First-time buyer hotspots 

Despite a challenging market, demand for new homes in the eastern postcodes of London has been high with affordability and connectivity key drivers for first-time buyers.

Within East London, Stratford, Canary Wharf, Royal Wharf and pockets around Hackney stand out as particularly popular buying hotspots for those eager to step onto the housing ladder. And the chances are that many of these first-time buyers may put down roots here. Our analysis of Savills new homes sales between 2023 and 2025 shows almost half (49%) of UK purchasers across East London were moving within the same local area, with previous E or N1 addresses, demonstrating the staying power of the area.

Regent’s View is the latest residential development in this vibrant part of London, set in Bethnal Green (E2) and overlooking Regent’s Canal. Just one stop from Liverpool Street on the Central line, it offers an ideal mix of scenic surroundings with easy access to the City.

Shoreditch Parkside is located in Hackney (N1) and close to Hoxton, Haggerston, Highbury and Islington. It also has connections into the city’s key employment hubs within three stops from Old Street Station through to central London, King’s Cross or London Bridge.

Working in the City fringe

On the topic of work, tech and finance professionals are attracted to this part of the capital with both Old Street and the City of London dubbed ‘Tech City’ and the capital’s version of Silicon Valley attracting the likes of Google, Intel, Cisco, Microsoft and Facebook, bringing more and more employment opportunities across to this part of town.

The City fringe lifestyle

Ranking alongside its history of innovation, connectivity and value for money, the drivers behind demand for this area of London, is the lifestyle.

A favourite pastime for Londoners is market-hopping and this part of the city has them in abundance. Broadway Market is the perfect Sunday afternoon activity, just moments away from Regent’s View. The area also has Spitalfields, Columbia Road Flower Market, and Hoxton Market, all of which have become go-to spots for those living in the area.

From food markets to pop-up shops and artisan coffee spots to Michelin-starred restaurants, this is a district which has something to offer everyone – including those who are after something a little more tranquil, like a stroll along Regent’s Canal right on your doorstep, which takes you across to Angel or the park which lies next to Shoreditch Parkside. And for those in search of quaintness, De Beauvoir Town is just a short walk from Shoreditch Parkside, via the canal path.

London’s City fringe hotspots are serving up a vibrant work-life balance that’s proving hard to resist.

Further information

Contact Marcus Peers

In focus: Canary Wharf

In focus: luxury living in London’s Square Mile