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

58.8%

Very Good

29.9%

Average

8.8%

Disappointing

1.3%

Very poor

1.2%

Best places to live in South East London

How is ranking calculated?

Viewing 1-5 out of 209

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

Union Wharf, SE8

By Essential Living

Award winner 2025

4.7

4.70

(294 reviews)

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 99 in South East London

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Rental Only

Neptune Wharf, SE8

By Neptune Wharf London

4.7

4.70

(27 reviews)

Neptune Wharf London presents a collection of 139 one, two and three bedroom apartments to rent in Deptford, SE8, brought to you by leading developer Galliard Homes, and BTR operator, Sable. Spanning five residential buildings, the apartments feature contemporary designs, many with scenic views of Deptford Park and the Canary Wharf skyline. Residents also benefit from luxury on-site amenities and will soon enjoy a number of exciting retail spaces within the development’s boulevard.

2nd

Ranked 2nd out of 99 in South East London

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Rental Only

Navigator Place by Berkeley Living, SE3

By Berkeley Living

4.43

(11 reviews)

Berkeley Living is proud to present Navigator Place, a place to call home in the heart of Kidbrooke Village, where brand-new 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, great amenity spaces, and a dedicated on-site team come together to make everyday living easier.

3rd

Ranked 3rd out of 99 in South East London

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Kidbrooke Square, SE3

By Notting Hill Genesis

Award winner 2025

4.14

(38 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.

4th

Ranked 4th out of 99 in South East London

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The Whitehouse Apartments, SE1

By Galliard Homes

4.92

(11 reviews)

Situated on London’s South Bank, opposite the Royal Festival Hall, The Whitehouse Apartments offers a selection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. The development is within a four-minute walk to Waterloo station with its vast transport links via both Rail and Underground services and residents on site can enjoy rooftop gardens and a health and fitness suite.

5th

Ranked 5th out of 99 in South East London

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Page 1 of 42

Featured developments in South East London

Latest Reviews in South East London

3929 total reviews

Write a review

Viewing 1-5 out of 3906

Ella (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Navigator Place by Berkeley Living, SE3

Oct 2026

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

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

Thrilled with the building and management… not so happy about the other residents

Ella (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Navigator Place by Berkeley Living, SE3

Oct 2026

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

Everything is walkable which is great! The interior design and the furniture in the apartments are wonderful and good quality.

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

A kitchen door hinge came loose and it was fixed the next day!

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

I wish I had known that it is as nice as it looks, and that the handymen people are lovely and really helpful, so I wouldn’t have to be scared to ask them for repairs!

・・

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

HomeViews

Emily R (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Navigator Place by Berkeley Living, SE3

Oct 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

A Truly Great Place to Live

Emily R (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Navigator Place by Berkeley Living, SE3

Oct 2026

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

Great location; close to local shops and amenities. Transport links are amazing, having the train right out of Kidbrooke station is ideal. Great street to live on; no issues at all!

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

We had an issue with a kitchen door hinge; it was fixed the next day!

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

I love the food trucks in Peglar Square, and they're so close to us. Very convenient all round.

・・

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

HomeViews

Lcy (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Navigator Place by Berkeley Living, SE3

Oct 2026

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

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

Comfortable development with a very helpful management team

Lcy (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Navigator Place by Berkeley Living, SE3

Oct 2026

Overall, we’ve had a really positive experience living here. The development is comfortable, well maintained and in a very convenient location. The management team has been particularly helpful and friendly from the beginning. Whenever we’ve raised an issue or needed something repaired, they’ve responded very quickly and the maintenance work has usually been arranged and completed promptly. This has made settling into the development much easier, and we’ve been very happy with the level of service and support provided.

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

The area is very comfortable to live in and everything nearby is convenient and easy to access. The only small inconvenience is that, as the development/address is still quite new, some delivery drivers and food delivery services don’t always recognise the address, so occasionally we need to go downstairs to collect orders. It took a little getting used to, but overall it hasn’t been a major issue.

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

The management team has always been very responsive and helpful. Issues are acknowledged quickly, and any repairs or maintenance needed have been arranged and completed promptly.

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

As the address is still relatively new, some delivery and food delivery services don’t always recognise it correctly, so you may occasionally need to go downstairs to meet the driver. It’s only a minor inconvenience and something we quickly got used to.

・・

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

HomeViews

S M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Navigator Place by Berkeley Living, SE3

Oct 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

A perfect way to have a modern lifestyle that fits

S M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Navigator Place by Berkeley Living, SE3

Oct 2026

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

We have found our experience to be a very positive one with any queries responded to quickly and seamlessly

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

Very responsive. I haven’t had many issues, but have raised concern with regards to the door access to the refuse area and to the main entrance of the block

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

A positive sense of community from both residents within the block

・・

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

HomeViews

Kamran Webb (Tenant)

Unverified

Navigator Place by Berkeley Living, SE3

Oct 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Navigator Place Review

Kamran Webb (Tenant)

Unverified

Navigator Place by Berkeley Living, SE3

Oct 2026

I like the design of the building. The shared spaces downstairs are decorated very nicely. The gym is fairly well equipped, I do think they could use some more weights / machines in the gym for regular gym go-ers. But is very good for those just starting out. I have also been very impressed with Anna, Ceylon and Mina, they are all extremely friendly, always quick to respond to any issues and host some amazing events every month.

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

The local amenities in Kidbrooke Square are very convenient, it has grocers, cafe, pub but I am particularly impressed with the Food stalls everyday. The building works opposite are inconvenient but understandably it’s a new development. The short walk to the station is very ideal as I work in the city and journeys to London Bridge in 20 minutes door to door. There are a few unruly neighbours who can make some noise during the evenings and smoke still despite being a smoke free building.

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

Had an issue with the sensor of one of my lights and they had the repair man come out and fix it. No issues.

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

Ventilation. It was my first time living in a flat and while the large windows on the outside are great, the inside of the flat ie the hallways and bathrooms don’t get much air flow and so AC units have been very essential.

・・

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

HomeViews

Page 1 of 782

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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