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.

4.66
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

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Great aesthetic and always looks cozy and warm and inviting

Review Date Mar 2024

Very comfortable living space and great location, next to a lot of entertaining places in Canary Wharf.

Please review your development:

Great aesthetic and always looks cozy and warm and inviting. The building management and property management have always been great and provided good service for every request and continue to build a good community around them. Would recommend them to any friends looking for new flats.

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

Very friendly receptionist and easy to work with the management team always

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

Dean Joao has been so great and responsive to every maintenance requests that I’ve put through and he’s always solved it and is very friendly.

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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good price, good friendly people working

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Mar 2024

parking is a problem you hsve to pay 300£ every month to park inside yhe garage of the building, no bin collection you have to go floor -1 but its easy to do it no problems. Street is safe nothing to worry about maybe some people would not like the fact that dlr sound comes in if you open a window but doesnt bother me

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in general i am happy to live in this building however there is a construction next to it looks like it will start next year which might effect my choice of continue living in this building next year. I also noticed minor damages in the flat that i didnt know before i took pics of it in case they ask money for it end of my tenancy but people work here are really friendly so nothing to worry about

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

sofa is so uncomfortable and heating( radiators) makes noise

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

i had problems with toilet maintenance and everytime they helped me a lot. last time i had a shower problem and Dean Joao and his colleague helped a lot and solve the problem. 10/10

4
Facilities
5
Design
3
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Seamless Move-Out Thanks to Stellar Management

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Feb 2024

Living in Canary Wharf offers a vibrant mix of modern conveniences and urban lifestyle. The area boasts a wide range of high-quality shops, upscale restaurants, and trendy bars, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. The open spaces, including parks and waterfront areas, provide a refreshing escape from the bustling city life.

Transport links are a major plus, with excellent connectivity to central London via the Underground (Jubilee Line), DLR, and upcoming Elizabeth Line, making commuting and exploring the city highly convenient. However, peak times can see overcrowding, and weekend closures for maintenance can be a nuisance.

Residential life on the streets of Canary Wharf is generally of a high standard. The area is well-maintained, with regular bin collections and minimal anti-social behaviour, contributing to a safe and clean environment. However, parking can be challenging and expensive, primarily designed for short stays and residents with permits.

One downside is the potential for noise, especially from traffic and ongoing construction, as the area continues to develop. This can detract from the otherwise peaceful setting, particularly in busier commercial zones.

Overall, Canary Wharf is an excellent place for those seeking a dynamic urban lifestyle with the convenience of modern amenities and transport links, though it comes with some of the typical city-living like high living costs.

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30 Harbord Square stands out as a testament to modern living, encapsulating both style and security within its architectural design. The building, equipped with the latest technology and security gadgets, offers peace of mind and a sense of futuristic living. The attention to detail in the design and the emphasis on safety are evident from the moment you step inside.

The facilities at 30 Harbord Square are top-notch, with advanced security features and technology-infused doors enhancing both convenience and security. The quality of these amenities is unparalleled, and the maintenance team deserves a special mention for their professionalism. They ensure the building remains pristine, implementing continuous updates and maintenance seamlessly, without disrupting daily life.

Adriana and Amardeep, the building management team, reflect the development’s commitment to excellence. Their proactive approach and dedication to resident satisfaction have significantly enhanced the living experience. Their efforts, coupled with effective property management, ensure any issues are addressed swiftly, maintaining the high standards of 30 Harbord Square.

The community and environment surrounding the development are equally impressive. Well-connected by bus and train links, the area offers easy access to the wider city while retaining a sense of secluded luxury with its security gates. This balance of connectivity and privacy fosters a unique community spirit, making 30 Harbord Square not just a place to live but a place to belong.

In conclusion, 30 Harbord Square delivers an exceptional living experience, combining modern design, outstanding facilities, and a vibrant community. It represents urban living at its best, set in a secure and well-maintained environment. I wholeheartedly recommend this development to those seeking a high-quality, secure, and connected lifestyle.

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

Before moving into 30 Harbord Square, I wish I’d known about the car-free zone policy. Parking is a challenge due to no on-site facilities. For car owners, it’s crucial to explore nearby parking options or adapt to alternative transport methods. Plan ahead to avoid unexpected inconveniences.

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

Massive kudos to the dynamic duo, Adriana and Amardeep, for transforming our move-out experience into something out of a dream! These stars of the building management world didn’t just meet expectations; they vaulted over them with grace and professionalism. From seamless handling of referencing to the swift return of our deposit, they made every step feel like a breeze, a rare find in the maze of agency processes. Their dedication shone brightly, turning potential headaches into moments of ease. A huge thank you to this incredible team for their unparalleled support and for making our departure as joyful as our stay!

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Generally happy tenant

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Feb 2024

Very well located for the amenities of Canary Wharf. 5 min walk to the DLR, a couple of minutes more to the Jubilee line and about 10 mins to the Elizabeth Line. Quiet location – unlike many development in the Canarf Wharf area, it is not built right next to the DLR line!

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I have lived in the building for about 2 years and enjoy living here overall. The entrance to the building has a high-end feel, having a large lobby with attractive furniture and concierge desk. There are usually around 3 staff working in the lobby as security/concierge. This gives an impression of a secure building, although in practice I don’t really know why they need all these people or what they are actually doing all day!

Entry to the apartments is quite secure, requiring fob access to enter the building and then again to enter the lifts. This has been improved further recently as you can now only access the floor on which you live via the lifts.

There is a parcel room, which also accepts food deliveries. This is a very convenient service, although you cannot collect a parcel after 8pm, which is a bit early (food deliveries are left there at any time but not securely).

The building has a plethora of facilities including gym, lounges and a roof terrace. Some, such as a children’s play garden, seem rather pointless as there are virtually no children living in the building. A swimming pool is the only facility that is lacking.

I’ve not experienced major problems with the services (heating, water, air con) in the building. The building is very well insulated and has a tendency to get very hot. This means that you do not need to use the heating other than on the coldest of days, but you will need to use the air cooling (or open the window widely) for most of the year.

My biggest issue with the building is that it creaks in very windy weather. These tall buildings are designed to sway slightly in the wind, but this leads to creaking in stormy weather. Most of the year this is not an issue, but in winter, in particular, when storms can be frequent this is quite a nuisance and can disturb your sleeping. This is a structural issue that seemingly cannot be fixed. It does appear to affect some floor more than others.

Whilst commentators in the media would describe these as “luxury flats”, I would not really regard them as such. The fit out of the flat is decent but none of the fixtures or fitting are “luxurious”. There are no design elements of note within the flats, it’s all very utilitarian. A major gripe I have with developers of flats in the UK is that they always make ceilings as low as possible and that is no exception here. The ceilings are far too low. Perhaps developers don’t understand that people pay more for properties with higher ceilings – that is why first floor flats in converted Victorian town houses are so desirable and expensive.

There are seven lifts in the building: four serving floors 11 to 56 (floors up to 10 are for a separate hotel) and three serving 56 and up. Generally speaking the lifts work well but inevitably they go out of service from time to time. If even one goes out of service this can mean considerably longer waiting times.

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

If I had know that the building creaks when there is windy weather I would have thought twice about living here.

What is the best feature of your home:

The views from both sides of the building are very good.

5
Facilities
3
Design
4
Location
3
Value
3
Management
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