A guide to living in 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.

Excellent

58.5

Very Good

30.2

Average

8.7

Disappointing

1.4

Very poor

1.2

Best places to live in South East London

How is ranking calculated?

Viewing 1-5 out of 186

Rental Only

Award Winner 2024

Union Wharf, SE8

By Essential Living

Award winner 2024

4.67

(264 reviews)

£2,300-£3,200 pcm

1, 2, 3 beds

Union Wharf is a development from London property developer Essential Living. It features 249 rental-only apartments on the banks of Deptford Creek near Greenwich’s town centre. It houses a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. In addition, Union Wharf is close to the Cutty Sark DLR station for fast and frequent connections to Canary Wharf.

1st

Ranked 1st out of 94 in South East London

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Rental Only

Idaline Court at Peckham Place, SE15

By Native Communities

4.59

(37 reviews)

Idaline Court will transition its management from Cortland to Native on 30th June 2025. Idaline Court at Peckham Place is a brand new apartment community in the heart of South London's coolest neighbourhood, Peckham. With Central London just 15 minutes by train, these beautiful apartments surround a gorgeous landscaped garden that offers something quite special, a hidden oasis for you to enjoy

2nd

Ranked 2nd out of 94 in South East London

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Development image of Fizzy Lewisham, SE13

Rental Only

Award Winner 2024

Fizzy Lewisham, SE13

By Greystar, Fizzy Living

Award winner 2024

4.43

(381 reviews)

£1,545-£2,015 pcm

1, 2 beds

Fizzy Lewisham is a contemporary residential development, now managed by Greystar

3rd

Ranked 3rd out of 94 in South East London

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Development image of Bale & Anchor, SE13

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

Bale & Anchor, SE13

By urbanbubble, Legal & General

Award winner 2025

4.39

(87 reviews)

Bale & Anchor is a BTR development situated in Lewisham, with studio, 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartments available to rent. Bale & Anchor is ideally placed to put you right in the thick of central London within minutes. Additionally, the National Rail and the DLR are on your doorstep for commuting. Residents can enjoy lounge areas, roof terraces and private dining spaces. By Spring 2024, even more amenities will be available, including access to Ampersand on the 34th and 35th floor in Bale House with panoramic views over London and beyond. Residents also benefit from choosing between a quality furniture package or an unfurnished apartment.

4th

Ranked 4th out of 94 in South East London

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Kidbrooke Square, SE3

By Notting Hill Genesis

4.38

(23 reviews)

Kidbrooke Square, nestled in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, offers 1, 2 and 3 bedroom shared ownership apartments designed to exceptionally high standards. Centred around a vibrant village square with retail spaces and a residents' gym, the development provides easy access to green spaces, local amenities, and the historic charm of Blackheath Village and Greenwich. With its prime location and modern design, Kidbrooke Square delivers a perfect blend of convenience and luxury.

5th

Ranked 5th out of 94 in South East London

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Page 1 of 38

Featured developments in South East London

Latest Reviews in South East London

3775 total reviews

Write a review

Viewing 1-5 out of 3763

J T (Tenant)

Bale & Anchor, SE13

Oct 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Modern living with great facilities and excellent management

J T (Tenant)

Bale & Anchor, SE13

Oct 2025

Bale & Anchor in Lewisham is a beautifully designed modern development with excellent attention to detail. The apartments are bright, spacious, and well laid out, offering a high standard of living with quality finishes throughout. The building includes fantastic facilities such as a fully equipped gym, co-working areas, communal gardens, and a welcoming residents’ lounge, all of which create a strong sense of community. Building and property management are professional, friendly, and responsive, ensuring everything is well maintained and residents’ needs are met quickly. The overall atmosphere is modern, secure, and vibrant, making Bale & Anchor a great place to live for professionals and families alike.

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

Living at Bale & Anchor in Lewisham offers a mix of convenience and modern comfort with a few urban drawbacks. The area has a great range of shops and amenities — there’s a large Tesco next door, plenty of cafés, restaurants and small stores within walking distance, and easy access to open spaces like Hilly Fields and Ladywell Fields. Transport links are excellent, with Lewisham Station and the DLR nearby providing quick routes into central London. The development itself is modern and well-maintained, featuring a gym, co-working areas, communal gardens and a concierge service, which residents generally rate highly. However, there are some downsides: flats facing the railway or main roads can experience noticeable noise, and parking is very limited and often expensive. While bin collections are reliable and the community feel is friendly, a few residents have reported occasional maintenance delays and minor anti-social behaviour in the surrounding streets. Overall, Bale & Anchor is a convenient, well-connected place to live with good amenities, though noise and parking can be ongoing challenges.

