Canary Wharf

Only a few decades ago, Canary Wharf was just a network of long-abandoned industrial docks. Now it’s a buzzing business and residential district, its cloud-skimming buildings full of state-of-the-art new-build apartments, hotel rooms and offices. The location often referred to as Canary Wharf consists of the 97 acre Canary Wharf Estate owned and run by The Canary Wharf Group and the wider Isle of Dogs area on the peninsula. Whilst the estate is Canary Wharf, home to a working population of over 120,000 people, many of the developments on the Isle of Dogs peninsula also market themselves as Canary Wharf and have been included in this guide. Read on to discover the developments that are rated as the best places to live in Canary Wharf and to see reviews from residents who own or rent in Canary Wharf.

4.67
Average Location Score

Excellent

72%

Very Good

22%

Average

5%

Disappointing

1%

Very Poor

1%

Best places to live in Canary Wharf

HomeViews Top Rated Development ranking takes into account the Star Rating and HomeViews Transparency Rating of every development in the area

Canary Wharf at dusk

Developments in Canary Wharf:

The Canary Wharf Estate

New-build residences have been sprouting up in Canary Wharf at lightning speed for the past few years. The Canary Wharf Group currently has a number of developments in construction both to buy and to rent. Their rental only brand Vertus has three developments welcoming their first residents in. Newfoundland – a 60-storey tower inspired by The Gherkin, which sits in a prime waterfront location at the western end of West India Middle Dock. This one’s been dubbed ‘The Diamond Tower’ thanks to its ‘diagrid’ façade, and is the brainchild of Mayfair architect, Horden Cherry Lee. It’s one of the first Build to Rent developments in the Canary Wharf area and will be the UK’s tallest residential structure at 220 metres high.

Impressive building and surroundings, with loads going on nearby and transport links. The place is still in construction stage but you can see how spectacular it will look when it’s finished.” – Seema S, Newfoundland viewer

Another Canary Wharf Group offering is One Park Drive – an angular, 58-storey structure designed by Swiss architect, Herzog & de Meuron. This new-build is flanked by parkland and waterways, so will suit those who want to be blend city living with a slightly more rural outlook. Ten Park Drive is its sister offering, another high-rise property with luxury apartments by Make Studio.

Ten Park Drive merges residential and hotel characteristics, thanks to first-class facilities such as a smart resident’s lounge and club room, a state-of-the-art gym and a swimming pool. There’s also a private cinema and sky terrace, which offers panoramic views.” – HomeViews Property Pro

The Canary Wharf Estate is run and managed by the Canary Wharf Group. They also look after the 97 acre estate security, facilities, traffic, health and safety and the East Wintergarden venue.

Canary Warf street with girl

The Isle of Dogs and wider Canary Wharf area

Sailmakers by Greystar frequently tops the list of best places to live in Canary Wharf. A pet-friendly rental only development residents have rated this development one of the top rated places to live in London.

“An excellent development catering for a wide range of tenants from young business professionals, families, students, dog owners and couples returning to city living having spent far too long in the suburbs. This mix is one of the attractions of Sailmakers. The Sailmakers team could not be more helpful and their humour and professionalism have made our move here easy. The gym is fabulous – the 360 degrees views over London are a great distraction. The cinema room and business centre are an added bonus.”  – Brenda S, verified resident at Sailmakers

Galliard Homes has also bitten off a large chunk of the Canary Wharf pie, with developments like 35 Indescon Square and Harbour Central attracting affluent professionals in their hordes. These slick developments offer up apartments with a view and a side-order of hotel-like facilities. As well as this, they are also on the list of the best places to live in Canary Wharf.

It is a very good development with sufficient facilities such as reception and cleaning services. It is in a good location, in the vicinity of Canary Wharf but also have convenient nearby local stores such as Tesco and Subway. The security also seems good, with entrance hobs and CCTV in the lifts. Overall a good development to live in.” – Jolene S, verified resident at 35 Indescon Square

Further on…

41 Millharbour, by Weston Homes, completed back in 2004, and lots of its apartments come with a balcony. Another established property is Baltimore Wharf, a joint venture from Ballymore Group and Galliard Homes. A striking new-build with a winding aesthetic. Its residents appreciate the fact its architecture sets it apart from the rest of the Canary Wharf skyline…

Each apartment has an individual balcony which forms the twisty curve structure of the tower. The balcony ring rotates with respect to the core of the tower creating an visual effect when view in different views the tower looks differently. The design of the tower did not follow modern days practice in maximising indoor space by creating square layouts. Nevertheless the twisty structure of the tower stands out from the background of block buildings in Canary Wharf. Adding a sense of uniqueness in the area.” – Sa H, verified owner at Baltimore Wharf,

The view is very good, I have a Lake view for a fantastic price. The staff is very friendly the security is very good. and the location is quite nice, is near to shps and services. The apartment is new and well furnished.” – Dorie, private tenant at 41 Millharbour

Ballymore’s Wardian development is worth a special mention, too. It was named after botanist Nathanial Bagshaw Ward, and it’s exotic foliage gives it the feel of a subtropical paradise.

