealingly unique identity that sets it apart from the rest of the city. From the imposing skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, which house myriad big name retail brands and top international restaurants and bars, to the greenery of Greenwich, and the foodie-centric Bermondsey, East London is home to some of the most exciting, evolving and affordable neighbourhoods in the capital.

Benjamin Hobart, senior director and head of City, North and East London at JLL Residential, credits the blend of fast-paced city life with a more laidback living style for really setting the area apart from the West End and other prime London hubs.

“You’ve got brand-new developments, like One Thames Quay in Canary Wharf, offering sleek, modern living with unbeatable transport links thanks to the recent introduction of the Elizabeth Line,” says Hobart. “But then just down the road, you’ve got places like Greenwich, with that relaxed village vibe and rich history, giving you the best of both worlds.”

With Canary Wharf having long since become a go-to shopping and dining destination, its newest neighbourhood, Wood Wharf, is cementing this reputation, giving Broadway Market and London Fields a run for their money, explains Hobart. And with iconic spots like the Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, and the beautiful Greenwich Park nearby for sunny weekend strolls, it’s not all hustle and bustle and high-rises.

“Whether you want a bit of culture, nature, or nightlife, East London has it all. And with the ever-improving transport and infrastructure, it has become much more accessible for all Londoners,” says Hobart. “We see so many of our buyers and renters visit this side of London for an event or to meet friends and discover how truly accessible it is. And this becomes a catalyst for their search. It’s no wonder that both popularity and demand are increasing year on year.”
 
The opening of the Elizabeth Line in 2022 has undoubtedly been a real game-changer, Hobart explains, making cross-city commutes more streamlined, with central London feeling just minutes away. “With journeys to Tottenham Court Road or Heathrow now so straightforward, it’s a massive perk for anyone looking to live in the area,” he says. “It’s really opened up East London, making it a prime spot for people who want great transport links without living right in the heart of the city.

With property values in East London having shot up over the past ten years, Canary Wharf’s prominence as an ever-expanding financial hub has naturally driven up demand for housing in the area, too. “We are finding more visitors on the weekends which is bringing even more life, investment and growth. Canary Wharf Group is brilliant at always having events, activities and exhibitions on for increasing footfall, too.”

As Canary Wharf keeps evolving and more businesses move in, the demand for quality homes is only going to increase, explains Hobart. Plus, with new developments like One Thames Quay setting the standard for luxury living, the area is sure to maintain its appeal. “We might not see the same rapid price hikes as before, but it’s a solid long-term investment,” says Hobart.

As well as Canary Wharf, which is still a hot spot for growth, Hobart spotlights Greenwich Peninsula as another area seeing a current surge of interest. “Places like Prime Point are in high demand, offering that perfect mix of modern living and access to the quieter, more scenic side of East London. The riverside locations are very popular. Modern apartments with great amenities and easy access to transport are at the top of everyone’s list. Luxury living with excellent connectivity.”

Hobart advises looking at areas like Greenwich Peninsula “that are still on the up”. “Prime Point offers fantastic value and, with the ongoing regeneration, there’s plenty of room for property values to rise in the future. Canary Wharf is another solid option — it’s well-connected, and the demand is consistently high. My key advice would be to think long-term — East London’s still growing and evolving, making it a smart choice for those looking to get onto the property ladder.”

Add to this a general surge of development and construction in areas like Woolwich, Dagenham and Barking, which will be vital for first-time buyers who are returning to the market with more “confidence and affordability” thanks to a period of stabilisation in the wider UK economy, and you really can’t go wrong.

8 Harbord Square, Canary Wharf

The latest residential building for private sale at Wood Wharf, these luxurious Manhattan-style lofts offer entirely open-plan apartments that can be completely tailored to the buyer. Exposed brick walls, industrial-style detailing, sleek timber flooring and floods of natural light really set these modern spaces apart. Located amid the buzzy crowds and amenities of bustling, cutting-edge Canary Wharf, you could be in downtown New York.

Prices from £690,000, jll.co.uk

Prime Point, Greenwich

Offering an outstanding selection of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, each with private outdoor space, Prime Point promises incredible panoramic views over Central Park. Just a stroll from the O2 arena, as well as nearby designer shopping outlets, restaurants, and bars, this brand-new development also benefits from a concierge, landscaped gardens, roof terraces and residents’ lounge. Ideal for first-time buyers, you’ll know you’ve arrived.

Prices from £410,000, jll.co.uk

Canada Water, Canada Water

Boasting a collection of 186 homes, made up of one-, two- and three- bedroom apartments, this brand-new hub is just the first instalment of a totally reinvigorated Canada Water neighbourhood. Part of a vast regeneration scheme, that will include the first new London high street in many years, the development is set to total 16 new streets, as well as a cutting-edge leisure centre. Surrounded by 160 acres of parks, woods and water with a diverse, long-established community, dockside living never looked so good.

Prices from £704,000, jll.co.uk

St. Marychurch Street, Rotherhithe

A beautiful duplex penthouse in an elegant residential development within the historic centre of Rotherhithe, Southwark, this home benefits from an area that offers an ideal balance of calm and convenience. Designed with great attention to detail, this Bombay Court home has been thoughtfully set out to maximise light and space. From the open-plan living area to the understated kitchen, every detail has been thoughtfully crafted and curated. Close to Bermondsey and Canada Water stations, as well as Rotherhithe Overground, commuting around the city couldn’t be easier either.

£1,675,000, jll.co.uk

Dundee Wharf, Limehouse

Spanning the entire tenth floor and offering a swathe of flawless living space, this stunning riverside home boasts covetable waterside and city landmark views. With floor-to-ceiling windows, two Juliette balconies and sublime vistas in every direction, the property has been designed and fitted to the highest spec, with a spiral staircase leading up to private roof terrace just the icing on the cake. Located on the banks of the River Thames, and within walking distance of Canary Wharf, it offers a concierge, visitor car parking, paid electric vehicle charging bays and a new communal gym.

£1,900,000, jll.co.uk