minutes from the Wharf

how The Silk District is launching

series of Whitechapel homes on a shared ownership basis for buyers

by Jon Massey

Homeowners always appreciate price rises, but appreciation is not applied equally across the capital. That’s why housing association L&Q is appealing to prospective buyers’ potential gains when it comes to the latest phase of shared ownership properties at The Silk District.

Built as a joint venture with Mount Anvil, the development is located in Whitechapel – one of the great beneficiaries of the Elizabeth Line’s arrival. The service means the nearby station is now less than five minutes from both Liverpool Street to the west and Canary Wharf to the east.

Land registry data reveals prices in Tower Hamlets have risen some 10.3% over the past 12 months to an average of £486,564 with Hamptons’ granular data for the area suggesting Whitechapel’s figure is now £576,790 – an increase of 78% over the past 10 years.

L&Q is marketing the affordable housing element at The Silk District, with the latest phase comprising some 43 shared ownership homes, including a collection of seven two-beds – all set for release this month.

A 25% share of a one-bedroom flat starts at £125,625, based on a full market value of £502,500. A two-bed starts at £147,500 for the same share, based on a total value of £590,000.

Buyers then pay rent on the remainder, which usually works out cheaper than renting locally.

All properties come with a private balcony or terrace with open-plan layouts inside and built-in storage.

Facilities at the development include communal outdoor space,

Our Phase Two launch at L&Q at The Silk District offers a fantastic opportunity for buyers looking for an affordable route onto the ladder a 24-hour concierge service, a residents’ cinema, a gym and a Peloton spin studio.

L&Q London sales director Claire Brenlund said: “The rise in property prices in Whitechapel reflects an overall growing demand for homes in vibrant, recession-proof neighbourhoods that offer more in terms of local amenities and strong transport links.

“Our Phase Two launch at L&Q at The Silk District offers a fantastic opportunity for buyers looking for an affordable route onto the property ladder in this thriving east London district, with a 10% deposit.”

Whitechapel station is about five minutes’ walk from The Silk District and is served by the District and Hammersmith And City lines as well as Overground and Elizabeth Line trains.

For cyclists, Cycle Superhighway 2 passes nearby for journeys to east and south-west London.

The development is within walking distance of a host of local amenities including the bars and restaurants of Brick Lane, the shops and stalls of Spitalfields and the myriad attractions of Wapping including Wapping Docklands Market, Wilton’s Music Hall and St Katherine Docks. Go to lqhomes.com for more details

by Jon Massey

Acollection of one-bedroom cottages, refurbished at a development of almshouses, has gone on sale between Lewisham and Blackheath.

Located on Brandram Road, the 16 properties are part of Alms Gate, which provides some 39 one, two and three-bedroom homes for the sales market.

The project, by investor-developer Vfund, combines the Grade II listed facade of a series of Merchant Taylors’ Almshouses with new interiors by F3 Architects and communal gardens by Jim Kelly Design.

With the first tranche of homes sold out off-plan, the latest release offers buyers another opportunity to acquire a home that’s ready to move into immediately as building work is now complete. Prices for the one-beds in this gated community start at £420,000.

“We took inspiration largely from the period features and the history of the building,” said Melba Cikovic, senior interior designer at F3 Architects, which has been responsible for styling the properties.

“The restored Victorian fireplaces, the slightly uneven, yet charming walls and the small, quaint, original cast iron windows gave us inspiration for the design, and we worked around those features to make the period work with the new.

“My favourite aspect of the homes are the kitchens and the immediate access they provide to a private courtyard.

“The original windows and features have been carefully preserved and complement the more contemporary elements that we have introduced such as the quartz worktops, and shelving units.

“I also love the tiles with undulation in the bathroom as they work really well with the original unevenness of the walls to catch light on the surface.”

The cottages are arranged over two floors and come with engineered wood flooring in the living areas, tiled fireplaces and built-in storage that includes a fully boarded loft space.

All the homes come with shaker-style kitchens, porcelain hexagonal tiles, quartz worktops

These Grade II listed homes have been reimagined for the 21st century while retaining many of their charismatic features

Adam Shafron, Vfund and integrated Bosch appliances. Bathrooms are fitted with steel bath units, folding glass shower screens, mirrored LED-lit cabinets and heated towel rails.

Vfund director Adam Shafron said: “Back in the early 19th century, the old Merchant Taylors’ Almshouses of Brandram Road created a new sense of belonging for South Londoners.

“Through an innovative collaboration between specialist conservation Architects Feilden + Mawson and the interior design team at F3 Architects, these Grade II listed homes have now been reimagined for the 21st century while retaining many of their charismatic heritage features.

“Wrapped around the thoughtfully landscaped courtyard gardens, these stunning one-bedroom urban cottages are designed to make a community out of individuals.

“When you step into the grounds, it’s hard not to feel some of the authentic atmosphere and history and admire its transformation. It’s a truly special place.”

Access to Canary Wharf is via Lewisham station – less than 20 minutes from the development on foot – with regular DLR services taking about 15 minutes to reach Heron Quays. Rail connections from there to London Bridge take about eight minutes.

Alms Gate is within easy walking distance of both the amenities of Lewisham and Blackheath as well as the wide open spaces of Greenwich Park.

Properties at the development are on sale though joint agents Hamptons and Kingsbury Stone. Go to almsgate.co.uk for more information

Lewisham and Blackheath have been refurbished and are now available to buy

The cottages are complete and ready to move into, with shaker-style kitchens and period features throughout

GLASS BLOWERS HOUSE, E14

£1,800 PCM - FURNISHED

This modern one bedroom apartment is situated on the 5th floor of the ever-popular Aberfeldy Village development and is built and fitted to a high specification. EPC: B

020 4502 7189 canarywharf@hamptons.co.uk

ROYAL EDEN DOCKS, E16

£2,100 PCM - FURNISHED OR UNFURNISHED

This one-bedroom apartment offers a modern, open-plan layout with timber effect flooring and floor to ceiling windows. The living space opens onto a good sized patio area. EPC: B

020 4502 7189 canarywharf@hamptons.co.uk

THE GRAINSTORE, E16

£3,250 PCM - FURNISHED OR UNFURNISHED

3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms 1 reception rooms

This wonderful three-bedroom duplex conversion in Docklands is bright and spacious, offering a large living room and dining area with access to a very private south facing roof terrace. EPC: D

020 4502 7189 canarywharf@hamptons.co.uk

HAMPTONS.CO.UK

SPRATTS COMPLEX, FAWE STREET, E14

GUIDEI£1MILLION LEASEHOLD

3 bedrooms 2 bathroom 1 reception room

Spread over the top floor of this authentic Victorian warehouse is this stunning three bedroom apartment offering over 1,600sq ft of flexible internal space and further benefiting from a large and very private roof terrace. EPC: C 020 3930 4069 canarywharf@hamptons.co.uk

MILLENNIUM DRIVE, E14

GUIDEI£475K-£500K S/O FREEHOLD

This corner facing apartment benefits from a bright dual aspect allowing for plenty of natural light. Measuring close to 850sq ft it boasts partial river views. Underground parking included. EPC: C 020 3930 4069 canarywharf@hamptons.co.uk

NEW PROVIDENCE WHARF, E14

GUIDEI£500,000 LEASEHOLD

Positioned on the 18th floor, this superb apartment offers far reaching southerly views down the Thames. Development amenities include a pool and spa on site. EPC: C 020 3930 4069 canarywharf@hamptons.co.uk

HAMPTONS.CO.UK