A guide to living in 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.

Excellent

69.0%

Very Good

22.9%

Average

6.2%

Disappointing

1.0%

Very poor

0.9%

Best places to live in South East England

How is ranking calculated?

Viewing 1-5 out of 365

Rental Only

Leaf Living at Liberty Place, BN27

By Leaf Living

4.98

(15 reviews)

Discover the perfect blend of town convenience and countryside charm at Liberty Place, conveniently located on the edge of Hailsham town. This new community is a stone throw from a variety of shops, supermarkets and restaurants and has a selection of great schools withing reach. For leisure, the town offers a leisure centre, the Pavilion Cinema, and an array of parks and play areas. The development is well-connected, with easy access to A22 & M23. Polegate Train Station, located just 10 minutes away, offers great train services to London Victoria, London Gatwick and neighbouring coastal towns.

1st

Ranked 1st out of 197 in South East England

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Leaf Living at The Gateway, TN40

By Leaf Living

4.96

(17 reviews)

Coastal living in the tranquil seaside town of Bexhill-on-Sea, a gem nestled between Hastings and Eastbourne in East Sussex. This prime location becomes a vibrant hub in the summer, offering beachfront activities and a serene escape along the South Coast.

2nd

Ranked 2nd out of 197 in South East England

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Award Winner 2025

Ebb & Flow, RG1

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.89

(181 reviews)

Ebb & Flow offers a collection of Studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments in the heart of Reading. All apartments have spacious kitchens, enhanced floor to ceiling height, and bespoke furniture. As well as this, residents benefit from a 24hr support team, wellness classes and community events. Private social and co-working spaces are also included. A buzzing new neighbourhood right on your doorstep.

3rd

Ranked 3rd out of 197 in South East England

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Award Winner 2025

The Almere, MK9

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.88

(165 reviews)

At The Almere, residents benefit from spacious apartments, panoramic views, resident events and coworking spaces. A community nestled in the heart of Milton Keynes, with access to facilities and amenities right on your doorstep. Our 1, 2 and 3 bedroom rental apartments come with on-site customer and maintenance services and a relaxed community lounge for you to enjoy. All pets are welcome at The Almere, whether they are feathered, four-legged, fishy, or feline. For commuters, our luxury apartments are just 12 minutes on foot to Milton Keynes Train Station, with trains direct to the capital and other UK hotspots.

4th

Ranked 4th out of 197 in South East England

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Award Winner 2025

Leaf Living at Buckler's Park, RG40

By Leaf Living

Award winner 2025

4.82

(28 reviews)

Experience tranquillity village life with a modern twist at Buckler's Park in Crowthorne. The village is bustling with coffee shops, cosy pubs and hosts of seasonal food festival. Nestled within a nature reserve you are spoilt for choice when it comes to walks and cycling routes, with Buckler's Forest on your doorstep. This new community is close to excellent schools and a short drive to Crowthorne Station with a direct train to Reading and London Gatwick.

5th

Ranked 5th out of 197 in South East England

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Page 1 of 73

Featured developments in South East England

Latest Reviews in South East England

5017 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 5004

Imran Shah (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Howard Court, HP11

May 2026

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Sofia is a key asset! Appreciate her!

Imran Shah (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Howard Court, HP11

May 2026

The management has changed and the staff has been amazing. I want to highlight Sofia who is knew but seems like she’s been doing this role for a few years. Very personable and makes us feel safe and ensures maintance is done swiftly. Since Sofia and Joe have taken over this place has really flourished. She’s the first person to do a Eid event which shows her inclusive thinking. She’s a true leader and has phenomenal customer service.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Great location for shopping, gyms and easy access into london. 3 Super markets walking distance. Great hospitality

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

Yes since new management came in. Old team were useless.

