CANARY WHARF, E14

Dramatic atriums with soaring glass walls

Opting for shared ownership does not mean compromising on quality or location. Homes can be found in posh postcodes and trendy districts as well as gritty parts of inner London and suburban high streets.

To get planning permission, private developers normally have to build shared ownership blocks (subsequently managed by housing associations) alongside more expensive homes. Such projects include glamorous riverside schemes where private apartments may cost millions of pounds.

Often there is no difference in terms of architecture and interior design, while shared ownership buyers sometimes have a right to use residents’ amenities – gym, pool, 24-hour concierge, club lounges etc.

Aspect Apartments are part of the luxurious Wardian development of high-rise homes moments from Canary Wharf.

Taking its name from traditional “Wardian” glass containers used at the height of Empire to transport rare plants across the globe, the scheme comprises twin towers that bring botanical beauty, in the form of dramatic atriums and communal areas with soaring glass walls that enclose beautiful arrangements of exotic trees, lush plants and flowers.

Apartments have generous-sized terraces, set back to give protection from the elements.

Aspect Apartments are available through Notting Hill Genesis. Prices start at £150,250 for a 25 per cent share (full price, £601,000). This requires a deposit of £15,025. On-site amenities include a residents’ sky lounge while owners can opt for membership of a club offering business space, a cinema room plus a spa with treatment rooms, open-air swimming pool and gym. Call 020 3815 2222.