South East England

South East England is the third-largest of the official regions of England by area, and has the highest population of all the regions. Stretching to the west as far as the Isle of Wight and Hampshire, right across to the tip of Kent and curling around London up to Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, the South East benefits from its close connection with the capital and the national transport network. It also offers residents close proximity to the continent and swift international connections via the Channel Tunnel, Gatwick and Heathrow on its border with Greater London.

4.49
Average Location Score

Excellent

62%

Very Good

28%

Average

8%

Disappointing

1%

Very Poor

1%

Best places to live in South East England

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

The coast of the Isle of Wight in South East England

Where is South East England?

South East England stretches from Kent – the south-easterly tip of the UK – and curls around London and up into Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. It stretches south west along the south coast as far as the Isle of Wight and Hampshire, including Portsmouth and Southampton.

South East England counties

Buckinghamshire

Home County Buckinghamshire shares a border with London to the south east, making it a prime commuter location for the capital with easy access to the rest of the UK. The Chiltern Hills attract many tourists to Buckinghamshire, while the Prime Minister’s retreat house at Chequers attracts a more select group of visitors to the county.

East Sussex

Well known for its beautiful white cliffs along the south coast and the verdant plains of the South Downs, East Sussex is also a county with a rich history. Herstmonceux, Pevensey and Lewes castles convey the strategic importance of this strip of land along the south coast – also the location of the Battle of Hastings.

The port town of Dover, South East England

Hampshire

Hampshire, along with the Isle of Wight and the unitary authorities of Portsmouth and Southampton, make up the south-westerly tip of the South East of England. One of the wealthiest counties in the UK, Hampshire also boasts beautiful scenery in the form of the New Forest and South Downs National Parks.

Isle of Wight

Sitting just off the south coast opposite Southampton and Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight is England’s largest island. Perhaps best known as a ‘staycation’ destination for Brits and for its annual music and sailing festivals.

Kent

Known as ‘the garden of England’ for its abundant fruit and hop produce, Kent now lays claim to a highly diversified economy. Its easy connections to both London and the Continent make this county a relatively affluent area with plenty of attractive towns and the iconic White Cliffs of Dover.

Oxfordshire

Right on the western edge of the South East England region sits Oxfordshire. The city of Oxford is the county’s chief urban centre, with its world-famous university, publishing house and associated biotechnology industry. Also includes three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the Chilterns, the Cotswolds and the North Wessex Downs.

The city of Oxford in the South East of England

Berkshire

A Home County and a Royal County thanks to the presence of Windsor Castle. Berskshire borders Greater London to the east, offering residents swift access to the capital, as well as beautiful stretches of countryside that include Windsor Great Park, Swinley Forest and the Berkshire Downs.

Surrey

Sitting below Greater London to the south west, Surrey is another prime commuter county. Train links into London are swift and regular, and parts of the county sit within the capital’s travel zones. Surrey has the most woodland of all English counties and is split in two by the chalk ridge that forms the North Downs.

West Sussex

Directly below Surrey and stretching down to the south coast lies West Sussex. Much of the county consists of protected green areas, offering residents and visitors a wealth of countryside areas for outdoor pursuits.

South East England cities

The cities of South East England are: Southampton, Portsmouth, Brighton and Hove, Reading and Oxford. Larger towns include Milton Keynes, Slough, Reading, Maidstone and Eastbourne.

Things to do in South East England

As a tourist hotspot, South East England offers a wealth of unique things to do. From indoor skiing on real snow to some of the UK’s best museums, this exciting region provides plenty of options for visitors and residents alike. See our list of the Top 10 things to do in South East England for a few ideas to get you started.

Best beaches

The South East also boasts some outstanding beaches. Whether for a sunny summer day in the sea or a refreshing coastal walk in the cooler months, these beaches offer a beautiful setting for a great day out. Check out or list of the Top 10 beaches in South East England for more details.

Universities in the South East of England

With around twenty universities, the South East gives students plenty of options for studies and exciting extra-curricular activities! The prestigious Oxford University sits within this region, alongside popular options such as Southampton, Brighton and Portsmouth. See our guide to universities in the South East of England for more info.

Private schools

Some of the UK’s most prestigious private schools fall within the South East region, including Guildford High School and Wycombe Abbey School. Have a look through our list of 1o highest rated private schools in the South East of England to see all the best schools in the area.

Reviews in South East England

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Maintenance and front office support

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Oct 2024

Convenient location except for parking which is unfortunately decided by the Council. Other than this it is close to the shops and train station. The property itself is great and the development slightly better than the sister property at Hove.