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

The £50 for parking and that the drinks in reception will be taken away

・・

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

HomeViews

Guillaume P (Tenant)

Verified Resident

York & Elder, BN1

May 2026

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Comfortable, Well-Managed Flat in a Great Location

Guillaume P (Tenant)

Verified Resident

York & Elder, BN1

May 2026

The property is super modern, well designed and very comfortable to live in. The layout makes good use of the space and the building is kept in good condition overall. Facilities have been reliable and any maintenance issues were usually handled within a day. Communication with the property management team is outstanding, they have been so helpful and kind, which made the tenancy process much easier. The building feels secure and well maintained, with communal areas regularly cleaned and looked after.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The area is very convenient with plenty of local shops, supermarkets, cafés, restaurants and pubs within walking distance and it is very close to the train station. There are also nice parks and green spaces nearby which make the neighbourhood feel pleasant and relaxed. Public transport links are excellent, with easy access to buses and train stations, making commuting straightforward. The street itself is generally quiet and safe, with regular bin collections and no major issues with anti-social behaviour. Overall a perfect location to live in Brighton as you are so close to the city center and major attractions

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

They have always been so prompt to deal with any issues, usually within the day and always keep clear communication.

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 convenient the area is on a daily basis, especially for transport, shops and cafés nearby. The neighbourhood is generally quieter than it first appears during viewings, particularly in the evenings.

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Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

HomeViews

Happy customer (Shared Owner)

Verified Resident

Willowbrook, GU6

May 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Satisfied customer! Great development

Happy customer (Shared Owner)

Verified Resident

Willowbrook, GU6

May 2026

To provide a balanced perspective in response to some earlier reviews: This development, at 2026 now several years old, is a private community comprising 54 properties, which include a mix of privately owned homes, shared ownership units, and rental properties managed by Clarion Housing Association. The overall management of the development is overseen by the Directors of the Management Company, while Clarion is responsible for the upkeep of their specific properties. Both parties collaborate closely, as all properties financially contribute to the maintenance and upkeep of the entire development. In the early stages, there was some confusion among residents about the division of responsibilities, which led to challenges when the Directors attempted to manage Clarion properties beyond their remit. These issues have since been resolved through clearer boundaries and communication. Communication for Clarion residents has significantly improved thanks to new protocols introduced by the Housing Association. Residents now have access to an easy-to-use online portal for queries and repair requests, along with a designated officer who handles other concerns in the area. Overall, the development is peaceful, has a spacious feel about it (not cramped like some new build developments), and well-maintained, with residents who take pride in the appearance and upkeep of their homes. There is also a pleasant and well-maintained spacious green area to the rear of the development for residential use only. The area has always been private property, but some dog walkers who were permitted to use the area in the past continued, and have since made uncomplimentary and unfounded criticisms of the new development, out of spite, since being denied access. The Clarion owned shared ownership flats are well built, spacious, with good storage, and high levels of insulation for both noise and temperature regulation. They are also easy and efficient to run, and include private and numbered car parking spaces. As with any new build, there have been some snagging issues, but these are typical and were addressed over time. In general, the properties are well constructed by a reputable builder. In general any negative comments were made by first-time buyers unfamiliar with what is customary with new build developments, and the general settling in processes.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Cranleigh is a great place to live for all age groups. It has a village vibe, but all the facilities you would expect from a small town - a variety of good food and other stores, a sports centre, an arts centre, library, a great GP medical centre next to a village hospital, good schools, an active community centre catering to all age groups, and if you want more than the shops locally provide, Guildford is only 25 mins away by bus. Buses are not as frequent as in a city, but there is also a Surrey Connect service running locally. Nearby Shalford is great for trains to Waterloo. The countryside surrounding speaks for itself, and the south coast is easily accessible making for great days out to the seaside.

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

Initially communication with Clarion was difficult, but since new protocols were introduced this is no longer a problem. There is an easy to use on-line portal covering all aspects of home ownership and rentals, and a designated officer for anything else.

What is the best feature of your home:

Well built, practical and visually pleasing design and layout. Situated in peaceful and pleasant development as a whole, and well maintained.

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HomeViews

Austin (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Emporium House, RG1

May 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Recommend Emporium House

Austin (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Emporium House, RG1

May 2026

Emporium house is overall a good building. It is well-built and well-insulated. The apartments are well-designed. The bathrooms and kitchens are very modern. Active ventilation in each unit prevents dampness (very important in the UK). The building has really nice amenities (gym, games room, coworking space). Overall we've enjoyed our time living here. The main negative was that paperwork to move in took a very long time.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Reading city center is great. Emporium house is located very near the train station. The area overall feels safe.

