South East London

South East London stretches from SE1 down to SE20, encompassing the London boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lewisham and Southwark. Such a huge slice of the capital naturally has lots of different guises and offerings; from out-of-this-world dining scenes to riverside living and everything in between. Read on to discover developments that are rated the best places to live in South East London. In addition, read reviews from residents who own or rent in South East London.

Areas like Lambeth and Elephant & Castle have seen much in the way of regeneration. Ultra-modern residential developments are now peppered along the Thames here, packed with apartments and penthouses that come with a bird’s-eye view of the city. Both districts are now firmly seated in the ‘up-and-coming’ category, with new bars and restaurants opening up practically weekly. For celebrated old-time icons, meanwhile, Lambeth plays host to famous attractions like the National Theatre, the Tate Modern, and the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre; so this is a real cultural big-hitter.

4.43
Average Location Score

Excellent

58%

Very Good

31%

Average

9%

Disappointing

1%

Very Poor

1%

Best places to live in South East London

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

Church with street art on the door

South East London’s gastronomy

SE1’s Borough is one of London’s most reputable foodie hotspots. You’ll find its lifeblood, Borough Market, next to London Bridge on Southwark Street. London’s biggest and best food market. It’s said to have been in operation since the 11th century, and its cornucopia of stalls feature everything from delicate French pastries to net-fresh seafood. Open Monday to Saturday, it attracts locals, tourists as well as top chefs looking for the finest produce.

Nearby Bermondsey also draws some big crowds for its gastronomic scene. Once a largely abandoned area full of run-down warehouses, today it’s a bohemian wonderland, with rainbow-coloured house fronts, quality bars and pubs and the street food extravaganza that is Maltby Street Market. Lots of the old warehouses have been converted into new-build apartments.

South east London park

Historical riverside neighbourhoods

Move east to the likes of Rotherhithe and Surrey Quays and you’ll find 17th-century pubs that tell tales of days gone by; hidden down Victorian streets among swish riverfront apartment buildings. This slither of South East London offers a number of peaceful nature areas and a watersports centre. Perfect for taking a breather away from the fast-paced city day-to-day. Canary Wharf and City workers, in particular, are drawn to the area, and can commute by riverbus for a more scenic route to work.

Greenwich

In nearby Greenwich the historical sites come thick and fast. Greenwich has a fascinating maritime history, and this leafy Thames-front stretch can feel a million miles from the city. It’s a World Heritage Site, home to the Royal Observatory, the National Maritime Museum and also, the world’s most famous ship – The Cutty Sark. Property in these parts includes range from pricey waterfront apartments to smart Victorian terraces.

Train with highrise buildings in the background -South East London

Edgy South East London

Neighbouring Lewisham offers an edgier lifestyle with a strong community spirit. It’s got a handful of decent markets, bars and brunch spots to rival Shoreditch and an electric after-dark offering. The Deptford neighbourhood (part of which spills into the London Borough of Greenwich) has a burgeoning art scene. As such, property developers are moving in to transform the area’s residential face with cutting-edge new apartments that appeal to the area’s multiplying creatives. Deptford High Street is packed with quirky independent stores and eateries serving Vietnamese fare. There’s also a beautiful Baroque church to explore.

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 East London . 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 East London

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Great on the surface, satisfactory beneath

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Oct 2024

Free parking, lots of local shops and bars, and a green park opposite. Two overground stations + DLR are walking distance away.

Please review your development:

Lots of plugs, lots of storage, bright with big windows, modern-looking furnishings, allowed to put up shelves, soundproofing inside is decent and I have never heard the neighbours.
Blinds don’t block light and you are woken up at the crack of dawn, some fixings are wonky or loose. The terrace is still unfinished.

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

There is always availability, don’t be fooled into thinking if you don’t take the flat today you are going to lose it.

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

Sent round a maintenance man quickly, sometimes resolved the next day, sometimes just left unresolved unless continually chased.

3
Facilities
3
Design
3
Location
3
Value
3
Management
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Living in Vive living

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Oct 2024

Living in my area offers a vibrant mix of independent shops and quaint restaurants, creating a charming atmosphere. The local parks are a highlight, providing lovely open spaces for relaxation. However, transport can be an issue; limited bus services often lead to overcrowding during peak hours. My street remains fairly tranquil, but parking is a challenge due to the narrow roads, with occasional disturbances from noisy trains. Overall, while the community vibe is strong.

