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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Amazing location/nice amenities/mediocre service

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Mar 2022

You are in the heart if London, right next to the London Eye! Waterloo side entrance minutes away, literally across the road, with an abundance of lines. Bus stops also minutes away. Hospital minutes away. Two bars at bottom of building. Plenty of shops around, with an M&S across the road, less than a minute away. Cheaper options such as Ice Land also not far if you go through graffiti tunnel (the art in there is amazing).

Please review your development:

The good :
The court yard (interior garden) is fantastic in the summer. You have gated underground parking included. Intercom system can be linked with your mobile, so you can open the doors for visitors wherever you are. Concierge service, which can collect parcels on your behalf and have spare keys incase you lock yourself out your apartment. Leisure facilities, including heated pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and gym.

The bad:
Apartments can get really cold in winter. No gas and apartment uses electric to heat the water which means you have to time the heat mechanism effectively as to leave it on 24/7 would cost a fortune. Radiators take a while to get hot. Insulation isn’t great. Walls are thin and the walls inside the apartment are mostly plaster so good luck mounting a tv up. You will likely also hear noise from the streets from time to time as it’s central London but it’s not too bad.

Management/concierge can be rude and dismissive. Communication is often poor, with facilities often being out of service without any indication as to when they will be back. The gym is old and outdated, the machines are literally rusting. The floor in the sauna could do with a good clean, I know there is a plank to walk on but still.

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

Fee for leisure facility induction.
Mobile can be attached to intercom not just landline.
Must inform porters in advance regarding installation of broadband/landline.

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

Jacuzzi and certain gym equipment yet to be reinstated. Communication on when is lacking.

3
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
3
Value
2
Management
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Great amenities and helpful staff, very efficient

Review Date Apr 2021

Satisfied

Please review your development:

Luxurious, stylish, new and very exclusive, great overall,
Great amenities and helpful staff, very efficient
Couldn’t be any better
Design is superb overall
The cleaning is perfect
Location couldn’t be any better
Nice neighbours
Everything including shops, etc within close proximity

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

I didn’t know of the extent of the amenities available for residents and the quality of service

If there is one thing you would change about your flat or property what would it be:

Nothing, I am very happy with everything this place has to offer

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Fixtures and fittings seem good quality, we haven’t had any major issues in years

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Apr 2021

Good location to get to London Bridge station, has a number of nearby bus routes also so getting around it pretty good. Short distance to large supermarket options, as well as more local shops in Bermondsey.
The road outside can get busier and bin collection does seem a little random but not too bad. No parking

Please review your development:

Pluses of the building are it holds heat well and doesn’t overheat on the rare occasions that the weather gets hot. Water pressure is good, and the flat is well ventilated so we haven’t had a damp problem. Radiators seem to be in odd places, but they heat the flat very quickly so must be a good design.

Has a lift if you need it, the entry door system can be an issue sometimes and whilst it is repaired in a day or two, it is seems to break every month or two.

There can be some issues with noise transfer for flats which is hard to pinpoint, some of this is the nature of flats but certain noises seem to carry more.

Fixtures and fittings seem good quality, we haven’t had any major issues in years

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

Assume there will be a above inflation rental increase annually (regardless of market conditions) such as COVID

What is the best feature of your home:

Energy efficiency means you can have a comfortable environment quickly and without high costs.

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

Thank you so much for your positive review. We really appreciate you taking some time to share your experience with us.
We’re delighted to hear how happy you are in your home and neighborhood.
Much appreciated and thanks again!
Customer Service Team

The building is fitted with extremely poor quality boilers and immersion heaters.

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Apr 2021

The local area including transport links, bars and restaurants is brilliant.

Living on our street is extremely noisy – multiple building sites adjacent to my re tam property are extremely loud 8am-7pm 6 days a week. Bin collections are regular but the bin area is often dirty except for food collection which is piling up outside the property.

Other tenants smoke marijuana multiple times a day outside which forces us to keep windows closed at all times to avoid the smell.

Please review your development:

The building is fitted with extremely poor quality boilers and immersion heaters. We had no access to hot water to heating for a month when we first moved in due to low quality heating fixtures. L&Qs management of this issue and lack of concern for our safety during a global pandemic was shockingly poor.

The tradesmen L&Q provide have extremely poor communication – reports are never filed and parts are never ordered when they have been promised. I have to personally chase every aspect of a repair. We have had over 10 tradesmen visit for various heating/water leak issues in the past 6 months which is a waste of time and resources.

Building management is also poor – bikes have been stolen from bike storage at the properly on multiple occasions because building management will not supply adequately secure bike storage as recommended by local police. They have also made no efforts to stop package theft. They stipulate that all enquries will take 10 working days to reply to which is unreasonable.

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

While L&Q properties appear high-spec in great locations, they are not a landlord I would recommend

If there is one thing you would change about your flat or property what would it be:

Better customer service when seeking repairs OR better quality basic amenities such as boilers and heating systems. A house this new should not have this many maintenance issues.

1
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
2
Value
1
Management
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Manager Response

Thank you for your review. We appreciate your feedback.
We’re sorry to hear your experience hasn’t been positive. We would like to know more and help to put things right.
Please contact us at lqdirect@lqgroup.org.uk (with Homeviews in the subject line) and a dedicated agent will do their best to help resolve any concerns.
Thanks
Customer Service Team

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