Royal Docks

Once an important trade hub, the Royal Docks is now a thriving waterfront neighbourhood in its own right, packed with high-rise residential blocks, offices, hotels and restaurants. It gets its name from three docks – the Royal Albert Dock, the Royal Victoria Dock and the King George V Dock. The ward is in the borough of Newham, with a prime spot on the River Thames. Read on to discover developments that are rated the best places to live in Royal Docks. In addition, read reviews from residents who own or rent in Royal Docks.

4.11
Average Location Score

Excellent

38%

Very Good

41%

Average

16%

Disappointing

4%

Very Poor

1%

Best places to live in Royal Docks

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

Royal Docks at sunset

What’s there to do at the Royal Docks?

One of London’s biggest regeneration areas, the Royal Docks is a hive of activity. Victorian pubs and independent eateries sit alongside contemporary offerings such as Gallions Reach shopping centre; home to high street names like Topshop and River Island, chain restaurants and a Tesco supermarket.

Culture buffs living here will be in their element, thanks to a packed schedule of exhibitions and pop-up displays. This is the home of the legendary ExCel Centre, after all, which hosts world-famous events like Comic-Con and Oceanology International. Close by, you’ve got theatrical classes and performances at the Royal Wharf Community Dock centre. And a myriad of sports facilities on offer at SportsDock.

It’s not all about indoor activities here, either. Big-hitters are the Thames Barrier Park and the Wakeup Docklands centre – the latter is a one-stop-shop for wakeboarding, paddle boarding and paddle board yoga. Alternatively, try open-water swimming in the river for an exhilarating burst of energy you’d never find in the gym.

New development flats in the royal docks

Commuting from the Royal Docks

When the Elizabeth Line is complete, Royal Docks residents will be able to reach Liverpool Street in just 11 minutes from Custom House. Until then, there are no less than 11 DLR stations serving the area, along with the Emirates Air Line. There’s a great network of walking and cycling routes available to get you from A to B, as well. And London City Airport makes jetting off for business or pleasure a doddle.

Royal Docks property

If you’re looking for a skyscraper with real wow factor, consider Royal Victoria Residence and Hoola, developments from City & Docklands Property Group and HUB Residential. Both are striking, ultra-contemporary towers with great transport links.

“The apartment is really great – modern, good quality and attractive. It’s also really spacious and this is what really swayed me – I looked at lots of other apartments but this one definitely had the most space.” – Anon, verified resident at Royal Victoria Residence

“In my building there is 24 hour security which allows me to feel very comfortable and safe in my home. The apartment space itself has a beautiful layout and (has) amazing views. There is also a dressing area which add to its modern feel. I love the electronic applications.” – Anon, verified resident at Hoola

“Really like the apartment – it’s new, modern and spacious. Everything works well.” – Michele, verified resident at Royal Victoria Residence

Royal Victoria Docks is another contender, just a hop from the ExCel and with a supermarket right next door…

Easy access to central london, close to the station and very nice area for the kids.” – Bartha, verified renter at Royal Victoria Docks

Interior design enthusiasts should take a look at Royal Docks West, whose apartments and studios were dreamt up by the esteemed Johnson Ribolla. This property will also be the closest to Custom House Crossrail station when it’s complete.

New residential flats on the royal docks

Even more developments…

For a real community feel, Waterside Park is a real gem – a joint venture from Barratt Homes, Taylor Wimpey and the Greater London Authority. This collection of low-rise buildings contains almost 800 apartments and townhouses, all surrounded by well-tended gardens.

Ballymore’s Royal Wharf offers a similar feel on a more grandiose scale, with more than 3,385 units and a purpose-built market square and high street.

“Great new area for young professionals and families, good crowd and lots of great amenities
We also have great views good services concierge and a mail room for parcels when you’re not in. Friendly staff and very safe.” –
Royalwharf1, verified resident at Royal Wharf

Another HomeViews reviewers’ best places to live in Royal Docks is Barrier Point, a Barratt Homes development near London City Airport…

“The location is very convenient, accessibility to transportation, the parks and schools are close by for the kids, overall I like Barriers Point, the rooms are soundproof having been located next to the airport is advantageous.” – Charles, verified resident at Barrier Point

“Great development with a lot of parking and a family friendly feel. The pontoon dock dlr station is very close by and in walking distance. Some new shops have opened up such as sainsburys and a Starbucks.” – Ryan, verified resident at Barrier Point

You can find out more about living in the area by reading reviews from residents. Click on the developments below to find out more about residents’ experiences and also, to discover the best places to live and rent in Royal Docks. Moreover, If there’s a property that you can’t see on HomeViews, you can add a new listing and leave your review here.

Reviews in Royal Docks

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Management review

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jul 2023

The area is great. There’s everything nearby: groceries shops, restaurants and pharmacies. Dlr is 30 sec walk.

Please review your development:

Good facilities, however, the gym could be bigger and there is a lack of big groceries stores. The staff is so friendly and supportive. All requests are managed so fast. The are is always clean. I have been living here for a year and had no problems with anything

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

The area is a bit noisy because of DLR and City Airport

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

Erelinda is an amazing resident service associate. She tried to make our stay in Grainger so comfortable. She is so friendly and responsive. Erelinda is always ready to help.

3
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
4
Value
5
Management
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Apartment review

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Apr 2023

Parking is assigned to each address which makes it extremely convenient. Bin collections are every Friday. The anti-social behaviour is controlled from the evening security that is placed most days.

Please review your development:

The flat I live in is a outside front balcony giving it a very unique look to the whole aspect of the apartment. As well as my own balcony making it very spacious. The building management and property management are very responsive when enquiring about a a certain issue.

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

One thing I wish if they never had the paro removed for a very long time. Did not feel home-friendly for a very long time.

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

When there is a personal issue within the building just let them know of the issue.

4
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
4
Value
5
Management
User submitted image of  Folio London at Royal Albert Wharf, E16
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Development review

Review Date Apr 2023

Great security, parking us always assigned to oer address making it very convenient for us. The security is always most evenings making it very safe.

Please review your development:

The buildings are modern and right beside a connection to the river making it a very attractive the facilies are all great. The building management as well as the property are extremely welcoming and professional as well. Overall a great development.

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

I wish they never took away from us for a very
long.

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

always responsive with solutions, great effective team.

4
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
5
Value
4
Management
User submitted image of  Folio London at Royal Albert Wharf, E16
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Beautiful aesthetic

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Mar 2023

Overall this is a great place to live, DLR is usually not affected by strikes. Beautiful area with supermarkets quite close. Some smokers in our delevopment which I hope gets cracked down on

Please review your development:

The design of the building is what help sell the property to us. Property management can be slow to reply to emails which I hope is improved. We’ve either not had a reply or escalated the issue in order to get a response. I like that we have the docks next to us and enjoy walks about the surrounding buildings

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

That there were midges in the area so we can’t just have our windows open

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

Building management is slow to reply or do not reply at all. This should be worked on

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
3
Management
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