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

The building management at Bale & Anchor has been excellent, always friendly, professional, and quick to respond to any issues. They communicate clearly, resolve problems efficiently, and genuinely care about residents’ comfort and satisfaction. Their proactive approach keeps the building running smoothly and creates a positive living experience.

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

I wish I had known just how convenient and well-connected Bale & Anchor really is having Lewisham Station, the DLR, and so many shops right on the doorstep makes everyday life incredibly easy. I’d also tell new neighbours to make the most of the great communal spaces, like the gym and working area, they’re perfect for meeting people and building a sense of community.

・・

HomeViews

Paul C (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Bale & Anchor, SE13

Oct 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Paul C (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Bale & Anchor, SE13

Oct 2025

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

The area is great, location of the building to the train station and the shopping center is perfect.

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

The on-site team are friendly, professional, and genuinely helpful, though occasionally it can take a little longer than expected to get maintenance issues resolved (probably because the building is still quite new). Internet speed is excellent and included in the rent, which is a big plus

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

My only real downsides are the price, it’s definitely on the premium end for Lewisham , and the limited parking options.

・・

HomeViews

J R (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Bale & Anchor, SE13

Oct 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Bale and Anchor is Amazing

J R (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Bale & Anchor, SE13

Oct 2025

The management team is responsive and friendly, and maintenance requests are usually handled quickly. Public transport links are excellent, with a nearby train station and several bus routes that make commuting simple. There are plenty of local cafés, restaurants, and shops within walking distance, and the neighbourhood has a nice mix of families and professionals, giving it a relaxed yet lively atmosphere. The Bad: While the area is generally great, rent prices are on the higher side compared to nearby developments, which can be challenging for long-term affordability. Parking can also be limited, especially for guests, and traffic during rush hour can get quite busy. Occasionally, there’s some construction noise from nearby developments as the area continues to grow. A few more green spaces or playgrounds for families would make the area even better. Overall: It’s a modern, well-managed place to live that offers convenience, security, and community, ideal for those who value quality and ease of living, though it does come at a premium.

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

Living in this Build-to-Rent community has been a really positive experience overall. The area feels safe, clean, and well maintained, with great on-site amenities like a gym, co-working spaces, and landscaped gardens that make day-to-day life very convenient.

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

The management team is responsive and friendly, and maintenance requests are usually handled quickly.

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

Parking can also be limited, especially for guests, and traffic during rush hour can get quite busy.

・・

HomeViews

N W (Tenant)

Bale & Anchor, SE13

Oct 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

5/5 – Exceptional Build to Rent Living Experience

N W (Tenant)

Bale & Anchor, SE13

Oct 2025

I've been living in this Build to Rent development for several months now, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. From the moment I moved in, everything has felt easy, secure, and well thought-out, exactly what renting should be like. The building itself is beautifully maintained, with high-quality finishes in both the apartments and communal areas. My flat was spotless on move-in, with modern appliances, great soundproofing, and plenty of natural light. It really feels more like a home than just a rental. One of the standout features is the on-site management team , they’re friendly, professional, and genuinely care about residents. Any issues or maintenance requests are handled quickly and efficiently, which gives great peace of mind. The amenities are a huge bonus: a residents’ lounge, co-working spaces, a gym, and even events that help build a sense of community. It's clear that this development was designed with renters in mind, not just repurposed for them. The location is also ideal , close to transport links, shops, and green spaces. It’s perfect for both working professionals and anyone looking for a more convenient, hassle-free renting experience. Highly recommend to anyone who wants the benefits of renting without the usual frustrations. It's a new standard for rental living.

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

Given the building is right next to the train station the noise is minimal, but the convenience of it being right next door for travel is ideal.

