South Bank

Known as London’s Cultural Heart, the riverside neighbourhood of South Bank calls the Thames’ southern shores home, and is sandwiched between Westminster Bridge and London Bridge. It’s a place to move to if you like lots going on and, with its plethora of famous sites, it’s somewhere you can play London tourist as often as you like. Read on to discover developments that are rated the best places to live in South Bank. In addition, read reviews from residents who own or rent in South Bank.

4.70
Average Location Score

Excellent

79%

Very Good

21%

Average

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Disappointing

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Very Poor

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Best places to live in South Bank

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

South bank

What’s South Bank like?

South Bank attracts millions of visitors each year, such is the appeal of the major attractions that pepper the riverfront; most in imposing, grandiose buildings. Big-hitters include the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and the National Theatre, not to mention landmarks like the London Eye.

You’re spoilt for choice on the food and drink front, with glam bistros and gastropubs offering a front row view of the river. And traditional Victorian inns hidden down the backstreets. The area is at its best in the summertime evenings; when people gather in the outdoor bars to clink glasses as the sun dips over the water.

South Bank is greener than you might expect, too, thanks to well-loved spaces like the Bernie Spain Gardens and Jubilee Gardens. These often play host to pop-up performances and exhibitions showcasing local, up-and-coming talent.

Transport links

Getting to and from South Bank is easy. Thanks to a handful of walkable, well-connected Zone 1 stations in close proximity. Southwark is on the Jubilee line, London Bridge offers Jubilee and Northern line tubes, as does Waterloo – but with the addition of the Bakerloo line. Blackfriars, meanwhile, is on the District and Circle lines.

South Bank on a grey day

Buying and renting in South Bank

Expect a real variety of homes if you’re moving to South Bank. There are small blocks of swish apartments near the river, huge schemes with health and wellness centres; and everything in between.

Location-wise, The Music Box is up there with the best of them – a striking development by Taylor Wimpey Central London. It’s spitting distance from the river and the Tate Modern, and its interiors are ultra-contemporary.

“Space in the flat is great. It is not too small for being in central. Everything is high spec and modern. It is definitely one of the best flats I have lived in.” – Anonymous, resident at The Music Box

Like the name suggests, Palace View –  another Taylor Wimpey Central London offering – is best-known for its incredible vistas. This collection of apartments is neighboured by Lambeth Palace, and residents can look across the water to Parliament and Westminster. There are also only 55 homes here, so there’s a more intimate feel than you’d find in the larger developments.

“I like that it’s a small building and the concierge always knows who I am. My flat is big and I like that we have access to the outside areas and bike stores. The lifts are quick and there’s is a gym and cinema room but I’ve not used these yet.” – Jane1004, verified resident at Palace View

At the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find The Whitehouse Apartments by Galliard Homes. Intimate this scheme is not, but it certainly has its own charms. This sprawling, high-rise development is topped with a roof terrace and fronted by a striking fountain, and would look more at home on the seafront in Dubai.

Well the facilities are amazing. We have a pool that’s really great, a gym as well. I like the roof top terrace. My flat is well designed and well built, they grit the driveway in the winter, and the concierge is lovely.” – Viktoria, verified resident at The Whitehouse Apartments

London Eye

Even more developments to buy or rent in South Bank

One Tower Bridge is a Berkeley Homes property designed by Squires and Partners. Expect design-led apartments and penthouses with a stellar view of Tower Bridge and the Thames. There’s a luxe health club for residents, as well.

“All I can say is that it is gorgeous, perfection. Thank you Berkeley Homes.” – Pam, resident at One Tower Bridge

If you’re seeking penthouse living with good transport links, consider Crest Nicholson’s The Perspective Building, which offers four floors of luxury living and easy access to Waterloo and Lambeth North stations.

“What I like about it is it’s very convenient. We have a uniformed concierge to pick up parcels, let you or your guests in and offer security and assistance. I feel very safe and secure due to the key fob system and single entrance. Lots of my friends live in the building, so there is a good community feel.” – Anon, verified resident at The Perspective Building

Galliard’s County Hall Apartments is just a stone’s throw from the London Eye, meaning a plum spot for the spectacular NYE fireworks. There are more than 600 stylish apartments here, and residents have access to a private gym, pool and spa.

