Docklands Property Guide

Since its regeneration in the 1980s, Docklands has become one of London’s most desirable areas to both live and work. Solid transport links, good amenities, Thameside views and a sense of history all add up to make the Docklands a fantastic place to live. To find out more about the Docklands and what the East London neighbourhood has to offer, read our Docklands property guide below.

Docklands Properties

The Docklands has a rich history, which is reflected in the range of properties in the area. As a result, the neighbourhood has something to offer everyone — whether your preference is for fine period properties or modern glass towers.

Owing to the area’s history as one of London’s chief ports, the Docklands has many sympathetically restored warehouse conversions, offering lofty proportions with great features. For something a bit more refined, the area also has a good number of Georgian and Victorian residential properties, once owned by London’s merchants. Lovers of modern architecture are equally well catered for with the high number of luxury glass tower apartment blocks, offering superb views and all the conveniences of 21st-century living. The area also has pockets of more affordable housing in mid-century apartment blocks for those on a smaller budget.

The Docklands area includes many residential neighbourhoods and commercial districts. For example, Canary Wharf is a vibrant financial district. In the area, several docks are located — North Dock, South Dock, and Millwall Out Dock — that are now popular areas for property development. These once-industrial sites are now home to some of the tallest residential apartment blocks in Europe. Shiny, chrome and glass apartment buildings contain modern luxury flats with outstanding views over the docks and Thames. The best flats to rent or buy in Canary Wharf are in Wardian, South Quay Plaza, Pan Peninsula just off Marsh Wall and Landmark Pinnacle at South Dock.

There is no doubt that modern flats dominate the housing market in Canary Wharf. However, many of the new property developments are self-contained buildings containing a range of amenities for residents. For example, some of the best Docklands properties have a gym, swimming pool, roof-top gardens, shops, bars and cinemas.

To the south of Canary Wharf, sitting on a peninsula is the Isle of Dogs. The relatively quiet Tower Hamlets neighbourhood has an eclectic range of modern apartment blocks, mid-20th century flats, luxurious warehouse conversions, and terraced Victorian houses. The neighbourhood is more like a relaxed suburban area with quiet streets of low-rise apartment blocks and excellent schools. The Isle of Dogs is also home to the largest green space in the Docklands area, with Millwall Park and its city farm.

To the east of the Docklands is the famous Royal Docks which is now the Gallions Point Marina and London City Airport. Many riverside properties in east Docklands are multi-storey modern apartment blocks with many recent property developments offering affordable places to live. Like many Docklands neighbourhoods, Royal Docks is an eclectic mix of Victorian townhouses, modern tower blocks, and four to six-storey blocks of flats. The best places to buy or rent property in this Docklands area are Royal Albert Wharf, Royal Docks West and Royal Victoria Dock.

Limehouse is another popular area of the London Docklands to buy or rent a property. There you will find spacious restored warehouse conversions, new-build flats and luxurious Georgian townhouses. Many of the best rental properties and flats for sale are around Limehouse Basin. If you want to buy or rent property in Limehouse, then look for the property development near Limehouse Cut, Limehouse Basin and Victory place.

Thanks to its industrial heritage, the Docklands has a high concentration of fabulous warehouse conversions. Most Docklands neighbourhoods have converted warehouses with exposed brick interiors, vaulted ceilings, original beams and stunning views over waterways, docks or the river.

In 2021, the average property in the Docklands is approximately £475,000 – below the London average of £620,000. However, it’s important to remember that prices vary widely depending on the particular district and type of property. The Docklands is home to some highly desirable areas with higher price tags, along with more affordable neighbourhoods like Poplar.

New-build home in Docklands

Since the 1980s, the Docklands has transformed from a dull industrial site into a vibrant commercial and residential area. The regeneration of London’s primary dock area continues. New-build high-rise residential towers around Wood Wharf, New India Quay, and Marsh Wall will bring in hundreds of new flats to rent or buy. Many of the new builds are offered as affordable housing with excellent deals on shared-ownership flats available.

The demand for rental property means that many investors are looking to purchase buy-to-rent apartments to cater to the needs of the thriving rental market.

Docklands properties to Let

Due to its proximity to Canary Wharf — London’s top financial district — the Docklands is a popular East London area for renters. As a result, there is a large availability of rental accommodation to suit all budgets. The average rent for a one or two-bedroom flat in the Docklands is around £550 per week.

