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.

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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

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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 11^th 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.

Historical riverside neighbourhoods

Move east to the likes of Rotherhithe and Surrey Quays and you’ll find 17^th-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.

Featured developments in South East London

Reviews in South East London

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Things must be tackled

Verified Resident

Review Date Oct 2023

The prices are rising and the local amenities do not justify the rental costs. There are places to eat and drink in the vicinity, but there are limited shops and services. You can hear the sirens and traffic even on the 19th floor. The parking restrictions make it hard for visitors to come and stay as there is literally no where to park. Insufficient recycling options in this area.

Please review your development:

Building design is terrible as when it’s windy, depending on the angle either the building shakes and squeaks all day and night, or the window seals whistle. On those days and nights be prepared for no sleep or concentration.

When the sun shines directly on the SE/SW facing windows it sends the temperature rocketing and no easy way of cooling down.

If 1 lift is OOA it means you can be waiting 5-10 minutes for a lift.

The bin room is always a state, and nothing is done to track down residents who dump rubbish on the floor of the bin room instead of the dumpsters provided.

The underground car park isn’t safe as anyone can get in and try their luck at opening your doors. I’ve learned that one 1st hand. RealStar and Uncle will do nothing to help or compensate you.

The building intercom never worked in 2.25 years.

The concierge team are always overloaded when it’s delivery time. However, the Front desk team are a lovely team and are the saving grace for the building. The team in the building are amazing and I will wax lyrical about them.

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

The rent would always go up and never come down.
The Concierge team, and the estates are lovely!

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

The lifts get fixed then they break again.

The response to the rent rises (Y1: 26% and Y2: 7.6%) is that you can move out if you don’t like it.

Intercom didn’t get fixed.

Sky + would come and go. Never got fixed.

The building creaks and that ain’t gonna change.

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Good

Verified Resident

Review Date Sep 2023

Plenty of local shops, two big grocery stores, restaurants at a short distance. No commercial gyms around the area

Please review your development:

Modern design and well managed with cleaning and gardening. There is a car park and a bike shed. The building has also a parcel room and a Monday to Friday concierge to support residents. Electricity and heating is electric, which helps to contract with suppliers that provide solely renewable energy

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

There is no commercial gym at a short distance. The shopping centre close by is very convenient. Many buses going into the centre and a train 8 mins away.

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

The management team at way of life have solved the problem as soon as practical

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Manager Response

Hello Frank,

Thank you very much for the kind words and leaving us this lovely review. We are thrilled that you are enjoying your time with us here at Vida House.

Thank you again and as always, please do reach out to us if you have any issues or concerns.

Kind regards,

Rebecca

Generally good but could be better

Verified Resident

Review Date Sep 2023

Really convenient, close to supermarket and transportation. You can park your bicycle in the B2 level. The bins collection place is quite dirty. Maybe it would be better that someone can clean it more often.

Please review your development:

Generally good. It has good facility and good neighborhoods. But the B2 level is quite dirty and seems dangerous for girls to throw rubbish at night. The building management is quite good since the maintenance staff seems professional and polite. The design is modern with amazing furniture.

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

The washing machine takes a long time to wash, but it is acceptable.

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

Sometimes I submit a request to repair and got no reply. Sometimes the staff replies to me very fast. So it really depends.

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Vida House is a secure and well-maintained building

Verified Resident

Review Date Sep 2023

Convenient Location: Vida House is in a great location with easy access to public transportation. This makes it easy for me to get around the city

Please review your development:

Vida House is a secure and well-maintained building. It’s a peaceful and clean place to live.
The staff here are friendly and always quick to assist with any issues or questions.
I’m Ali Mansoor, and I’ve been living in Vida House for two and a half years.

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

There is nothing as such me and my family we are happy with all the facilities

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

Helpful Staff: The staff here are friendly and always quick to assist with any issues or questions.
In summary, I enjoy living in Vida House because of its convenient location, proximity to essential services, safety, cleanliness, and helpful staff. It has become my home in London, and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

Facilities

Design

Location

Value

Management

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Manager Response

Hello Ali,

Thank you very much for the kind words and leaving us this lovely review. We are thrilled that you are enjoying your time with us here at Vida House.

Thank you again and as always, please do reach out to us if you have any issues or concerns.

Kind regards,

Rebecca

A Guide to Living in South East London

Best places to live in South East London

South East London’s gastronomy

Historical riverside neighbourhoods

Greenwich

Edgy South East London

Featured developments in South East London

Bale & Anchor, SE13

345 Park Place, SE16

Lime Works, SE7

Dockley Apartments, SE16

Beck Gardens at Langley Court, BR3

École, SE16

The Quarry, DA8

Greenwich Creekside, SE8

Thames Street, SE10

Distillery Tower, SE8

Deptford Foundry, SE14

The Horizon, SE10

The Music Box, SE1

One Tower Bridge, SE1

Fizzy Lewisham, SE13

Excalibur, SE6

Enderby Wharf, SE10

Elephant Central, SE1

Albany Place, SE17

Please review your development:

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

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

Please review your development:

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

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

Please review your development:

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

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

Please review your development:

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

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