“Enjoy using this flat during the week while I work in London and it is very close to the office and other amenities, loving the cosmopolitan environment and would recommend this apartment for all the fantastic facilities that are on offer.” – Charlie Smith, resident at County Hall Apartments

Barratt London’s Blackfriars Circus is another popular choice. Based in the centre of Southwark, it’s another scheme with some top facilities to brag about… It has been rated one of the best places to live in South Bank.

“I really like living in a new development, everything is brand new and there are lots of shared facilities which really come in handy, especially having an on-site gym.” – Anonymous, verified resident at Blackfriars Circus

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 South Bank. Moreover, If there’s a property that you can’t see on HomeViews, you can add a new listing and leave your review here.

Reviews in South Bank

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Location is good…L&Q show little care as landlord

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Dec 2022

The pluses are the location, easy to access to central London and short walk to tubes. No parking (even moving in or out it’s a pain) bin collections are sometimes missed and at times there can be loud traffic noise.

Please review your development:

The upkeep and care of the building is getting worse, gardening does half a job not clearing the access to meters. Building manager rarely attends or takes action. Lights take long time to be repaired. No action taken on security issues (rough sleeping and thefts). Noise travels in the building

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

The security issues, Met police have to visit to talk about thefts monthly

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

Tenants have raised multiple issues with no response

2
Facilities
3
Design
4
Location
3
Value
2
Management
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Great place to live.

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Nov 2022

Next to London eye. Situated on Southbank with lots of food options. Waterloo station less than 2min walk. Can access other side of river in under 10min via Westminster bridge, Golden Junilee bridges and Waterloo bridge. Good GP nearby. Good Vet (Godard) less than 10 min via bus.

Please review your development:

Building undergone refurbishments and it much nicer than it was last year. The court yard is fantastic in the summer, can work from home but in the sun. Gated underground parking which is such a help in central London. Intercom system that works with your mobile, so you can open the doors remotely. Concierge service, which can collect parcels on your behalf and deal with other enquiries. Leisure facilities include a heated pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and a gym which has just been refurbished.

No gas as apartment uses electric to heat the water which means you have to time the heat mechanism to meet your own needs. Some walls are plaster so you can sometimes hear noise but it’s not that bad.

Overall location and amenities are great. Happy to be living here now.

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

Plaster walls. You may not be able to mount your TV in a position you would like depending on weight as the walls are plaster I’m some places. Have used TV stand instead which takes up space. First world problems ay.

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

Yes. Issues with pool addressed. Fob issues remedied.

4
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
4
Value
3
Management
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Luxury iconic building in the heart of London

Review Date Oct 2022

It’s in the heart of London, the most attractive area, with the amazing view of London Eye, Westminster and Big Ben.

Please review your development:

It’s a luxury building with Victorian/Edwardian architecture. My architect was impressed and preferred this to the new buildings in the nearby.
There is a gym, 20mt swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, car park, concierge 24hrs, courtyards with fountain and gardens.

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

The service charge is very expensive. It’s a listed building so consider there are strict rules and it’s in the heart of London so you could be impacted by events, marathons, new year’s fireworks, etc.

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

Yes, the management recently changed and it’s going so much better, many changes on the way.

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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property standard dropping

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Apr 2022

The surrounding area is great lots of access to restaurants, shops and Central London all within walking distance. Good transport links

Downsides are can be loud traffic if there are holdups on the roads and some shouting late at night.

No parking or even easy space for loading and unloading. Bins have sometimes been a problem

Please review your development:

Security issues (parcels and bikes) which L&Q don’t deal with

Noise issues in the building due to design.

During COVID the building and external area care was worse, even before that did not meet their own monthly check standard. Without action to resolve this, broken maglocks, poor communal cleaning. Standard has drastically dropped from when we first moved in.

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

The sound proofing in the building is poorly designed so you can hear more of your neighbours then they would probably like!

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

You need to push to get any resolution. Usual response is “thanks for making us aware” and no further response or action. I think they overstretch staff, and regular checks seem to accept not meeting the standard for years.

3
Facilities
2
Design
4
Location
2
Value
2
Management
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Manager Response

Thank you so much for your review – we are so pleased you like the location of your new home. We are very sorry to hear you had issues with the security issues, noise, maintenance, and parking. Please contact us at lqdirect@lqgroup.org.uk (with Homeviews in the subject line) and a dedicated agent will do their best to assist.

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