It’s good to remember that the wide range of flats for rent means that rental costs vary greatly. For example, it’s possible to find a flat to rent for as little as £250 to £300 per week. Many low-rise, late-20th century apartment blocks in social housing estates have the cheapest rates. On the other end of the scale, spacious modern apartments in the Docklands best apartment blocks can cost over £2,000 per week.

Renters who live in the Isle of Dogs, Limehouse, Royal Docks or Poplar and work in Canary Wharf save money and time on their daily commute. The Docklands is one of the most affordable Zone 2 areas of London to live and work in. Additionally, Central London is only a 15-minute journey by Tube.

Docklands Best Streets

The best streets in London’s Docklands are the ones with unrestricted views of the docks or Thames. In Canary Wharf, the best properties are on Hertsmere Road around the area of West India Quay. Additionally, recent property developments mean that Marsh Wall has some spectacular flats to rent or buy.

To the east end of the Docklands, blocks of flats around the Royal Victoria Dock and Royal Wharf offer unrivalled views of the Royal Docks and the Thames. If you are looking for flats to rent in the Isle of Dogs, then there are many choices in the streets off Manchester Road. In Limehouse, Narrow Street has luxurious flats and terraced houses. Narrow Street also enjoys the title as “East London’s Priciest Street”.

Docklands Transport

Another chief asset for the Docklands area is the excellent range of schooling in the area. London is largely regarded as one of the UK’s best locations for education, and the Docklands is no different.

At the primary level, the area is covered by a wide number of schools, including many ‘Good’ Ofsted-rated establishments such as Seven Mills Primary School and St Edmund’s Catholic School. At the secondary level, Canary Wharf College is a highly regarded institution, while additional 16-18 education is provided by George Green’s School. What makes the Docklands even more attractive in terms of schooling is the fact that there isn’t generally a premium attached to properties within close proximity of good schools, meaning you can secure your child a quality education without additional cost.

Docklands Schools

Another chief asset for the Docklands area is the good range of schooling in the area. London is largely regarded as one of the UK’s best locations for education and the Docklands is no different. At the primary level, the area is covered by a wide number of schools, including many ‘Good’ Ofsted-rated establishments such as Seven Mills Primary School and St Edmund's Catholic School. At the secondary level, Canary Wharf College is a highly regarded institution, while additional 16-18 education is provided by George Green's School. What makes the Docklands even more attractive in terms of schooling is the fact that there isn’t generally a premium attached to properties within close proximity of good schools, meaning you can secure your child a quality education without additional cost.

Docklands Employment

Unfortunately, the Docklands glory days as one of the busiest ports in the world is a story of the past. However, regeneration made sure that the area would continue to have a solid local employment base in the 21^st century. As the UK has shifted to a service-based economy, the Docklands has followed suit. The area is home to one of London’s most lucrative job markets at Canary Wharf. There are numerous financial employers present in the local area, including Barclays PLC and HSBC. However, there are also a growing number of creative businesses and tech startups joining the local economy too.

As we said, the Docklands also has excellent transport connections meaning central London and the job opportunities it offers are within easy reach. The eastern access to parts of the city will become even easier when the much-anticipated Crossrail line opens in coming years.

Docklands Leisure

The Docklands is largely regarded as one of London’s hidden gems as the area boasts a huge range of attractions with none of the crowds associated with central London. History and culture enthusiasts are well catered for in the area with the Museum of London Docklands which tells the story of the neighbourhood’s trading past. The Everyman in Canary Wharf is also a popular spot to soak up some evening culture. For something a bit more adrenaline fuelled, the area is also home to Wakeup Docklands - London’s Inner City water sports park, offering wakeboarding & paddle boarding lessons. If you’d prefer something leisurely, then Mudchute Park and Farm, Bow Creek Ecology Park and East India Dock Basin Nature Reserve are all popular walking spots.

Living in London Docklands

To sum up, the Docklands is a fantastic place to live with an interesting history, excellent transport links, stunning properties and great leisure facilities.

Proper Local is a local Docklands Estate Agent, dealing exclusively with properties in the E14 neighbourhood – areas such as the Docklands, Isle of Dogs, Limehouse and Poplar. If you’re looking for a Docklands property to buy or rent, then get in contact. We are one of the highest rated estate agents in the Docklands area and have a great local property portfolio for those looking to buy and rent. Get in contact with us today or browse our popular pages below.

Properties to rent in Docklands

Properties for sale in Docklands

E14 Property Valuation

E14 Rental Valuation