A Guide to Living in Lewisham

Lewisham lies just a few miles south-east of Central London. A borough given a little more than just a fresh coat of paint in recent years. In fact, this area has seen plenty in the way of renovation. Including, a transformation of the town centre and a brand-new riverside park. As such, it moved at lightning-speed into the ‘up-and-comer’ category a couple of years back. Then, in the blink of an eye, it became highly sought-after, courtesy of its affordable homes and fantastic transport links. Read on to discover developments that are rated the best places to live in Lewisham. In addition, read reviews from residents who own or rent in Lewisham.

4.57

Average Location Score

Excellent

64%

Very Good

29%

Average

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Best places to live in Lewisham

HomeViews Top Rated Development ranking takes into account the Star Rating and HomeViews Transparency Rating of every development in the area

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Cutting-edge bars and eateries

It might come as a surprise, but Lewisham embodies the sort of hipster cool more readily associated with places like Shoreditch and Hackney. The vibrant high streets are full of independent cafés, brunch pop-ups, and pocket-sized restaurants serving the A to Z of cuisines. After dark, there are lively pubs with on-stage happenings every weekend, plus a good clutch of nightclubs. One of the area’s most popular night-time haunts is Model Market, a street food fiesta that kicks off around 5pm on Fridays and Saturdays and goes on until late. Lip-smacking, around-the-world flavours here include succulent Argentinian meats, fiery Jamaican jerk chicken and thin and crispy Neapolitan pizzas.

Lewisham’s shopping scene

Lewisham’s daytime markets are just as good, and include Lewisham Farmers’ Market, Brockley Market, and Lewisham Open Market. Fresh flowers? Charcuterie? Pillow-soft donuts? All here. And if you’re more into high street brands, there’s a shopping mall in the middle of town packed with household names like M&S, Next and H&M.

Lewisham residents

Lewisham’s residents are spirited and diverse. Artsy types are flocking to the Deptford district. Families favour the roomy period homes in the Ladywell area, where’s there’s also a good supply of picnic and playing space thanks to Ladywell and Hilly Fields. Young professionals, meanwhile, love Lewisham Gateway – a regenerated neighbourhood of contemporary apartments, right by Lewisham DLR Station (direct links to London Bridge, Canary Wharf and Bank). All great places to rent in Lewisham. There’s also a number of students in the area, living in converted Victorian and Edwardian flats. Thanks to Goldsmiths, University of London in New Cross, there’s real demand here for accommodation for pupils – something worth remembering for those looking to invest.

Verdicts from HomeViews reviewers…
“Area is a Mecca for families and young couples given it’s good value and zone 3 location. Good cafes and small local shops around, though a little more limited in number compared to other areas. Zone 3 location with regular services to London Central stations.”

“If you’re a foodie, don’t miss Model Market, a night-time street food extravaganza. It’s also really easy to reach the renowned Greenwich Park from Lewisham. Wander the flower and herb gardens, stop for tea and cake at the Pavilion Café, and soak up the scenery from one of London’s best viewpoints.”

“Artsy, fun-loving Deptford (is) a south-east pocket of London packed with restaurants, bars and galleries. It’s close to historical Greenwich and foodie-haven Bermondsey, and has great transport links for getting further afield.”

You can find out more about living in the area by reading reviews from residents. Click on the developments below to find out more about residents’ experiences and also, to discover the best places to live and rent in Lewisham. Moreover, If there’s a property that you can’t see on HomeViews, you can add a new listing and leave your review here.

Featured developments in Lewisham

Reviews in Lewisham

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Great location but super noisy

Verified Resident

Review Date Sep 2021

I love the location. The train/DLR station and different bus routes right at the doorstep. Grogery shopping is super easy because tesco, sainsburys and M&S are within walking distance. Super convenient to live here BUT the downside is the noise. Living right by the station means you hear the trains, and at times drunk people on Friday nights trying to catch the last train home.

Please review your development:

There is a small green space by the building but recently it had been changed to a not-dog-friendly zone….which is a bummer. I have two dogs and i need a green space for my doggos for their quick doggy break but, if they are going to continue to be strict then what’s the point of having that patch of green space..?? I heard that part of our rent is to pay for the maintenance of the area so, i am not really happy about that.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I didnt know that if you rented furnished and lived for over certain periods of time, the furnitures become yours…if i have known that i would have rented furnished.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Reported some issues right after moving in. Super minor issues but it took a while to get it fixed…

On a side note, the elevatir keeps breaking down…!

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Manager Response

Hi Monica, thanks for leaving your home this review.

Great development and we are lucky to live here

Review Date Sep 2021

The development is fantastic, with a selection of excellent restaurants and cafés, as well as a great nail bar, salon, yoga studio etc. The local area is not great (no good restaurants, limited travel connections) but is slowly improving.

Please review your development:

There is nothing to fault the development with, other than its cost and lack of parking space (parking spaces are owned by apartments or restaurants and visitors cannot freely park there). Otherwise, the development is outstanding — probably the best I have seen in London in terms of facilities. However, there is no swimming pool, which would have been a plus.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Check the layout and ask for upgrades. We have a superb view of the Shard from our bedroom — would have been great if the living room had been placed there.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

This is not something that has been managed very well. There have been issues with internet, heating etc that have not been managed swiftly.

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For a person like me who loves simplicity this is just perfect

Verified Resident

Review Date Aug 2021

So happy to find this gem of a house, after researching the market for few months I’ve found this property that is just perfect for my needs, few minutes away is the overground station so I’m well connected with 20 minutes to central London and happy to say that my grocery shops are just few hundred feet away.
Lot’s of bars and restaurants are around and a nice walk by the Thames is just minutes away, the building is very clean and high standards and the fact that they allowed pets it’s a big plus for me!
I live on top floor and the views are just incredible and I have all the privacy I need so overall I recomend this place to everyone.

Please review your development:

Minimal design is what defines this building and for a person like me who loves simplicity this is just perfect, love the fact that the building has it’s own room for delivery and does not invades our privacy, management is always present to deal with our request and recently they refurbish the main areas and entrances and that shows that they are willing to see their business grow and for me that says a lot !

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

That I would spend so much money on plants :d

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Yes very quick and thy replaced the faulty item the next day.

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Good management, but facilities and design need a facelift

Verified Resident

Review Date Aug 2021

The management and services at Vida House are good. I think the facilities could be improved.

Please review your development:

I think the building management and property management are good. They usually reply to requests quite promptly. The design and facilities are quite outdated and could do with some revamping or further refurbishment. Some of the infrastructure is aging and effecting the performance of the facilities. For example, we have had water issues amongst tenants in the past.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish I had known that the road parallel to Vida House would be so busy with traffic and loud vehicles during most nights. It effects my sleep quite a lot.