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

Maintenance requests are handled promptly (we submit via an app)

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

Water in Reading is very hard- be prepared to remove a lot of limescale.

・・

HomeViews

A (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Leaf Living at Buckler's Park, RG40

May 2026

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Community focused living

A (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Leaf Living at Buckler's Park, RG40

May 2026

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Thoughtfully designed development with community at its heart. Lovely local hub with cafes- pub - shop and green spaces.

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

Not had any problems arise so far. But Sally has been fantastic with our move.

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

Storage solutions and garages would be a big benefit

・・

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

HomeViews

Page 1 of 1001

These reviews are the subjective opinion of a HomeViews user and not of HomeViews

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Berkshire

Berkshire is a county in the South East of England. It has a population of around 540,000 and contains some beautiful countryside and towns. The landscape here is varied, from chalk downland through rich farmland to woodland and water features. The county town is Reading and there are many other large towns such as Newbury, Swindon and Wokingham which all have their own attractions. Berkshire also has many amazing educational institutions including world-leading universities like the University of Reading.

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Buckinghamshire

Buckinghamshire is a county in the southeast of England. The largest and most populous town in Buckinghamshire is Milton Keynes with over 200,000 residents. Other large towns include Aylesbury, High Wycombe and Slough. There are lots of villages to explore as well such as Stoke Mandeville near Aylesbury (the home of the famous Stoke Mandeville Games), Anstee near Bletchley (which has an ancient church) and East Claydon near Leighton Buzzard (famous for its cherry orchards).

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East Sussex

East Sussex is a county in the southeast of England with a coastline that has many beautiful cliffs and salt marshes which are a haven for birdlife. There are also plenty of coastal towns with stunning beaches such as Bexhill or Hastings that offer great family days out too. If you're looking for somewhere green then there's no shortage - East Sussex has over 400 square kilometres of woodland including Rother Valley Country Park near Brighton which is home to deer, wild boar and foxes!

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Hampshire

Hampshire is a county in the south of England that borders Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. It has some beautiful towns such as Winchester, Basingstoke and Romsey which are perfect for those who want to live near London but without all the hustle and bustle. Hampshire's largest city is Southampton with over 200,000 people living there. With lots of green space, outdoor activities and cultural events, Hampshire offers a vibrant lifestyle for families with young children.

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Kent

Kent is one of the most popular counties in England, with a population of 1.8 million people. It has some really beautiful scenery and many great amenities for families that are looking to buy their first home or move up into a nicer place. There are also several excellent universities that attract students from all over the world to come and study here.

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Milton Keynes

Just 50 miles to north east of London, Milton Keynes was devised as a ‘new town’ in the 1960s and continues to evolve and grow today. Famed for its roundabouts and district grids, the town has benefitted from a steady flow of new residents from London. House prices have seen strong growth, with amenities and schools now plentiful and high quality. Housing is more varied than its reputation might suggest, with everything from period properties in historic villages to new build homes in chic developments.

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Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire is a county in the south of England, home to many great schools and universities. The population is around 638,000 people. Oxfordshire has some lovely countryside that would be perfect for anyone looking to move away from city life with their family. If you are considering moving here, this guide will give you all the information you need to know about Oxfordshire!

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Reading

Reading is a large market town and borough in the county of Berkshire. Located on the M4 motorway 40 miles west of London and within easy reach of both Oxford and Bristol, it has been described as having some of the best transport connections in England. The impending addition of the Elizabeth Line will further boost its appeal with London escapees lured by the scenery of the Chiltern Hills and North Wessex Downs that surround the town.

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Surrey

Surrey is a county in the south of England. It has an area of 1,663 square kilometres and a population of 1.2 million people. Surrey borders London to the North West and Hampshire to the East. The county has many beautiful parks which are great for families, as well as areas with wild landscapes ideal for outdoor pursuits such as cycling or walking. There are so many things to do in Surrey - find out more about this wonderful place!

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West Sussex

West Sussex is a county that has something for everyone. Whether you love the hustle and bustle of London and want somewhere in easy commuting distance, or prefer the peace and tranquillity of rural life, West Sussex has it all! There are many different towns and villages scattered across this beautiful county. From Eastbourne to Worthing, there is no shortage of charming little places with great schools, shopping centres, local amenities and lots more!

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