Buying in Shadwell

BenjiM_2

Hey guys,

First time poster. Just wondering if anyone had a view on Shadwell (E1) in terms of buying a flat in London? We're set on buying in East London and were looking at some of the modern-build flats in Shadwell. They seem well priced and are 20-30% less than the surrounding areas (Wapping, Aldgate, Whitechapel, Shoreditch). Anyone live there or have any views on the area?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

newbian

Most of Shadwell is very rough. However there is a lot of development and improvement in the area and it's getting a lot more popular. It is well connected transport-wise (DLR and Overground which goes south to Croydon/Clapham and north to Islington). There is nothing much to do in Shadwell itself so you'll be going to Limehouse, Wapping, Whitechapel, or Canary Wharf to do any decent shopping or for restaurants and pubs.

It really depends on the specific area and street. Some places are more affected by crime than others.

EmmaHerts

I would be willing to live there if I didn't have kids as it is one stop on the DLR from work. I live an hour and 30 minute drive away though as I wanted green grass and a house.

My point being- think about what your priorities might be in the near future.

BenjiM_2

We looking at an area just south-east of the market.

The transport links are a big selling-point for us. As far as being rough, how bad are we talking compared to the rest of east london? Whenever I've been there during the day it's seemed fine and actually quite vibrant with the markets etc... I did live in Mile End for a couple of years though, so maybe my expectations are low

RupertTheCat

I used to work in Shadwell, and it wasn't pleasant after dark. Several of our staff were mugged, and one was hit over the head with a brick! It may have improved since then though!

I would check it out in the evening and see if you feel safe walking around there.

BenjiM_2

Thanks Rupert.

Can I ask which part of Shadwell it was? Was it recently?

MrLlama

BenjiM wrote: »

We looking at an area just south-east of the market.

The transport links are a big selling-point for us. As far as being rough, how bad are we talking compared to the rest of east london? Whenever I've been there during the day it's seemed fine and actually quite vibrant with the markets etc... I did live in Mile End for a couple of years though, so maybe my expectations are low

Its a grim area - the parts near to the DLR station and north of it are mostly deprived council estates with a couple of new build developments and converted warehouses dotted about. Still a long way from being gentrified. Certainly less so than Mile End.

pimento

My sister used to walk through Shadwell to her son's nursery and was regularly harangued by young muslim blokes calling her all the names for having the temerity to not be veiled. She found it quite scary, especially in the winter when it got dark early.

I used to live in Mile End and that was a bit better.

RupertTheCat

BenjiM wrote: »

Thanks Rupert.

Can I ask which part of Shadwell it was? Was it recently?

It was Mansell St, and it was about 10 years ago. I do remember we had a few female staff members who refused to work late, as they didn't feel safe after dark. It didn't bother me that much really, but I never carry anything worth stealing.

BenjiM_2

I can't seem to find Mansell St. Google maps is getting confused and only showing the one running up from Tower Hill towards Aldgate.

Thanks for all the replies everyone, great help

newbian

MrLlama wrote: »

Its a grim area - the parts near to the DLR station and north of it are mostly deprived council estates with a couple of new build developments and converted warehouses dotted about. Still a long way from being gentrified. Certainly less so than Mile End.

Yeah that's the thing - the location is great for City/Canary Wharf and Shoreditch nightlife, but there's not much space for gentrification due to the huge amount of ugly council housing that is in high demand. From Watney Market all the way down Cable Street is just council blocks to the left and right. The few spots with private buildings have been knocked down or refurbished but it's not going to change the entire area.

That's why Wapping and Limehouse are now quite gentrified in comparison, because they don't have so much of the council housing stock so developers were able to redo warehouses and build new blocks more easily.