A Guide to Living in South West London

There’s been a huge resurgence in South West London’s property scene of late, namely because this is an area of the capital with so much potential. The term ‘something for everyone’ is thrown around wildly, but in South West London’s case it’s actually justified. This is an area that comes in all forms and guises, shapes and sizes. And that’s exactly why property developers have made it something of a playground. Read on to discover developments that are rated the best places to live in South West London. In addition, read reviews from residents who own or rent in South West London.

4.41

Average Location Score

Excellent

56%

Very Good

31%

Average

10%

Disappointing

Very Poor

Best places to live in South West 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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The Nine Elms regeneration project

The award for ‘most dramatic transformation’ goes to Nine Elms, a long slither of Thames riverfront between Lambeth Bridge and Chelsea Bridge. Here, glossy new-build apartment blocks are ten-a-penny, but it’s not just the residential scene that’s getting a facelift. New offices, infrastructure, transport and entertainment hubs – among many other initiatives – are part of this £15 billion renovation scheme.

Brixton

Just south of the sparkling skyscrapers of SW8, urban cool can be found in edgy Brixton and Clapham. The lively pubs, bars and music venues (don’t miss Hootananny) in these parts promise a night out to remember; and there’s plenty in the way of kitsch brunch spots to help with that sore head the next day. Area newcomers should head to Brixton Village and Brixton Market, where the community spirit is infectious, and the round-ups include taste-tingling street food and local performers. Next door Stockwell is quieter but not without its charms. Dubbed ‘Little Portugal’, it’s home to a large Portuguese population, and its cafés and eateries serve up all kinds of national delicacies.

Affluent South West London

Northern postcodes like SW1, SW3 and SW7 appeal to those who like to live la dolce vita. Ticking off upmarket neighbourhoods such as Westminster, Belgravia, Chelsea and South Kensington, it’s where house prices are in the millions and the residential scenery is quintessential London. Think timeless Victorian townhouses, black wrought-iron gates and immaculate garden squares.

Nappy Valley

Further south, you’ll find greener boroughs like Wandsworth and Wimbledon; both of which regularly top polls of London’s best places to live. Wandsworth is well-known as ‘Nappy Valley’, such is the draw for families here. Wandsworth Common and King George’s park are prime picnic and playing territory, and the local schools have a decent reputation. That said, the area’s younger population is also rising steadily; a result of the brand-new luxury waterfront apartments, an easy commute to Victoria and Waterloo, and a fabulous wining and dining scene. This savvy lot also knows it’s a lot cheaper to live in Wandsworth than it is to live in Fulham; just across the river.

New development overlooking south west London

Putney

East of Wandsworth lies pretty Putney, a delightful mix of riverside restaurants and cafés, swathes of green and period properties. The area’s many sporting clubs (tennis, golf, rowing – it’s all present and correct) will suit outdoorsy types, while nearby Roehampton University pulls in the students. As such, the waterfront bars come alive after dark.

Universities in South West London

As one of the most desirable parts of London to live in, the South West is a major draw for students wishing to combine studies with a great lifestyle. Imperial College London is perhaps the best-known, but Roehampton, Kingston and St Mary’s Twickenham are all extremely popular options. See our in-depth guide to universities in the South West of London for more.

Best schools in the South West of London

As well as universities, the South West offers an excellent selection of schools for parents to choose from. The Tiffin schools in Kingston top the list of the best-performing schools in the area, with Sutton and the London Oratory also achieving impressive results. See our full guide to the best schools in South West London for more details.

Things to do in South West London

Wetlands, parks and the world-famous Wimbledon tennis complex feature on our list of the Top 10 things to do in South West London. This is really just a start, however, as this part of the capital offers a wealth of options for day trips and weekends away.

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 West 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 West London

Reviews in South West London

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Verified Resident

Review Date Apr 2024

Good: location.
Bad: where to start. The parcel room is a shambles. Stuff just thrown into a room meaning you have to go searching for it for ages. And if you’re lucky you will find your parcel, or worse it will go missing as the room is easily accessible. Deliveries aren’t allowed to your flat, for some bizarre reason. Someone that isn’t a joint tenant was let into my flat whilst I wasn’t there, without my permission. There is no phone reception anywhere in the development, and the wifi in communal areas is a minefield. The password changes daily, at random times. Means I can hardly use the gym in work hours. Concerns are not taken seriously too. No improvements whatsoever.

