The Best New Build Developments in London 2026: Where to Buy Now

London's Most Exciting New Developments Right Now

London's new build landscape is more competitive than ever. Developers are pushing design standards higher, amenities are becoming more hotel-like, and the best schemes are selling out well before completion. Having visited dozens of show apartments and tracked pricing across every major development in the capital, we have curated this list of the developments we think represent the best value, design quality, and investment potential in 2026. These are not paid placements — they are our genuine recommendations based on what we have seen and what we believe will perform.

The Lucan, Chelsea

Prices from £1.7 million to £19.5 million. Located on the Fulham Road in the heart of Chelsea, The Lucan offers a collection of luxury apartments that combine period-inspired architecture with modern interiors. What sets it apart is the location — a genuine Chelsea address rather than the fringes — and the attention to detail in the specification. Residents benefit from concierge, a private gym, and landscaped communal gardens. For buyers who want new build convenience with a Chelsea postcode, this is one of the strongest options currently available.

Chelsea Island, Chelsea Creek

Part of the wider Chelsea Creek masterplan, Chelsea Island offers waterfront living with marina views. The development features one, two, and three-bedroom apartments with private balconies and access to residents' amenities including a pool, gym, and 24-hour concierge. Prices are more accessible than central Chelsea, making this particularly attractive to younger professionals and investors looking for capital growth as the Creek area continues to mature. The Imperial Wharf overground station provides good transport links, and the area has developed a genuine community feel with restaurants and cafes along the waterfront.

Battersea Power Station

The most ambitious regeneration project in London's history. Battersea Power Station has been transformed from an iconic industrial ruin into a mixed-use destination with luxury apartments, retail, dining, and office space. The development has its own Northern Line tube station, making it one of the best-connected new build schemes in London. Later phases continue to release apartments, and the retail village — anchored by Apple's UK headquarters — gives the development a commercial heartbeat that most residential schemes lack. For investors, the combination of strong rental demand and ongoing area regeneration makes this a compelling long-term play.

The Haydon, Nine Elms

Nine Elms continues its transformation into London's newest luxury quarter, and The Haydon is one of the area's standout developments. Located within the embassy quarter — the new US Embassy sits nearby — it offers contemporary apartments with views across the Thames and Vauxhall. The Northern Line Extension at Nine Elms station has dramatically improved transport links, putting the City within 15 minutes. Prices represent strong value relative to established prime areas, and we expect Nine Elms to continue its upward trajectory as more infrastructure and amenities come online over the next three to five years.

What to Look for in a New Build Development

Not all new builds are created equal. When evaluating a development, we look at five things beyond the show apartment. Developer track record — have they delivered previous schemes on time and to the promised specification? Build quality — visit a completed phase, not just the marketing suite. Service charge transparency — request three years of projected service charge budgets and challenge anything that looks unreasonable. Lease terms — check the ground rent structure and lease length. And location trajectory — is the area improving, stable, or at risk of overdevelopment? Get these five things right and you will avoid the most common mistakes luxury new build buyers make.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are new build apartments in London a good investment?

New builds in well-located developments can be excellent investments, particularly in regeneration areas like Nine Elms and Battersea where prices have not yet reached their ceiling. In established areas like Chelsea and Kensington, new builds may command a premium over resale but offer lower maintenance costs and stronger rental appeal. The key is buying in the right development at the right price point.

What are service charges like in London luxury developments?

Service charges in premium London developments typically range from £5 to £12 per square foot annually. For a 1,000 sq ft apartment, expect £5,000 to £12,000 per year. Ultra-luxury buildings with pools, spas, and extensive staffing can charge £15 to £25+ per square foot. Always review the service charge budget before purchasing.