What are the best and worst residential schemes, according to residents? Every fortnight, HomeViews picks through over 40,000 resident reviews to give a peek behind the scenes at the UK’s highest-rated developments, as well as some of their less favoured local competitors.
Location: South Dock, Canary Wharf in East London
Resident type: Build to rent
Operator: Vertus
Number of units: 174
Key amenities: Landscaped private garden, roof terrace, luxury health club/gym/spa, resident lounge, private dining room, self-service bar, screening room, pet-friendly, 24hr concierge.
Prices from: £2,100/pcm for a studio.
The winner of a number of awards in the 2021 HomeViews Build to Rent Awards, 8 Water Street offers luxury rental homes in a prime waterside Canary Wharf location. The building is a low-rise scheme intended to connect residents with the waterfront and connected private gardens. In their reviews, residents often compare life here with a luxury hotel, citing highly responsive management and hospitality services, and a high quality finish throughout.
Residents love:
BUILDING STAFF & MANAGEMENT
The building staff and management have always been friendly and approachable. Issues are 90% of the time addressed within a day.
Lauren, verified resident on HomeViews, 8 Water Street by Vertus, Aug 2022
FACILITIES
Anything you could think of is available or nearby. Gym membership, rooftop access, lounges, and bookable private areas to relax and unwind with friends and family.
Abood Q, verified resident on HomeViews, 8 Water Street by Vertus, Oct 2021
STRONG COMMUNITY
The community is lovely, very friendly and welcoming.
Iman W, verified resident on HomeViews, 8 Water Street by Vertus, Aug 2022
By contrast…
Residents at other, lower-rated local developments mention:
POOR PARKING PROVISION
No guest parking and parking is difficult to find nearby.
Verified resident on HomeViews, June 2021
UNEXPECTEDLY HIGH COSTS
Extremely expensive bills, I live in a one-bedroom and the bills are around £150/month. The heating and cooling standing charge is around £45 per month even if no one uses anything.
Verified resident on HomeViews, June 2021
HomeViews is the UK’s only dedicated review platform for residential developments. We’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the government to recognise high performers and help improve standards in the built environment.
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