Historically, the Thames was the centre of the capital’s economic success. However, over the last few decades the commercial importance of the river has waned and instead it has become a prime spot for regeneration and property investment. Although many of the old businesses have now gone, the buildings they left behind still shape the personality of the river and give us a unique insight into what came before. With the annual boat race fast approaching, what better time to take a closer look at the river that shapes the capital?

Looking first to the south-west stretch of the river, properties on the banks of the Thames here tend to be Georgian or Victorian period houses. Ruvigny Gardens, for example, is a Victorian terrace where all the houses back onto Putney Embankment and directly overlook the river. While many remain fairly traditional, a number have modern additions which make the most of having the Thames on their doorstep. Properties here tend to attract families who want to make the most of the green and quiet environment and the sense of community that living by the river provides, particularly on boat race day.

Moving further up the river you start to see more of an influence from new-build design. Chelsea Waterfront, for example, is a new development based around the original Lots Road power station. Historically, the power station was used to run the London Underground: coal was brought up the river on barges and dropped here to generate energy for the Tubes.

However, when the Tube lines moved over to electric energy the power station became obsolete. Now it’s finding a new lease of life by being converted into luxury apartments with signature waterside restaurants, cafés and boutique shops. A selection of new riverside properties in the immediate area won’t just enjoy river views but also the façade of this iconic Victorian structure.

One of my favourite things about properties on the river is the combination of new and old, with modern homes sitting next to some of the most historic buildings in London. Nowhere is that more prevalent than at NEO Bankside, a recently built development next to Tate Modern, overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral and just a few minutes’ walk from the Globe Theatre.This juxtaposition of new and old is something that is seen up and down the river and provides the opportunity for people to live among the most famous landmarks of London.

Over in the east, the history of the properties tends to live on in the names of the residences that are there today. Much of this stretch of the river is lined with warehouse conversions, aptly named after their former uses – Gun Wharf, Cinnamon Wharf and, for the pirates who were unlucky enough to be caught, Execution Dock House, to name just a few.

The east of the city was an incredibly vibrant commercial hub just a 100 years or so ago, with much of what we imported being brought in here. It was also previously seen as a less desirable residential area, but now its fortunes have changed with many buyers looking here to take advantage of the unique character and period features that the warehouse conversions provide.

So if you’re looking for an abundance of history with incredible views all year round, perhaps you should look to the river for you next move.

Further information

Contact Waterfront Property Services