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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Very busy but well connected

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jul 2024

It is very close to Tube stations and has many bus connections, but it is very busy and noisy. There are lots of people going up and down the road outside so it is not very peaceful. There are lots of food options nearby.

Please review your development:

The development is well made and well maintained. The gym is fairly well equipped for a residential gym. The management are friendly and helpful – they are a real highlight of living in the building. There is also a community lounge and games room, but they are almost never used.

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

I wish I’d known how stressful it was to live in the area.

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

They are very prompt to respond to issues and will fix them without complaint.

3
Facilities
4
Design
3
Location
2
Value
5
Management
User submitted image of  Park Central East, SE17
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Needs a lot of TLC to bring it back up to standard

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jul 2024

Well located to access central London however increasing street noise (student flats opened nearby) and issues with bin collection are getting more frequent

Please review your development:

There has been a lack of preventive care of the building so it’s condition is slowly getting worse. Recent building managers have been much better at responding, but the issues are outside their control.
The design leads means soundproofing between flats is poor and you can hear conversations etc.
Multiple security issues (rough sleepers in hallway and outside stores, thefts of parcels etc)

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

The poor soundproofing means fairly normal conversations travel through walls/ducts

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

Rough sleepers took over the bike store despite months of warning from residents and police the security was not sufficient. Took months to resolve once a new building manager took over and tried to help.

2
Facilities
2
Design
4
Location
3
Value
2
Management
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Amazing place to live

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jul 2024

New Cross is fantastic and a stones throw from Deptford which has plenty of social spots. Great transport connections with DLR, overground and jubilee lines very close by.

Please review your development:

Love the building – great places to wfh and relax and our flat is spacious and well designed. Communal spaces are kept clean and tidy and walls are well insulated very rarely can hear neighbours. Proactive emails from management about checks on building. Very happy!

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

Great rooftop spot to watch NYE fireworks! Building group chat is helpful

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

Very proactive and good at responding no issues we’ve had

4
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Great Place to Live

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jul 2024

The neighborhood is very well located with easy connections to Central and South London. There are also great restaurants and stores within walking distance. The only negative about the location is the position on a busy road.

Please review your development:

The development is great with a nice gym and park right next door. All of the staff is very friendly and helpful; they respond quickly to any questions. I really like having a 24 hour gym located in the building. The appliances are also good quality. The induction hob is especially great.

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

There is nothing else that I wish I knew before moving in

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

The maintenance team responds to requests very quickly

5
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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