Picture waking up and taking your boat straight onto the water before the rest of the capital starts their day. For owners of riverside properties with private moorings, this isn’t a dream but a reality, and this lifestyle is growing in popularity. Read on to discover why waterside properties are among the most sought after in London and its surrounding areas.
The riverside market
Demand for properties remains high due to a combination of limited supply and long term desirability. “When people buy here it is usually their ‘forever’ home, and they stay for an average of 20 years,” Soren Ravaux, Sales Director at Waterview, explains. “As a result, it is rare for properties of this kind to come to the market, meaning there is a need to act quickly if buyers and tenants want to secure the property of their dreams. In the past few years, quality of life has been even higher on the list of priorities, and it’s difficult to find a better option than living by the water.”
Ways to the water
Designed for life on the water, many of our properties benefit from private moorings. Some offer tie-up points, while others even have their own jetties. In some cases, moorings are set directly within the garden, either at ground level or with steps leading down to the water, creating a seamless link between home and water. In other locations, there may be via shared or managed stretches of riverfront. Each option offers a slightly different experience, shaped by location, usage and how owners choose to enjoy life. “Our buyers are passionate about this lifestyle,” Soren says, “and the ability to jump into their own boat and explore the water is not only a huge selling point but, in the majority of cases, a must.”
Life on the banks
The benefits of riverside living are endless, both in lifestyle and value. Buyer and tenant profiles range from watersports enthusiasts to downsizers seeking a slower pace of life within easy reach of the city. The warmer months are when these properties really come into their own, with days shaped around boating, swimming and wildlife watching. Nevertheless, while summer brings energy and activity, the quieter months reveal the true appeal of a move here, where still water, changing light and uninterrupted views create a calm, consistent backdrop to everyday life.
Local specialists
Waterview’s experience and expertise makes us the number one agent, having successfully sold and let properties here for over 25 years. “We work in partnership with Dexters in 28 locations, giving us access to over 160,000 buyers and tenants looking for their new home,” Soren underlines. “We are the largest agent operating on The Thames and have a team of experts who are well equipped to secure the best prices from the best buyers. We can advise on everything from location and logistics to tides and moorings.”
If you’re looking for the perfect home on the water, our experts would be delighted to help you with your search. You can find your local office here.