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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Dishonest and money-grabbing

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Feb 2024

Canary Wharf is a great place to live. Everything is within walking distance. Including my gym which they have now taken away from me

Please review your development:

DO NOT rent through Vertus – a complete RIP OFF!

Market and sell benefits of living in the development and then take them away once you sign the tenancy.

Paying a premium in rent because Third Soace membership was sold to me as a benefit only for it to be removed after 5 months of living here.

It’s not worth the risk signing a lease here – take your hard earned money elsewhere.

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

That this company is dishonest. You can get more for your money elsewhere.

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

Dismissive and ineffective. Decisions seem to be made to max profits. Tell new tenants notices are available on a residents app from a year ago – putting the responsibility on us to go back through hundreds of posts to find the communications.

1
Facilities
1
Design
1
Location
1
Value
1
Management
User submitted image of  8 Water Street, E14
User submitted image of  8 Water Street, E14
User submitted image of  8 Water Street, E14
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Manager Response

Dear KT,

Thank you for your review and we are sorry to hear you feel you have had a negative experience with Vertus.

We are aware the change in wellness offering has not been well received by our residents however communication has been made at the point an alternative offering was being explored, and again once a decision had been made on the change to the offering. Again, whilst we acknowledge some residents are not happy with these changes we have given reasonable notice and agreed to extend Third Space membership for a further month.

Our resident’s opinions and satisfaction is imperative to Vertus and whilst we appreciate your dissatisfaction with the changes we have made we are committed to ensuring our residents have the best rental experience with us and always welcome and encourage feedback on how we can improve our service.

Thanks again.

Team Vertus

Great property

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jan 2024

Very good convenience to different train lines, gyms, supermarkets, restaurants and even food trucks! Close to canary wharf malls and stores as well which is convenient

Please review your development:

Spacious with fab facilities including gym and communication spaces, with security and food property management. Property management have been very professional and efficient with requests! One down side is that walls are thin… and sometimes the apartment creaks haha

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

Thin walls and creaking of the ceiling (?) when windy outside

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

Very efficient and solved issues with professionalism and kindness

4
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Manager Response

Hi Chrystal,

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave this review – it goes a long way and greatly appreciated.

Kind Regards

Square and Partner’s design is efficient, clean and tidy

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jan 2024

Ivy, Roka, Hawksmoor, enough dry clean shops, 2-3 Chinese super market, Lululemon, and newly added ski shops. Well connected to go to work in Bank/central London. The new wood wharf is nice to have a morning jog or evening walk.

Please review your development:

Square and Partner’s design is efficient, clean and tidy. Facility without swimming pool keep service charge reasonable level. Gym with a view and the golf room is easy to book. Building management sort out hot water issue or lift service in a timely manner.
Concierge and post room team are well staffed and friendly. Building is pet friendly, my 2 cats enjoy morning breakfast with a view.
It is convenient for young people.

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

Kind of known everything before move in, or the experience didn’t very much from my initial expectation.

What is the best feature of your home:

Winter garden, living room, with 4 floor to ceiling windows with London skyline view.

The pinkish blue sunset is the most beautiful view.

4
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Diamond in the sky

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jan 2024

While I would prefer to keep Canary Wharf all to myself, I have to let you know that this place just has it all…

Please review your development:

Shiny and new, a well oiled machine in terms of the staff, and with everything done on the app it is a super modern experience.
Great facilities, great staff and really nice apartments.
Yes, it gets windy but so does every super tall building.
The building has a gym, a residents lounge and snug, a private room you can hire for dinners, guest suites for rent when people come to visit… and in summer a BBQ area..
The staff are so friendly and absolutely nothing is an issue for them. It’s so refreshing in London.

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

Nothing really. The processes are clear an intuitive, the building is easy to navigate, the move in was super simple (aside the windiest day of the year!).

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

We had a few questions on move in and everything was answered promptly and a walkthrough of the apartment held for us to ask all the little questions.

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
4
Value
5
Management
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Manager Response

Dear Brad,
Thank you so much for your wonderful 5 star review on Newfoundland!
We are so pleased you are enjoying the building’s amenities, our fabulous staff and the resident app.
We will share your kind words with the team and hope you continue to love living with Vertus.
Thanks again.
Team Vertus

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