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

57%

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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Staff and facilities to die for <3

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Apr 2024

The neighborhood is lovely. Being close to the park and Thames places nature a lot bit closer, which is something I appreciate. Restaurants, bars and grocery shops for every taste. In terms of public transport it works perfect fine having DLR, train station and buses running 24/7.

Please review your development:

Leaving at Union Wharf – CP is incredible. Staff makes the difference, knowing you by name and always being super kind.
Facilities keep getting better. New gym, yoga room and office space are to die for. I’m very passionate about the building and love living here.

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

Everything was well explained by the team! No bad surprises when I moved in.

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

Always quickly and with kindness. The staff is definitely one of the best things about living at CP.

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Amenity rich and gorgeous

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Apr 2024

The area is so accessible, lots of options for food and shops nearby and close to many scenic areas like the park and the Thames river. It feels very artsy and up-and-coming.

Please review your development:

The building is clean, has incredible views from the rooftop, more amenities than I can dream of. The price is reasonable for what you get, and the staff are very helpful with anything you need. My only gripe would be that the view from our apartment is subpar being on the lower floors with the scaffolding and an ugly abandoned space right outside the windows, but everything else is stellar so can’t really complain!

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

The coffee studio cafe is the best coffee I’ve ever tasted, nothing else compares!

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

Yes, outstanding and efficient communication especially through the app

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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We love Union Wharf!

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Apr 2024

We love living in this location! Greenwich is definitely our favorite spot in London and we couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. We live on the second floor of our building facing Deptford Creek, so we do hear the draw-bridge and traffic but only when there are open windows, otherwise the place is soundproof. The building is located so conveniently for an easy stroll to Greenwich or to catch the DLR from Cutty Sark.

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We love union wharf! Living here is luxury. The amenities are incredible with the guest suite, the 22nd floor dining room, the work from home space, the pool table, the amazing gym, the free workout classes and especially the new cafe downstairs! We love it all. Each community space is designed beautifully and is always clean and inviting. The front desk is so helpful with answering questions and assisting us when needed. They are extremely responsive and always on top of it. We have been so pleased with everything about living here and would recommend it to anyone.

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

This place exceeded our expectations. We knew nothing about all the amenities we would get moving here, it was a nice surprise upon arrival though 🙂

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

Anytime we have needed something fixed, the union wharf team gets back so quickly and schedules a repair for us!

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
User submitted image of  Union Wharf, SE8
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Splendid facilities

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Apr 2024

The location is perfect just a few minutes walk away from the DLR station. Plenty of pubs and bars; with a variety of shops in either direction of Charlton, Lewisham or Deptford. Bin collections are frequent and anti-social behaviour is minimal.

Please review your development:

The facilities in Union Wharf have been drastically improved. The gym is huge, great options on machines too. The rooftop amenities are excellent and the staff are always on hand to help with any problems or issues. Most people who rent here for years then go onto buy, so it is a perfect stepping stone for people looking to rent before getting on the property ladder.

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

Cancel a gym subscription. You really won’t need one with the facilities on offer.

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

Issues and problems are responded to very quickly with clear explanations and timescales set out to resolve them.

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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