A Guide to Living in 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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Best places to live in Southwark

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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Southwark attractions

Of all the landmarks, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the Tate Modern command the most attention, and rightly so. The Globe is a magnificent, Elizabethan-esque structure, a careful rebuild of the site where the famous playwright’s creations were first performed back in the 16^th century. Nowadays, you can enjoy guided tours and exhibitions, along with exceptional theatre. As for the Tate, it’s easy to spend hours in this contemporary art institution; discovering the dreamy works of Warhol, Monet and Picasso.

The Shard

Head away from the waterside, and The Shard, Europe’s tallest building, dominates the skyline. This 300-plus-metre skyscraper is a mixed bag of offices, hotel suites, and bars and restaurants. In fact, it’s the way of many of the imposing buildings here. Dedicated to both work and play, they’re comprised of company HQs, posh-nosh brasseries and classy rooftop bars.

Foodie hotspot

Southwark has emerged as a real foodie destination over the years. Just over the road from The Shard is Borough Market; London’s oldest food market, and still one of the capital’s best. Its myriad of stalls never fail to treat tastebuds, whether you’re in the mood for a harissa-soaked North African stew, or a Spanish ‘bocadillo’ stuffed with serrano ham and melty cheese. Outside, both old and new establishments pepper the streets, age-old pubs full of curiosities rubbing shoulders with elegant Italian restaurants and cosy tapas nooks. Try lively Bermondsey for a village feel and some of the best independents eateries around.

Transport in Southwark

Southwark’s transport links are impressive. London Bridge Railway Station makes it easy to get to cities like Cambridge and Bedford. And three London Underground stations service the area. Southwark on the Jubilee line, Borough on the Northern, and London Bridge, which has trains running on both. But with London’s best bits on your doorstep, who could blame you for staying put?

HomeViews reviewer says…
“It’s a lovely mix of old and new. The new-build waterfront homes are plentiful, but so are the curious 17^th-century pubs.”

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 Southwark. 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 Southwark

Reviews in Southwark

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Raglan house is the BEST! :)

Review Date Mar 2021

We absolutely love living here! Our apartment is really quiet, we the street is safe and everything is well connected!

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We live in Raglan house, we have been here just over 2 weeks. The building is so well kept and managed! Everyone is friendly and helpful 🙂 Super happy, just wish we could show it off to guests and visitors already! The flat we live in is so beautiful, so modern.

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

Wish we moved in sooner, how great and clean the building is kept!

If there is one thing you would change about your flat or property what would it be:

The only thing I could possibly say I would change is the amount of storage in our kitchen.

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Very happy in E&C !

Verified Resident

Review Date Mar 2021

The area has many local shops and restaurants, I especially enjoy the new restaurants on Sayer street ! I feel however that we should have more sustainable shops (this could be mitigated when new Mercato Metropolitano opens?!) and places with music and drinks to socialise. I think young people dont stay in E&C because of this and go to other places in London instead.
E&C area has 2 tube lines which is very convenient but most importantly for me, it is the 20min bike ride to central london and work! And i can easily run to the Burgess and Hyde Parks from home as well.

Even though Elephant Road and Castle Sq are not main centres, it has movement and I enjoy the events organised with live music and entertainment during the weekends. The new changes to the Elephant park are also making it much better. However The street is not that quiet though, people are sometimes loud at night and there has been a lot of construction noise so he tend to always keep the windows closed. Also the feeling of safety could be improved especially at night. And there could be a zebracross/street light in New Kent Road just at the end of Elephant Road since I use to cross that street and I see so many others doing the same.

Gymbox just underneath is a plus.

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I enjoy the events organised by Getliving (Halloween party, pizza night, live music in lounge area, twice per week free sport classes in the park). Design of the flats could be better to allow more light into the houses, give more space for working for home and some finishings have snags from construction. When moving in, Getliving was very flexible with the dates and also with moving out some furniture from the flat on the day. When we have problems, maintenance, concierge and relationship management team members are always welcoming, approachable and deliver the service fast. Aso the resident app is userfriendly.
I do feel that getting meter readings should be easier! Can we add our meter readings to an app (using an automated meter reading – AMR)?
The no deposit contract is also a plus!

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

We never hear neighbours noises (above, below and sides). Never! When we close the windows is very silent.

If there is one thing you would change about your flat or property what would it be:

More natural light! (We have some dark corners). And not having windows facing the neighbours so close by.

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Improvement in communal and green areas

Verified Resident

Review Date Mar 2021

The local area is very nice. Very convenient regarding transport, bus stops all around, tube station at 10min walk. Regarding local shops it’s perfect! Coop & Sainsbury local in the same street. Along the rail service there’s a bunch of local shops (i.e. vegetables stand, Bakery, brewery) and are all very high quality. Further but still very close (15-25min walk) you’ll find an Iceland, pound land, tesco, ASDA, Lidl.

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The design has been well thought, the arrangement of the common areas and flats are very efficient. The garden is very cute. One thing that I thought could have been better and would still need improvement is the green areas, there should be more trees and plants. Additionally the garden area if made differently could have felt more including and bringing people together in a community (I.e. different dispositions of benches, 2/3 sport material)

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

I wish I knew that there wasn’t direct sunlight coming inside the flat.

If there is one thing you would change about your flat or property what would it be:

I would love to have a balcony!
Although the flats are efficiently made, it would have been to have more opening with the outside, as there’s only one side of flat that has windows.

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User submitted image of Bermondsey Spa, SE16

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Nice development to live in

Verified Resident

Review Date Mar 2021

Transport options are good, it’s close to central London but still quiet. There are some shops, bars and restaurants but more variety would be welcome. Anti-social crime and theft is a frequent issue in the area.

Please review your development:

The development is managed well and is clean and pleasant. The buildings look good, but the quality of some of the fittings and the electricals in the flat could have been to a higher standard. Overall it’s a nice place to live.