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

The team always respond and sort any issues that might occur, swiftly

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

Parking can be a little difficult but available at Tesco next door on a monthly baiss

・・

HomeViews

Tomasz (Shared Owner)

Elephant Park, SE1

Oct 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

New Build

Tomasz (Shared Owner)

Elephant Park, SE1

Oct 2025

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

Very clean and convenient, new development and lovely park nearby, easy access to transport and safe

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

Good access to the shops and restaurants, many options to choose from

What is the best feature of your home:

Eco friendly, sustainable, new and very clean, safe

・・

HomeViews

Page 1 of 753

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

Useful articles

Borough of Bromley

Bromley is the largest of the 32 London boroughs, stretching from Crystal Palace and Mottingham in the north right down to Biggin Hill in the south. It’s also a borough that transitions dramatically from suburban to rural, with farmland making up around 30% of its total area. The principal town of Bromley offers residents a 20-minute commute into central London and attracts families and young professionals seeking affordable housing and top quality schools.

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Deptford

If you haven’t yet heard of Deptford, chances are you will very soon. Artists, students, first-time buyers and lifelong Londoners; they gather in this exciting district, which has become as cool and sought-after as places like Peckham and Hackney. Read on to discover developments that are the best places to live in Deptford. In addition, read reviews from residents who own or rent in Deptford.

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Elephant & Castle

One of South London’s biggest regeneration success stories, Elephant & Castle is in the process of being completely transformed and it’s earning a stellar reputation. This up-and-coming corner of the capital, blessed with world-class nightlife and a strong selection of independent businesses, is attracting hordes of buyers and renters as a result. Read on to discover some of the best places to live in Elephant & Castle. In addition, read reviews from residents who own or rent new homes in Elephant & Castle.

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Borough of Greenwich

It may be just a few miles from Central London; but emerald-hued Greenwich can feel a world away from the buzz of the capital. This south-east slice sits close to the River Thames looking out towards Canary Wharf, and is blanketed in green. A World Heritage Site, this place packs in architectural wonders and historic sites at every turn. Read on to discover the developments rated as some of the best places to live in Greenwich.

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Borough of Lambeth

Lambeth occupies a prime South London location close to some of the capital’s biggest attractions, but not so close it’s packed with tourists. It stretches from the Thames’ South Bank and ends just beyond the residential areas of Streatham and Norwood. Read on to discover developments that are the best places to live in Lambeth. In addition, read reviews from residents who own or rent in Lambeth. HomeViews reviewer verdict... "A south-of-the-river location with lots to offer."

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Borough of Lewisham

Lewisham lies just a few miles south-east of Central London. A borough given a little more than just a fresh coat of paint in recent years. In fact, this area has seen plenty in the way of renovation. Including, a transformation of the town centre and a brand-new riverside park. As such, it moved at lightning-speed into the ‘up-and-comer’ category a couple of years back. Then, in the blink of an eye, it became highly sought-after, courtesy of its affordable homes and fantastic transport links. Read on to discover developments that are rated the best places to live in Lewisham. In addition, read reviews from residents who own or rent in Lewisham.

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Rotherhithe

Once a collection of abandoned docks, Rotherhithe has blossomed into a thriving neighbourhood with more than just a riverside location to shout about. Although it is worth a special mention. Buy or rent in Rotherhithe and you’ll look across the water to London landmarks like The Shard, The Gherkin and Tower Bridge. Read on to discover developments that are rated the best places to live in Rotherhithe. In addition, read reviews from residents who own or rent in Rotherhithe.

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Borough of Southwark

Southwark is nestled on the South Bank of the Thames, and among its luxury riverside apartments and ultra-modern offices, are some of London’s biggest icons. This area is rich in culture, architecture and entertainment, charming millions of visitors (and residents) each year. For the best scenery, criss-cross one of the bridges that straddle the river, including London Bridge, Tower Bridge and Millennium Bridge. All are a joy to stroll or drive over, thanks to sweeping views of the water, and the buildings that chart hundreds of years of the capital’s history. Read on to discover developments that are rated the best places to live in Southwark. In addition, read reviews from residents who own or rent in Southwark.

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Woolwich

Woolwich was tipped as one of London’s ‘up and coming’ neighbourhoods for a number of years. But it’s only recently been catapulted into the spotlight – namely thanks to the colossal Royal Arsenal Riverside development, and hotly anticipated in-construction properties such as Callis Yard and Trinity Walk. Read on to discover developments that are the best places to live in Woolwich. In addition, read reviews from residents who own or rent in Woolwich.

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