FOCUS ON: EAST LONDON BY DONATA HUGGINS
THE GAMBLE
TRADEWINDS, E16
Price: £319,950
If you’ve decided that investing in the British Silicon Valley is worth the risk, properties such as Tradewinds in Wards Wharf Approach are the type of place you should be looking for. The property is situated on the Thames side, close to the Thames Barrier.
The apartment featured (right) has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It is shockingly cheap in comparison to its Canary Wharf equivalent. The mile-long move from Canary Wharf to Ward Wharf Approach knocks around £100,000 off the average price. It really is a short distance: you can get to Canada Square in 15 minutes from Pontoon Dock DLR station or in 12 minutes by car.
The property’s terrace overlooks the river and 22 acres of the Thames Barrier Park next door. The owners consider the park to be a “post-modern” garden, boasting “adventurous” plants and dancing water fountains.
While the restaurants and bars in the nearby Victoria Dock have quite a corporate feel, they are only across the road. The existence of the restaurants in this area suggests that there is potential for improvement as soon as interest in the area picks up.
The building itself has the usual apartment building amenities, including an on-site gym, secure parking, a business suite and a 24-hour concierge.
Contact: Chesterton Humberts on 020 7510 8300
THE SURE BET
THE FACTORY, NILE STREET, N1
Price: £940,000
If you’re unconvinced that the UK technology industry is going to move any further east, but you are still interested in tapping into the potential of UK tech’s expansion, buying around the “Silicon Roundabout” in Old Street is a good idea. While the prices are already fairly expensive, the rapid development of the tech industry could see property prices appreciate further.
The one-bedroom apartment featured (left) includes all the urban touches you would expect of a warehouse conversion: factory windows, exposed brick walls and high ceilings.
The kitchen is open plan and has a reception area and large bathroom. There are dark wood floors running throughout the apartment.
Since Old Street is located within Zone 1, the whole of central London is no more than 30 minutes away by public transport. For instance, nightlife in Shoreditch is only 13 minutes away. Bars such as the Callooh Callay on Rivington Street with its mismatched furniture and hipster staff are worth a visit. And for night owls, the Cargo club is often open until the early hours of the morning.
There is no shortage of restaurants. Angel (20 minutes walk away) is considered to have the largest number of restaurants per square mile in London – including the fabulous Le Mercury restaurant.
Contact: Sterling Ackroyd Shoreditch on 0207 749 3838