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It’s new, so things work in the flat, thankfully. Its everything outside the flat that I have an issue with. The security put in plave is completely backwards. Parcels being delivered should be to a secure area – they are not. Perishable things like food deliveries should be allowed to the flat door – they are not. Its insane. I’ve had flowers and a birthday cake just dumped downstairs without anyone letting me know. We pay premium rent and do not receive a premium service.

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

All of the above. I knew the development was new but assumed simple things like parcels being delivered safely would have been given more than zero thought.

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

Yes but I still cannot use my phone anywhere in the building. Still have parcels missing, still cannot have food delivered.

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The development features a nice shared enclosed courtyard

Review Date Mar 2024

The good are that, you are right next to Nine Elms station and about 10 mins from Vauxhall. Great transportation links within the area. Not soo much places to eat if you ever fancied a quick nibble.
A few anti social behaviours within the Haydn tower block as you will occasionally smell smoke lingering. Additionally, the bin chutes are poorly operated, always seem to be blocked and residents leave their rubbish infront of the bin chutes. There is a Sainsbury attached below, whereby you will occasionally find the odd trolly here or there in the corridors abandoned.

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The development features a nice shared enclosed courtyard. Very bright and if you are a dog lover like me you will find lots of dogs enjoying the courtyard.
The gym and other facilities are located in another building which you could walk through the courtyard or can go through the underground parking.

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

The building is basically student accommodation. Please avoid as the demographic is severely polluted with students.

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

Good at responding but not effective when it comes to it.

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User submitted image of MyLo at Nine Elms, SW8

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Highly recommend

Review Date Mar 2024

Excellent place to live. Love my apartment and the spaces available. Great location. Staff are friendly, helpful and attentive. Good value for money when you consider everything that is included, bills, gym, Co living etc.
would highly recommend

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The development is well thought out.

Practical and attractive.

I like the layout. The building is light and spacious.

Great facilities, clean, well maintained

Apprtments have good layout and plenty of space/ storage. Nice bathrooms

The Co living spaces are great. Gym has plenty of equipment that is well kept, clean and well maintained.

There is good diversity within the development. Lots of different and interesting people. Things to get involved in if you wish but also not taking over or in your face if you want to avoid.

Management are visible and helpful. Management have developed a strong team who seem to work well together and respond to any requests.

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

Haven’t had any surprises so nothing really. For anyone new to london or the area just finding out about local events / shops etc but nothing that isn’t too hard to navigate

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

Efficient and timely responses to any of the minor issues

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Great location with a warm and welcoming atmosphere

Review Date Mar 2024

Sunday Mills house is in a great location with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, thanks to its friendly staff who are always accommodating. The community is inclusive, and the events held every week are fantastic, fostering a sense of togetherness among residents. The co-living setup is excellent, with all amenities provided. While the gym facilities are good, adding a few more pieces of equipment would enhance the experience. Overall, Sunday Mills Folk is a great place to live, offering a comfortable and enjoyable living environment.

Please review your development:

Sunday Mills sets a high standard in co-living, offering a harmonious blend of design, facilities, and management practices that contribute to a delightful living experience. With its inclusive community and well-maintained spaces, that makes it a standout choice for those seeking a vibrant and welcoming place to call home.

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

Nothing, everything has been smooth sailing……………….

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

As soon as I make a request via the folk app the team sort it within a week.

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Discover surrounding areas

Croydon

A Guide to Living in South West London

Best places to live in South West London

The Nine Elms regeneration project

Brixton

Affluent South West London

Nappy Valley

Putney

Universities in South West London

Best schools in the South West of London

Things to do in South West London

Featured developments in South West London

Florence Dock, SW11

Sunday Mills, SW18

Waterway, SW18

Bloom Nine Elms, SW11

The Garratt Collection, SW18

Putney Wharf, SW15

Park Heights, SW9

MyLo at Nine Elms, SW8

Putney Square, SW15

Tileman House, SW15

Barret House, SW9

Vista, SW8

The Edge, SW9

Brixton Square, SW9

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:

Discover surrounding areas