On the waterfront: where to buy on the river in London 

From a riverside perch in front of the boathouses and chandleries that line Putney Embankment, it’s easy to forget that this bucolic spot is just a few miles from the centre of London – and 12 miles west of Greenwich Peninsula, where the gentle clanking of masts and lapping waves might bring to mind Sandbanks or Salcombe, were it not for the sight of Canary Wharf’s gleaming towers just across the water. 

A desire for the sense of peace derived from waterfront living makes riverside homes some of the most desirable in the capital, says Sophie Barton, head of residential at Savills in Putney. “On weekend mornings here, the river is alive with runners, rowers and people walking their dogs,” she says. “Residents move here specifically to be close to the Thames.” 

London’s riverfront properties outperform the wider prime market, having seen 1.3% price growth in the final quarter of 2024. Unlike the Seine, which arcs neatly through central Paris, or the linear rivers that frame Manhattan, the serpentine Thames affords a huge diversity of views – not just from one neighbourhood to the next, but even within individual developments. Tellingly, the riverfront property market in London is overwhelmingly one of primary residences. Buyers know the benefits of being close to the water and are making it their priority.

“It’s the tranquillity that you get, as well as the exclusivity,” says Christopher Bramwell, head of Savills west London. “In this part of town, there’s magnificent housing on the riverbanks, looking out over St Paul’s School and Harrodian School playing fields, with views across the river towards Barnes. You can see wildlife on the water, and you can walk your children to some of the best schools in the city.”

As well as generous gardens that are ideally suited to family life, some houses here have a private mooring on the river. “On Chiswick Mall,” says Bramwell, “residents keep a little speedboat at the bottom of their riverside gardens.”

For lateral apartment living by the Thames, Tom Reeves, head of Savills residential sales for Fulham Bishops Park, recommends Fulham Reach, an award-winning waterfront development with a pool, cinema and gym. “It has really impressive views,” he says. “You’re a little bit removed from busy city life – and it’s great for people-watching.”

While the riverbanks of west and southwest London can feel particularly rural, with significant family appeal, east London is popular with affluent young professionals, second-home owners and those downsizing later in life, thanks to its warehouse-style apartments, five-star leisure facilities and close proximity to Canary Wharf. 

“Being on the river here gives an instant boost,” says Chloe Luxon, head of sales at Savills for Wapping, Waterloo and Canary Wharf. “Lots of our clients looking for high-end homes love Wapping and St Katharine Docks, which is the only marina in central London. It’s quiet, but there are lovely 3,000-4,000 square foot houses around the docks.”

Where Canary Wharf is all hustle and bustle, Wapping attracts residents in search of calm. “People like the privacy,” says Luxon. “It feels contained. You’ve got a couple of lovely riverside pubs, green space in the Hermitage Riverside Memorial Garden, and all that wonderful warehouse heritage. The loft-style conversions here have double-height ceilings, exposed brick and beautiful original features. Prices go up to £1,000 a square foot.”

The two main clusters of new-build riverfront properties for sale in London – at Battersea and Canary Wharf – offer buyers more than just a home. These are prime examples of modern, mixed-use waterfront neighbourhoods that provide a vibrant lifestyle, from independent restaurants and retailers to workplaces, pop-up culture and leisure amenities. 

“Six years ago, we weren’t getting many people asking for Nine Elms,” recalls Max Da Silva, head of residential lettings at Savills Battersea Park. “Since the opening of Battersea Power Station, however, with its shops and restaurants, it’s very much an area that people are interested in.

“That includes corporate relocators and high-earning professional sharers. People want the river views and the lifestyle that comes with having amenities on tap.” 

For Dan Carrington, Savills head of residential sales in Chelsea, riverfront living doesn’t come much better than Cheyne Walk. “The houses there are extraordinarily beautiful,” he says. “When what is known as ‘old Chelsea’ was developed, they built the biggest, most prominent homes on the river there. They’re very grand. If you’re looking for an apartment, the ones in Carlyle Mansions are large – we sold a particularly cool example last year that once belonged to an iconic musician.” 

Finding a prime tranche of the Thames to develop is, of course, the holy grail of property. But in Chelsea, Powerhouse – the repurposing of the historic Lots Road power station, which was bigger than its Battersea counterpart – has opened up a previously inaccessible stretch of the river. The scheme has prestige, a prime location and apartments (from £1.7 million) with views that stretch along the river for miles. When that kind of panorama comes with comfort and convenience, it’s hard to beat.

Additional reporting by Mia Aimaro Ogden 

Contact the Savills waterfront experts for more information