Prime London property prices may be heading downwards, but luxurious homes still remain way out of reach for many Londoners. But there is a way to experience luxury living for less at some of the capital’s new developments

Words: Fiona Brandhorst

Entry-level homes still have access to five-star amenities, as well as benefiting from a superb location and with any luck a gobsmacking view.

At Barratt’s Lombard Wharf in Battersea you can buy a two bedroom apartment for £780,000 right up on the 24th floor with a magnificent view from its wraparound terrace. It comes with membership of the residents-only fitness suite and a 24-hour concierge service.

The landmark tower of 134 apartments and penthouses is designed by award-winning architects Patel Taylor and you’ll impress friends with its unique feature, a two-degree twist as it rises 28 floors skyward.

Just along the river, first-time buyers and downsizers could be swayed by the starting price of £621,000 at The Residence, Bellway’s 19-storey Nine Elms development. Inspired by the architecture of New York, the one, two and three-bedroom apartments have open-plan interiors and bathrooms with spa-like fittings. All residents will benefit from a 24-hour concierge service, an on-site gym and media lounge perfect for friends and family get-togethers.

At Barratt’s Lombard Wharf in Battersea you can buy a two bedroom apartment with a magnificent view from its wraparound terrace for £780,000

Many of the apartments have good views of the river or over the surrounding parks, piazzas and public gardens of Nine Elms. An added bonus is that The Residence is just 200 metres from the new Zone 1 tube station on the Northern Line extension opening in 2020.

Nine Elms is now home to the much heralded new American Embassy, yet President Donald Trump recently called it an ‘off location’. However, Nick Whitten, Associate Director UK Research at JLL, says the earlier you get into a ‘regeneration hotspot’ the better.

Imagine what Nine Elms will be like when it’s all complete – with a shopping centre, new underground stations and schools. Get in early, stay longer and see a better return on your investment

‘London’s Nine Elms is a perfect example,’ he adds. ‘Imagine what it will be like when it’s all complete – with a shopping centre, new underground stations and schools. Get in early, stay longer and see a better return on your investment.’

Also at Nine Elms, Mount Anvil & FABRICA by A2Dominion have just launched the second phase of homes at Keybridge Capital starting from £555,000. Comprising 125 studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments across 18 floors designed by international architects, Allies and Morrison, the building’s elegant brick façade reflects the area’s industrial heritage, while the interiors of each apartment continue this theme, employing sleek, raw materials with modern twists.

Shared ownership buyers can bag a bargain at West View Battersea at Chelsea Bridge

Shared ownership buyers can also have a slice of the prime action. Located on the border of Battersea Park and Nine Elms, residents at West View Battersea, part of Berkeley’s 14 floor Vista development at Chelsea Bridge, can purchase high quality homes, many with glass-fronted balconies looking out onto Battersea Park.

It’s an eight minute walk to Battersea Park station with trains to Victoria in just five minutes, and you’ll be close to the new Battersea Power Station hub for eating, drinking and entertainment. Buyers must live or work within the borough of Wandsworth and earn less than £90,000 per year to qualify. Prices start from £157,500 for a 25% share of a one-bedroom apartment and £203,750 for a 25% share of a two-bed.

Shared ownership buyers can also have a slice of the prime action

White City is another of the capital’s regeneration zones that is opening up the possibilities for entry-level buyers seeking more bang for their buck. Belvedere Row has just been launched by St James in its White City Living development, mirroring Manhattan’s Central Park-side apartments with prices from £650,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.

A wealth of facilities include a 24-hour concierge service, two 12-seater cinema rooms, a multi-purpose entertainment suite with golf simulator and karaoke screen, a fully-equipped business lounge and a public café. The gym comes equipped with a spa, sauna, steam room, swimming pool and hydro-pool, along with two treatment rooms and personal training areas.

A little further west but still well connected by tube and overground trains, the 10-storey Dickens Yard in central Ealing has one bedroom apartments priced from £599,950. Alongside a health and fitness suite, underground parking and 24-hour concierge service, residents can eat at a huge range of restaurants right on their doorstep including Tonkotsu and The Skinny Kitchen and join the fitness experts TriYoga.