Waterfront properties are ideally designed with health and wellbeing in mind thus making these prestigious homes uniquely appealing to Asian buyers from overseas. The lifestyle and additional amenities that a waterfront home offer has a global appeal to Asian and especially Chinese buyers as they believe that water brings good fortune and prosperity to its owners.
Waterfront properties along the river Thames in London. Image: London Visitor.
According to the Knight Frank Global Waterfront report compiled based on valuations from Knight Frank’s global network, prices for prime waterfront properties are, on average, 40 per cent higher than comparable properties inland. The index measures the potential value uplift for prime homes on the water’s edge compared with similar properties located further inland without access to, or a view of the water.
Waterfront properties are also among the most liquid asset due to their position and scarcity. Although these properties face strong demand from prospective buyers who want their future exit strategy to be assured, not all prime waterfront properties are equal, and their premiums vary by location and amenities. The following lists 10 of the most impressive waterfront developments around the world that will be an attractive proposition for Asian buyers.
1. The Ellipse, Royal Eden Docks, London, United Kingdom
The Ellipse, London, United Kingdom. Image: Knight Frank
From developers Mount Anvil in partnership with ExCeL London, The Ellipse is a 15-storey new development that offers direct access to Royal Eden Docks’ amenities. Set less than 100 metres from the water’s edge, the development features a collection of 117 brand-new studios, one-, and two-bedroom apartments and boosts water views to the south and lush garden views to the east. Amenities include a rooftop running track to 24-hour concierge and business lounge, sauna and steam room, indoor swimming pool, cinema room, spin studio and yoga studio, and meeting and entertainment space.
2. Chelsea Waterfront, Waterfront Drive, Chelsea, London, United Kingdom
Chelsea Waterfront. Image: Knight Frank.
Located in the heart of one of the capital’s most historic and sought-after areas, Chelsea Waterfront is master-planned by internationally renowned architect Sir Terry Farrell. It comprises two 37- and 25-storey glass residential towers, three riverside buildings arranged around landscaped gardens and the refurbishment of the historic Lots Road Power Station. Set within 600 metres of river frontage, the development also features beautifully landscaped gardens designed by world-renowned landscape architect Randle Siddeley and a 24-hour concierge, gym, swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. Other amenities include shops, restaurants and bars.
3. Frond K Villa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Frond K Villa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Image: Palm Jumeirah.
Palm Jumeirah, Nakheel’s flagship project, is the world’s largest artificial island and is comprised of a two-kilometre-long trunk, a crown made up of 17 fronds and a surrounding crescent. Frond K is a stunning beach house villa exclusively developed on the Palm’s most prestigious VIP Frond. The ground floor is an open-plan design with a formal lounge, dining room, kitchen, maids and driver’s rooms and a double garage. The upper floor contains five spacious en-suite bedrooms. Four of which are sea-facing with their own private balconies, making it the only signature villa with four sea view bedrooms. This signature villa also features seven bathrooms, a private beach and swimming pool and a private garden and barbeque area.
4. Lanson Place, Waterfront Suites, Hong Kong, China
Lanson Place, Waterfront Suites, Hong Kong, China. Image: Lanson Place
Indulge in one of the most coveted, by-the-sea luxurious living that Hong Kong has to offer. Lanson Place Waterfront Suites is where you can enjoy a refined living space. Each apartment features a beautiful sea view and a balcony linking the outdoors seamlessly to the indoors. High ceilings (at 2.9 metres) and bespoke wood-rich fittings create a basic tonal palette and an original yet lofty style. Enjoy unparalleled comfort in your new home-away-from-home on Hong Kong Island at Lanson Place Waterfront Suites. Amenities include Concierge service, Gym’brary, lounge, wellness pool and Yoga’rden.
5. Al Bandar Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Al Bandar Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Image: Al Bandar Marina
Set in the centre of the stunning Al Raha Beach development in Abu Dhabi, Al Bandar Marina is a beautiful community-based marina. Comprising modern apartments and duplexes, loft-style residences and larger family apartments, Al Bandar is a 15-minute drive from Abu Dhabi city, with this marina offering more than 130 berths up to 24 metres for residents and visiting yachts of all types, with easy access to the stunning waterways of Abu Dhabi. Supported by 24-hour dock service, Al Bandar Marina boasts a wide range of lifestyle amenities, restaurants and health clubs, water sports and charter trips around the waterways.
6. Como, Lombardy, Italy
Villa Olmo, Como, Italy. Image: Villa Olmo
Located in the northern region of Italy, near Milan, Como – the Villa Olmo area offers a splendid three-bedroom apartment with a private garden and large terraces overlooking the lake and the city. The apartment comprises an entrance hall, a large open space living area with a fireplace and dining room, an eat-in kitchen, a hallway, three double bedrooms and two bathrooms. The terrace and the garden offer unobstructed panoramic views on the front side while a large terrace and green area at the back of the house provide privacy. The basement houses a large room connected with an internal staircase to the living room that can be used both as a fitness area or study. A double garage and parking spaces are also included here.
7. Prata Riverside Village, Lisbon, Portugal
Prata Riverside Village Apartments, Portugal. Image: Prata Village Riverside
Prata Riverside Village is an award-winning development designed by world-renowned and Pritzker award winner Renzo Piano whose inspiration came from the sails of the ships that crossed the Tagus River. Situated right on the edge of the Tagus River between historical Alfama and upscale Parque das Nações, Prata Riverside Village is a modern and sophisticated area in prime Lisbon, surrounded by restaurants, local shops, creative art centres and a spectacular riverside promenade. This urban village comprises studios to four-bedroom apartments with over 200 square metres, all of which include private parking and are built and equipped with state-of-the-art finishing and fixtures.
8. Sands Residences, Manila Bay, Philippines
Sands Residences, Manila Bay, Philippines. Image: Sands
Sands Residences is a prime development of the SMDC – one of the country’s leading real estate developers with almost 45 years in the industry. It is a single tower high-rise development in Roxas Boulevard, Manila comprising 2,367 residential units rendered in a studio unit, one-bedroom and two-bedroom unit configurations. The units have ample living and dining rooms, a well-planned kitchen space, and balconies or private gardens. Amenities include crystal clear lap pool, kiddie pool, jacuzzi, yoga deck, fitness centre, entertainment room and function room, and games rooms.
9. Vue Aston, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Vue Aston, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Image: Vue Aston
Located along the riverside in Norea Island, Vue Aston is a newly launched condominium designed by the world’s top design company HKS which has designed Las Vegas City Centre, Atlantis Dubai and The Venetian Macao. The development comprises five different unit types such as studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom of sizes ranging from 39.69 to 91.42 square metres. Amenities include an infinity pool, a sky bar, a gymnasium, a sauna and spa, a V-club, lobby areas, parking areas, restaurants and convenience stores, concierge services, lounges, a library, a private cinema, and housekeeping services.
10. Masteri Waterfront, Ocean Park, Vietnam
Masteri Waterfront, Ocean Park, Vietnam. Image: Masteri Waterfront
The Masteri Waterfront is a premium development strategically located at the heart of Ocean Park. Experience stunning lake views from your balcony and enjoy the privilege of waterfront living through exclusive private facilities that are found within each tower. The development occupies the most exclusive location within the Vinhomes Ocean Park masterplan that spans over 400 hectares. It is also situated at the golden intersection of Gia Lam, close to the central area for ample conveniences, and surrounded by major roads to key districts in the region.