Canary Warf at night

E14 hustle & bustle

London’s E14 area lays on plenty of reasons to tempt you home after work. Wander beyond Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers and you’ll find quiet riverside walks, plenty of waterfront restaurants and cafes, and pockets of calm like Island Gardens and Mudchute Park and Farm.” – HomeViews Researcher

Contrary to popular belief, the action in Canary Wharf goes on well into the weekend. It has a reputation as a weekday professionals’ playground, but this isn’t just a neighbourhood for Monday to Friday. Shops, bars and restaurant concentration has grown alongside everything else, and now there’s plenty of entertainment all week long.

Shopping and eating out

Five malls make up Canary Wharf Shopping Centre – a mixture of high street names and luxe designer stores. The area’s gastronomy is varied, spanning refined French gastropubs and sophisticated Japanese eateries, plus everything in between. And there’s a good smattering of watering holes, from cosy pubs to cocktail bars. The best of the bars sit Thames-side, with high-up al fresco terraces great for catching that famous skyline at sunset.

Canary Wharf must-dos

Other attractions include London Museum Docklands, which offers a fascinating look at Canary Wharf’s history. In addition, there is The Space, which concentrates on theatre and art. Outdoorsy types will appreciate the Docklands Sailing & Watersports Centre, where you can have a go at pursuits like windsurfing and canoeing.

Transport

In terms of transport links, it’s hard to beat Canary Wharf.”

Naturally, London’s largest financial hub is well connected, served by the DLR and Jubilee line. There is also a river bus service, if you’d rather travel across the water. London City Airport is right on the doorstep, too – perfect for travelling city slickers, or those jetting off for leisure instead of work.

You can find out more about what it is like to rent in Canary Wharf by reading reviews from residents. Click below to find out more about residents’ experiences and discover the best places to live in Canary Wharf. If there’s a Canary Wharf property that you can’t see on HomeViews,  you can add a new listing and leave your review here.

Reviews in Canary Wharf

Write a Review

Great amenities, great staff and great interiors

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Sep 2023

Canary Wharf is not only buzzing with things to see and do, but it’s also very safe. With plenty of restaurant and bars, cinemas, art trails and festivals along with Go-boats and open-swimming if the middle dock, there is plenty to keep you entertained. However the Elizabeth line, jubilee line and the DLR are just a moments walk away which means you can stay connected to the rest of london with ease too.

Please review your development:

Wardian lives up to its original aspirations of being a biophillic, nature-inspired place to live. The amenities are some of the best in Canary Wharf and apartments are designed to high standard. The staff, (whether that be those behind the post desk, the cleaner, handyman or resort directors) are all very friendly and helpful, in particular Maria at the front desk who always makes you smile.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

There is an app which helped make Wardian living even easier. So you can book meeting rooms, cinema slots etc with the app

What is the best feature of your home:

We love our chevron tiled bathroom with the large bath. Also our large open space balcony gives us a sense of having a garden in the sky

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
User submitted image of  Wardian London, E14
Read all Read less

Was this review helpful?

Report

Report

Comfortable, modern property in a convenient location.

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Sep 2023

Convenient access to shops and gyms. Excellent transport links into central London.
A negative is the lack of bus routes available.

Please review your development:

Building management provide effective and good support. They’re communicative and quick to respond to any concerns – really so much better than my previous experience of dealing with landlords/ other estate agents. The design of the development is definitely improving as more buildings are completed.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I would say definitely take the time to explore more than just central London from this property – Greenwich is so close and gorgeous if you want to access more green space.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

We haven’t had any major issues with our flat, but the building management have communicated general safety checks and repairs to the building well.

4
Facilities
3
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
Read all Read less

Was this review helpful?

Report

Report

Great place to live with excellent staff!

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Sep 2023

– The bad is the dirty trash room as some residents are really disgusting and they leave everything on the floor. There should be CCTVs here so the specific residents can get fined/called upon.
– The parties at the Novotel are also quite loud and disruptive.
– The Aspenway construction makes our windows incredibly dirty. Windows should be cleaned more often and there should be an offer to clean the windows of the terrace considering this is out of the residents’ control.
– Still issues with residents throwing their cigarette butts to other people’s terraces.

On another note the staff is excellent! Whether it is at the concierge desk: Maria, Hassan, Hristina or Albena it is always a pleasure to deal with them. Also the Post Room staff: Hugo, Maria and Dean are excellent!

Please review your development:

Facilities are top notch! The design is great and the atmosphere is very upscale. I like that there is always fresh flowers and smiley and helpful staff that give the place a warm and cozy feeling.
It would be great if the sales gallery was somewhere else and that space could be used for the actual residents

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish I would have known how disruptive the aspenway construction is.

What is the best feature of your home:

Great location and safe, which is our overall priority.

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
Read all Read less

Was this review helpful?

Report

Report

Ideal home in London

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Sep 2023

8 water street is ideal, there are a variety of shops and restaurants within a 30 second walk. Quiet.

Please review your development:

The building is designed with community at its core, with multiple communal areas and places to work from home, there is not one thing that has been forgotten from a TV room, to a garden to a rooftop terrace, a dining room and more! Lovely place to b

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The utilities provider is not the best, they overcharge and it’s difficult to get them on the phone

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Very helpful and issues are resolved within 48 hours

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
4
Value
5
Management
Read all Read less

Was this review helpful?

Report

Report

Discover surrounding areas