When we think about desirable places to live in South London, our thoughts tend to turn to Battersea, Clapham and Wandsworth. But, with improved transport links and greater urbanisation, more and more parts of South London are attracting new home buyers, property investors and developers.
From Blackheath to Greenwich, below we’ll give you a run-down of the top five up-and-coming neighbourhoods in South London. Let’s dive in…
Blackheath
Blackheath solicitors will attest that this increasingly trendy area is well-deserving of a place on our list. Bordering Greenwich and Lewisham, Blackheath is dominated by its 275-acre and manages to achieve the perfect balance between a country village and a cosmopolitan town. Transport into central London and beyond is easy via tube, rail and bus.
At weekends, residents can enjoy walks on the sprawling heath followed by lunch at a number of upscale restaurants including The Ivy Cafe, and, just a short stroll away, the critically acclaimed Sparrow. Blackheath also has an incredibly popular farmers market at weekends as well as a number of entertainment venues including Blackheath Halls.
The average house price in Blackheath is around £594,389 and the area has a number of good schools including Blackheath High School, many of which enjoy an Ofsted rating of ‘outstanding’.
Peckham
Best known perhaps as being the setting of the iconic TV show ‘Only Fools And Horses (or, more recently, the birthplace of Giggs), Peckham is one of London’s liveliest neighbourhoods, boasting trendy trattorias, inclusive community groups, and so much more. In 2020, it was named as one of the best places to live in London by The Sunday Times. Whether that’s a blessing or a curse, is up to you…
A considerable amount of development and funding in recent years has turned Peckham into a well-connected and sought-after place to live. As well as some great family homes, Peckham is also a foodie’s paradise with a number of taprooms and restaurants including the popular Levan, a modern European eatery and its brilliant New York deli-style sister cafe next door, Larry’s.
One of the best things about Peckham is Peckham Rye Park and Peckham Rye Common. Covering approximately 113 acres land and featuring ornamental gardens, flowing streams, woodland and a lake, it’s the ideal spot for a picnic and a stroll come summer.
Peckham is served by Overground and National Rail services from Peckham Rye station and family homes cost around £630,084.
Read: 5 IDEAL restaurants to visit in Peckham
Anerley
Unless you were born and raised in South London, there’s a good chance that you’ve never even heard of Anerley, but this is an area which should most definitely be on your radar. Located in the borough of Bromley and nestled between Charing Cross and Upper Norwood, Anerley is a leafy area filled with desirable residences, independent bakers and pubs.
For kids, the concrete dinosaurs in Crystal Palace Park never fail to delight and, for the adults, the park itself is a pretty haven offering a respite from busy city life.
Commuting into central London is super simple and takes less than half an hour via Overground and Southern Train services. The average house price in this little-known area is £594,389.
Greenwich
While Greenwich has always been popular with tourists, a lack of transport has, in the past, put people off from moving to the area. In recent years, improved transport links, including river buses have made Greenwich more accessible – which is great news for home buyers. This iconic part of South London is jam-packed with history, open spaces and some of London’s coolest riverside bars and restaurants.
For families, Greenwich has some great schools and academies, and house prices herestand at around £666,429 – although riverside properties will cost considerably more. Greenwich offers plenty to do at weekends including the famous Royal Observatory, lots of wide open spaces and a number of museums as well as the legendary Cutty Sark which is open to the public.
Penge
For those with a tighter budget, Penge is a great choice. Nestled between Crystal Palace and Beckenham, house prices in Penge stand at around £445,136 making it more affordable than other areas of South London.
Often overlooked, Penge has a lot to offer including a great sense of community, solid transport links into east and central London and a buzzing social scene including cafes, breweries, shops and a mix of quaint and trendy restaurants.
The Bottom Line
If you’re thinking of making the move to South London, there are plenty of options available and, with prices in some areas a fair bit lower than you might expect. If you’re new to South London, it’s a good idea to start by making a shortlist of your desired areas and then, join a few local social media groups to get a feel for the community.
While you’re here, if staying hip and happening is your priority, then check out these 4 IDEAL London neighbourhoods to bring out your inner cool. You won’t regret it!
*Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained property professional. Be sure to consult a property professional if you’re seeking advice on buying a house in York. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.*