Our latest Spotlight focuses on the desirability of waterfront living and why London's riverside is proving popular with a diverse range of buyers. Download here.

The outlook for London over the next five years is very positive, with a slight dip expected in prime London in the run up to election year as the debate regarding the taxation of high value property comes to the fore.

Looking forward, regeneration and development will likely continue to be the catalysts for change in the profile of housing along the London waterfront, as regeneration comes to the likes of Battersea Power Station and also Silvertown Quays.

In the next five years it is thought an additional 13,200 market units will be completed along the river between Putney Bridge and Tower Bridge, 9.4% of all inner London development. The vast majority of these units are going to be delivered into the prime (over £1,000/sq ft) and super prime (£2,000 sq ft) 
markets, often pushing the boundaries of London’s prime markets into new locations.

Waterfront pipeline

A large pipeline can bring with it some uncertainty, and it takes time for new markets to mature. This is offset on the London waterfront by strong forward overseas sales at many developments; 71.5% of new build buyers were from overseas in 2012/H1 2013. There is also significant diversity in terms of pricing, with individual units in prime new developments ranging from £450/sq ft to £3,000/sq ft, despite an average £1,000/sq ft.

Improving infrastructure

Residential development, retail and commercial regeneration and infrastructure improvements will continue to increase the desirability and diversity of London’s waterfront. Underground blackspots are already being targeted by TfL, including the extension of the Northern Line as part of wider regeneration plans for Vauxhall, Nine Elms and Battersea. Improved river boat services and continued extension of the Thames pedestrian path will create a more accessible and interconnected waterfront.

Taken from
Spotlight: Waterfront London