THE RIVER THAMES is one of the classic images of London, its winding loop around the Isle of Dogs being instantly recognisable to anyone who watches EastEnders and its historical significance — from the famous bridges to its part in the country’s maritime history — is well known worldwide. From the grim approach to Traitor’s Gate at the Tower of London to the shimmering pillars of the Thames Barrier, the river holds an enduring fascination.

There was a time when riverside living was only for the wealthy, with townhouses along the river in Chelsea being out of reach of all but the deepest pockets. And at the start of the Eighties, more than 90 per cent of available housing in London’s Docklands area was social, rented housing, but the formation of the London Docklands Development Corporation ensured that vast swaths of the boroughs of Newham, Southwark and Tower Hamlets were transformed, with crumbling wharves turned into yuppie loft apartments.

Now riverside living is possible along almost the entire 215-mile length of the Thames, from its source in the Cotswolds down to the sea at Southend, and there are developments to suit all budgets. The Government’s plans to create another 120,000 homes in the Thames Gateway by 2016 will mean that even more of the river will be accessible to Londoners.

With the reintroduction and extension of river transport services such as Thames Clippers, which now provides a commuter service along the stretch of the river from the Savoy Pier near Charing Cross to Berkeley Homes’ Royal Arsenal development at Woolwich, commuting from south Essex and north Kent could become a great deal easier — and fun.

Battersea
AS WELL as its impressive redevelopment of the Royal Woolwich Arsenal on the other side of London, Berkeley Homes is also developing a prime central site, Chelsea Bridge Wharf. The blocks, which have the river to one side and Battersea Park to the other, are set around a delightful water garden — some apartments have jetty balconies on the ponds — and although prices are on the high side they reflect the quality of the finish and the attractive location.

Apartments from £495,000. 020-7720 4000. www.berkeleyhomes.co.uk

Docklands
STANDING on the Royal Victoria Dock, next to ExCel, Barratt’s Capital East development is the company’s latest project in this once neglected area of Docklands. The success of the neighbouring exhibition centre and its proximity to both City Airport and Canary Wharf has meant that properties are being snapped up. Sailors can enjoy the marina in the dock, while the apartments benefit from their own on-site business centre.

Apartments from £403,995. Telephone: 020-7476 7163. www.barratthomes.co.uk

Thamesmead
THERE ARE not many places where you can buy a riverview apartment for less than £170,000, but then Thamesmead is still a relative newcomer as far as established residential areas go. Having been the focus of much recent investment, and proving very popular with buy-to-let investors, Thamesmead should really take off should the new Thames Gateway Bridge receive the go-ahead.

Apartments from £169,950. Telephone: 0845 6760162. www.faircloughhomes.co.uk

Greenhithe
INGRESS PARK, a Crest Nicholson development, received a Gold Standard Building for Life award and is a collection of houses and flats, with each phase built in very distinct and different architectural styles to echo the Kent surroundings. With the restored Ingress Abbey as its centrepiece, a heritage trail and a riverfront walk, as well as Bluewater on the doorstep, this is one of the best-planned developments around.

Apartments start at £180,000. Telephone: 01322 385050. www.ingresspark.com

Surrey Quays
WITH a five-year, £1 billion regeneration project for SE16 about to begin, this area of Docklands is ripe for investors — especially as it is one Tube stop away from Canary Wharf. George Wimpey’s Water Gardens development is a collection of 242 one to three-bed apartments and 18 live/work units set around a central water garden piazza. Some properties will have stunning City views. There will also be a 24-hour concierge and an underground car park.

Apartments start at £265,000. Telephone: 0845 6066929. www.thewatergardens.co.uk

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