Please review your development:

Beautiful design which stands out when compared to other developments in Brighton and Hove. Property management and building management are great with 24/7 support that is useful when travelling in early in the morning. Communications are timely from building management and there are a number of social events to build a sense of community amongst residents.

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

None. Everything was explained upfront so there were no surprises.

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

Adam and Yannis have been super helpful in resolving issues and the front desk support has been exceptional with Anat, Maxine and Bea.

5
Facilities
5
Design
4
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Easy living in a well managed buildling

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Oct 2024

The Blockhouse is a great place to live. It’s in the middle of the North Laines with access to loads of bars, restaurants and shops, minutes from the train station and bus stops, and a stone’s throw from two huge supermarkets putting convenience at the forefront. Brighton is buzzing during May and the later summer months, and living at the Blockhouse sits you right in the middle of the action with The Great Escape Festival, Brighton Fringe, Pride and more.

Please review your development:

My flatmate and I love our apartment. It’s a great space with a balcony and it’s designed to a high spec. The Blockhouse interiors are modern and stylish, and the facilities are well-managed and always cleaned to a high standard. Problems can be flagged and resolved quickly via the app. I feel safe and calm in my personal living space and the communal areas. The concierge team, Maria and Brunilda, are always welcoming, approachable, and on hand for anything we need. They really go the extra mile to ensure living here is stress-free and exciting.

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

More accurate council tax info. This hadn’t been confirmed before we moved in.

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

To get an issue dealt with, we can speak to the concierge team at the front desk or submit the issue via the Blockhouse app

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
4
Value
5
Management
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Modern Living with Great Amenities but Room for Improvement in Management

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Oct 2024

Living in Reading, particularly in the Thames Quarter, has both its perks and challenges. The area boasts a variety of local shops, with a good range of supermarkets, independent boutiques, and high-street brands nearby. For dining out, there’s a nice selection of restaurants offering everything from casual eateries to fine dining, and several cozy bars and pubs that add to the area’s vibrant atmosphere. Open spaces, such as Forbury Gardens and the riverside along the Thames, provide lovely spots for relaxation.

Transport links are excellent, with Reading Station offering fast trains to London and other key destinations. The local bus service is also reliable, but traffic can be heavy during rush hour, particularly around the town center. Parking on the street is limited, but living in Thames Quarter usually provides access to private parking spaces. Bin collections are regular, and the area feels generally clean and well-maintained.

On the downside, there can be occasional noise from the nearby train lines and traffic, especially during busy times. Anti-social behavior is rare, but late-night noise from bars can sometimes be an issue, particularly on weekends. Overall, it’s a convenient and lively place to live, with only minor inconveniences typical of city life.

Please review your development:

The Thames Quarter development in Reading offers a modern, well-designed living experience with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. The apartments are spacious, with large windows that allow plenty of natural light, and high-quality finishes throughout. The layout feels open and functional, making the most of the space available.

In terms of facilities, Thames Quarter really stands out. The building includes a well-equipped gym, communal lounges, and co-working spaces, perfect for those working from home. There’s also a rooftop terrace that offers great views of the town and the Thames, which is a wonderful perk. Building management is efficient, with a concierge service that’s friendly and helpful, and maintenance requests are typically addressed promptly.

However, property management could be more responsive when it comes to handling certain long-term issues. While day-to-day concerns are handled well, bigger problems like communal area maintenance or parking disputes can take longer to resolve than expected. Overall, the development offers a high standard of living with modern conveniences, although there’s some room for improvement in property management.

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

One thing I wish I had known before moving in is how busy the surrounding area can get during peak hours, especially with traffic noise from the nearby station and roads. While the development itself is quiet, it’s worth noting for anyone sensitive to outside noise. Additionally, the parking situation can be tricky, with limited visitor spaces, so planning ahead for guests is essential. On the positive side, I was pleasantly surprised by how active and social the resident community is, with regular events and gatherings in the communal spaces!

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

I haven’t had any problems so far, as I just moved in recently. Building management seems proactive, but I haven’t needed to raise any issues yet.

3
Facilities
3
Design
4
Location
4
Value
4
Management
User submitted image of  Thames Quarter, RG1
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Good stuff

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Oct 2024

Good new build with up to notch features and reasonable adjustments needed to be made but found no problem in doing so

Please review your development:

Management are kind and friendly and everything works fine. Everything looks modern and the ping pong table is a nice addition to the whole building. The loading bay is easily accessible snd moving in was a smooth transition. All in all I can recommend this luxury residence.

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

Can’t think of any. I appreciate how close Thames lido is to the residence as it’s very scenic and nice.

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

I haven’t raised any issues yet but I have a stain in my carpet from before .

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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