Looking for the best new builds to rent in London? We’ve compiled a list of the ten best purpose-built rental developments in the capital. We built this Top 10 using data from our 2024 Awards list for the best build-to-rent (BTR) developments and communities in London. This gives you the best guide to the perfect new rental home for you.
The developments below cover a diverse range of London areas. From Canary Wharf in the east to Hayes in the west, up to Archway in the north and Croydon in the south, you’re sure to find something that suits you.
Top 10 new builds to rent in London
Without further ado, it’s time to see where the best BTR developments are in London. Discover your perfect new build rental property here!
*PLEASE NOTE these rankings take into account how many reviews a scheme has and how recently those reviews have been submitted, so may not match the overall star ratings shown. Buildings with a larger number of more recent reviews are given a greater weighting to reflect current building performance.
Our top rated and best loved rental development in London for 2024 is the long-term letting scheme The Quarters Croydon, by Bravo. The development offers residents a stylish and convenient base in this thriving South London suburb. There are 151 high-specification studios at the development, with Croydon station only a 4-minute walk away. Trains reach London Bridge in just 14 minutes, while Gatwick Airport is also easily accessible.
Taking 2nd place is Dressage Court by Essential Living. There are 104 rental-only one, two and three-bedroom apartments at Dressage Court, a development by Essential Living. The development is located in East London. It offers easy access to Bethnal Green’s tube and rail stations, with views towards the City and Canary Wharf. In addition, residents can access a 24-hour on-site team along with shared spaces that are free for all residents to enjoy.
3rd in the top 10 for London we have Greystar’s Sailmakers, a well-established Build to Rent scheme comprising 327 units within the mixed-use Galliard Homes development, Harbour Central. The site is situated on the Isle of Dogs, close to the River Thames and less than a 10-minute walk from the heart of Canary Wharf. In addition, transport links come courtesy of nearby South Quay DLR and Canary Wharf’s DLR and Underground services. Residents enjoy fast and frequent connections to the likes of Bank and Monument.
Jumping up to 4th thanks to a spate of recent positive reviews, Blackhorse Mills is a popular development overlooking the wilds of Walthamstow wetlands offers a high level of freedom for its residents, including the right to decorate their apartments. The development also allows pets and includes a lido, a roof terrace, a gym, dining rooms and a yoga studio. Central London is just 20 minutes away on the Victoria Line from Blackhorse Road station.
Taking the middle spot on our list for London is Union Wharf from property developer Essential Living. It features 249 rental-only apartments on the banks of Deptford Creek near Greenwich’s town centre. It houses a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. In addition, Union Wharf is close to the Cutty Sark DLR station for fast and frequent connections to Canary Wharf.
In 6th, Charter Place is an INSTRATA Lifestyle Residence, managed by Greystar. It features a collection of studios, one, two, and three-bedroom rental homes. Residents have access to an onsite gym, lounge, a private dining room, and co-working spaces. In addition, Charter Place is only a short walk away from Hounslow East Underground station.
Occupying number seven on our list, The Lark is an Allsop Lettings and Management development situated in Nine Elms. Residents benefit from Nine Elms Park on their doorstep and a car-free pathway between Battersea Power Station and Vauxhall Cross. Additionally, Battersea Power Station is just a 5-minute walk away, and Vauxhall Station is 15 minutes away. Furthermore, the Lark offers a coworking space, a residents’ lounge, on-site parking, an on-site gym and pet friendly living spaces.
Next up, Fizzy Walthamstow is a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, managed by Greystar. Located in East London’s E17, it’s close to Blackhorse Road Overground and Underground station. Additionally, it is an easy walk from the Walthamstow Reservoirs, which lies just to the west of the development.
The Gessner in Tottenham Hale garners reliably excellent reviews, grating it 9th place on our 2024 list. This rental development offers 164 apartments, with a mix of studio, one, two and three bedroom layouts. In addition, the development offers a range of amenities, including a gym, smart parcel lockers, free super-fast Wi-Fi and an 24-hour on-site team. Furthermore, residents can enjoy rooftop garden views, cosy lounges and an on-site café.
The final development to rank among the Top 10 for London is Vantage Point, by Essential Living. This stylish development offers 118 apartments – studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. All Vantage Point residents get access to a range of features and amenities. These include a 24-hour onsite team, a roof terrace, games room and exercise room. In addition, the development is above Archway London Underground station in the North London Borough of Islington. Residents are also close to Upper Street, Emirates Stadium and Highgate Village.
Vantage Point in Archway – one of the best new builds to rent in London
All the developments we listed here are designed specifically for renters like you. Many include outstanding facilities like gyms, communal working areas, concierges and pet-friendly options. Most offer fully furnished options or part-furnished for added flexibility.
However, Build to Rent is not just about including facilities that are attractive to renters. Market-leading BTR developers go the extra mile by offering additional services and rental payment structures that genuinely suit the evolving UK renter demographic. For example, they may offer monthly rental packages that cover all utility bills – a major concern in 2023 as the cost of living crisis continues to bite.
Other examples of emerging BTR practices include pet-friendly rentals, work-from-home spaces and services, and a focus on community-building events.
We hope our list has given you some inspiration on where to look for your next rental experience. Good luck and good hunting!
HomeViews provides verified resident reviews of the UK’s housing developments. We’re working with developers, landlords and the Government to recognise high performers and help to improve standards in the built environment.