Please review your development:

We’re currently staying at a well-designed apartment complex that truly impressed me with its modern aesthetic and thoughtful layout. The facilities are great and well-maintained communal areas perfect for socializing. The building management was responsive and friendly especially our Concierges Akin and Mohammed who are most helpful. Property management also stood out; promptly addressing any concerns that arose. The maintenance team was quick to resolve issues, ensuring a comfortable living experience. Overall, the blend of contemporary design and excellent management made this complex an ideal choice for urban living.

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

One tip I’d share with new viewers is to pay attention to the character development, as it deepens the humor and authenticity. It’s a great reminder of the importance of understanding and embracing differences in our own neighborhoods.

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

Building management has been remarkably responsive to issues I’ve raised. They address concerns promptly, whether it’s maintenance requests or security improvements. Their proactive communication and willingness to engage with residents have fostered a positive living environment. Overall, we feel heard and valued as a tenant.

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
User submitted image of  Vive Living Childers Street, SE8
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Modern, Well-Managed Living with Excellent Facilities in a Peaceful Location

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Oct 2024

Living in this area offers a perfect balance of convenience and tranquility. The street is calm, with little traffic noise and no major issues with anti-social behavior. Bin collections are timely and reliable.
Additionally, the location is well-connected by transport links, with a nearby train station ensuring quick access to the city and surrounding areas. Bus services are frequent.
The presence of a police station nearby adds to the sense of safety in the neighborhood. Overall, it’s an ideal location for those seeking convenience in a peaceful environment.

Please review your development:

The building’s design is modern and well-maintained, with thoughtful layouts that maximize space and natural light. Facilities include secure parking, and communal areas, all kept in excellent condition by the building management. Property management is responsive and professional, handling maintenance requests efficiently. The security features, like CCTV and entry systems, add to the sense of safety. Regular cleaning of communal spaces is well-managed, ensuring cleanliness and a pleasant atmosphere. Overall, the combination of smart design, comprehensive facilities, and competent management makes the property an appealing and comfortable place to live.

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 quickly the area can get busy during peak hours due to its proximity to the station and mall. While transport links are convenient, traffic and parking can be a bit challenging at those times.

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

The building management responded promptly when I reported a leaking shower, fixing the issue quickly and efficiently within a day. Their swift action and professionalism in addressing the problem made the whole process smooth and hassle-free.

4
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
4
Value
4
Management
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Happy home

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Oct 2024

Living in my area has both positive and negative aspects. On the positive side, there is a decent variety of local shops, restaurants, and bars offering a range of options from budget-friendly to more upscale. The quality of these establishments is generally good, though some areas lack diversity in cuisine. Open spaces, including parks and recreational areas, are well-maintained, making it easy to enjoy outdoor activities.

Public transport is reliable and convenient, with buses and trains providing good connections to other parts of the city. However, during peak hours, overcrowding can be an issue, and occasional delays affect punctuality. Parking availability on my street is limited, making it challenging to find a spot, especially in the evenings. Traffic noise is noticeable but not overwhelming, and bin collections are regular, though sometimes affected by public holidays. Anti-social behaviour isn’t a significant problem, but occasional loud gatherings do happen.

Please review your development:

The development I live in has a modern design with well-planned layouts, offering spacious and bright living areas. The facilities are great, including a well-maintained gym, communal gardens, and secure bike storage. Building management is efficient, responding quickly to maintenance requests and ensuring communal areas are kept clean. However, property management could improve communication, as updates about service charges or repairs are often delayed. Security is good, with CCTV and keycard access to the building, though parking is limited, making it hard to find spots at peak times. Overall, it’s a comfortable and well-maintained place to live.

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 well the soundproofing is in the building. It’s much quieter than expected, even with nearby traffic and neighbors, which makes it very peaceful. Additionally, the community is friendly and the green spaces are more spacious and well-maintained than they appeared during the initial viewing, offering a nice escape.

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

The building management has been very quick and responsive to any issues raised, addressing concerns promptly and ensuring problems are resolved efficiently. Their consistent communication and follow-ups have been reassuring.

3
Facilities
5
Design
4
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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