Royal Docks

Once an important trade hub, the Royal Docks is now a thriving waterfront neighbourhood in its own right, packed with high-rise residential blocks, offices, hotels and restaurants. It gets its name from three docks – the Royal Albert Dock, the Royal Victoria Dock and the King George V Dock. The ward is in the borough of Newham, with a prime spot on the River Thames. Read on to discover developments that are rated the best places to live in Royal Docks. In addition, read reviews from residents who own or rent in Royal Docks.

4.11
Average Location Score

Excellent

38%

Very Good

41%

Average

16%

Disappointing

4%

Very Poor

1%

Best places to live in Royal Docks

HomeViews Top Rated Development ranking takes into account the Star Rating and HomeViews Transparency Rating of every development in the area

Royal Docks at sunset

What’s there to do at the Royal Docks?

One of London’s biggest regeneration areas, the Royal Docks is a hive of activity. Victorian pubs and independent eateries sit alongside contemporary offerings such as Gallions Reach shopping centre; home to high street names like Topshop and River Island, chain restaurants and a Tesco supermarket.

Culture buffs living here will be in their element, thanks to a packed schedule of exhibitions and pop-up displays. This is the home of the legendary ExCel Centre, after all, which hosts world-famous events like Comic-Con and Oceanology International. Close by, you’ve got theatrical classes and performances at the Royal Wharf Community Dock centre. And a myriad of sports facilities on offer at SportsDock.

It’s not all about indoor activities here, either. Big-hitters are the Thames Barrier Park and the Wakeup Docklands centre – the latter is a one-stop-shop for wakeboarding, paddle boarding and paddle board yoga. Alternatively, try open-water swimming in the river for an exhilarating burst of energy you’d never find in the gym.

New development flats in the royal docks

Commuting from the Royal Docks

When the Elizabeth Line is complete, Royal Docks residents will be able to reach Liverpool Street in just 11 minutes from Custom House. Until then, there are no less than 11 DLR stations serving the area, along with the Emirates Air Line. There’s a great network of walking and cycling routes available to get you from A to B, as well. And London City Airport makes jetting off for business or pleasure a doddle.

Royal Docks property

If you’re looking for a skyscraper with real wow factor, consider Royal Victoria Residence and Hoola, developments from City & Docklands Property Group and HUB Residential. Both are striking, ultra-contemporary towers with great transport links.

“The apartment is really great – modern, good quality and attractive. It’s also really spacious and this is what really swayed me – I looked at lots of other apartments but this one definitely had the most space.” – Anon, verified resident at Royal Victoria Residence

“In my building there is 24 hour security which allows me to feel very comfortable and safe in my home. The apartment space itself has a beautiful layout and (has) amazing views. There is also a dressing area which add to its modern feel. I love the electronic applications.” – Anon, verified resident at Hoola

“Really like the apartment – it’s new, modern and spacious. Everything works well.” – Michele, verified resident at Royal Victoria Residence

Royal Victoria Docks is another contender, just a hop from the ExCel and with a supermarket right next door…

Easy access to central london, close to the station and very nice area for the kids.” – Bartha, verified renter at Royal Victoria Docks

Interior design enthusiasts should take a look at Royal Docks West, whose apartments and studios were dreamt up by the esteemed Johnson Ribolla. This property will also be the closest to Custom House Crossrail station when it’s complete.

New residential flats on the royal docks

Even more developments…

For a real community feel, Waterside Park is a real gem – a joint venture from Barratt Homes, Taylor Wimpey and the Greater London Authority. This collection of low-rise buildings contains almost 800 apartments and townhouses, all surrounded by well-tended gardens.

Ballymore’s Royal Wharf offers a similar feel on a more grandiose scale, with more than 3,385 units and a purpose-built market square and high street.

“Great new area for young professionals and families, good crowd and lots of great amenities
We also have great views good services concierge and a mail room for parcels when you’re not in. Friendly staff and very safe.” –
Royalwharf1, verified resident at Royal Wharf

Another HomeViews reviewers’ best places to live in Royal Docks is Barrier Point, a Barratt Homes development near London City Airport…

“The location is very convenient, accessibility to transportation, the parks and schools are close by for the kids, overall I like Barriers Point, the rooms are soundproof having been located next to the airport is advantageous.” – Charles, verified resident at Barrier Point

“Great development with a lot of parking and a family friendly feel. The pontoon dock dlr station is very close by and in walking distance. Some new shops have opened up such as sainsburys and a Starbucks.” – Ryan, verified resident at Barrier Point

You can find out more about living in the area by reading reviews from residents. Click on the developments below to find out more about residents’ experiences and also, to discover the best places to live and rent in Royal Docks. Moreover, If there’s a property that you can’t see on HomeViews, you can add a new listing and leave your review here.

Reviews in Royal Docks

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An area improving with time.

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jul 2024

Local shop Sainsbury’s is a little disappointing and the area could do with more. Quiet area, restaurants have got better with time.

The binstore in apartment block is good and the DLR is great.

Please review your development:

I have lived here 3 years, the start was terrible but with the new management and reception staff inplace, the entire block has improved. Atmosphere and response time is great.

Great gym, co working space and facilities, if looking to rent I would recommend. The balcony and views are brilliant too, overlooking an improving park and area too.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Nothing really, I researched the area before moving. Take a walk around the park and the Royal Wharf, get a feel.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Helped immediately with no issues, the hot water had gone down due to previous maintenance issues, but since the issues have arisen, the property management team have taken it in hand and provided solutions for the future.

4
Facilities
3
Design
4
Location
3
Value
5
Management
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Lovely area and design

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jun 2024

The area is really nice and calm. I love the buildings and the park areas they have built. Never feel unsafe walking around

Please review your development:

Property management can be a bit slow in getting back to you in responses but so far we have had our issues sorted. The design of the property is lovely and feels new and modern. The layout inside my property has allowed for a lot of space and again a mordern look.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

This property was a good find so I have no tips. Happy with it

What is the best feature of your home:

The living room layout, I like the I don’t have to go to another room to get food

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Calm and picturesque development

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jun 2024

There are an increasing number of small local businesses around the development. I particularly like the local wildlife, there are ducks and swans in the dock. The streets are quiet and feel safe.

Please review your development:

Property management are sometimes slow to answer emails or requests but are generally helpful. The design of the development is really nice and the new flats that are being built are all very nice. The concierge is a nice touch, they are always friendly and ready to take parcels when we need.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I didn’t know just how much I would love living here.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

They take a while to respond and sometimes need prompting but do eventually reply.

What is the best feature of your home:

The flat is very spacious, especially for London and open plan which is nice

4
Facilities
5
Design
4
Location
4
Value
4
Management
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The design, facilities, building management and property management are good

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date May 2024

Sainsbury Local and Nisa are close by. The park is at the back of the building. It’s a 1-minute walk to Pontoon Dock Station. Parking is free at night. Noise is minimal and Anti-social behavior is low.

Please review your development:

The design, facilities, building management and property management are good, like other high-rise buildings. The development is expensive though to rent and run in terms of utilities.
It’s a managed property with a concierge and security. They respond to issues semi-immediately.
It’s a quiet property overall.
It’s neat most of the time.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish I were aware of the cost of the utilities especially for British Gas and Welcome Energy. They are so expensive for the apartments, and you can’t just move to a different provider.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Sometimes it can be a quick response and at other times, it can be slow.

4
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
4
Value
2
Management
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