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.

4.50
Average Location Score

Excellent

65%

Very Good

26%

Average

7%

Disappointing

1%

Very Poor

1%

Best places to live in Borough of Southwark

HomeViews Top Rated Development ranking takes into account the Star Rating and HomeViews Transparency Rating of every development in the area

High street in Southwark

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 16th 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.

Southwark skyline

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.

Southwark park

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 17th-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.

Reviews in Borough of Southwark

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Exceptional value for central London

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Feb 2024

It’s a very busy area which I like as it always feel safe walking home at night. The building is literally right across the road from the tube station on Bakerloo and Northern lines, as well as the train station for Thameslink. The area is newly developed so there isn’t masses of personality but there are a couple of decent cafes I like to work from. In terms of shopping, there is very little so I normally travel into central for this.

Please review your development:

Very good value considering the location. A lot of construction nearby but I never hear any noise on floor 10. Concierge are excellent and I’ve never had any issues with deliveries plus they are very responsive whenever there’s been an issue in the flat.
The main downsides are firstly that the lifts are frequently not working so you’re left waiting a while with a crowd of other people for the single functioning lift. Secondly, it gets very hot in summer. For a building with this much glass it’s kind of crazy they didn’t build in any AC.

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

The lift situation isn’t ideal but had I known about it, it would not have put me off moving in (nor should it put off anyone else!)

What is the best feature of your home:

The views! I’m looking south, so not towards central, but still the view is incredible as it’s totally unobstructed and you can see to the edges of London (and I’m only on floor 10).

4
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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The communal areas are brilliant

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Feb 2024

Extremely good transport links – Northern line, Bakerloo line, Thameslink and lots of bus routes. Lots of new bars and restaurants nearby and super close to Borough with its well renowned restaurant scene and borough market.

Please review your development:

Park Central West is a great place to live – the communal areas are brilliant with a gym, games room with a pool table, entertaining spaces and co-working space. This is great particularly for people like us living in a 1 bedroom apartment. The flats are well laid out and spacious with a great sized / shape balcony. Lovely bathroom which is spacious and has good storage. Slightly more storage in the bedroom would be appreciated but this is the nature of new builds it seems. Building management and concierge are generally friendly and helpful. I have recommended a few friends to live here now!

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

It’s super quiet here – the soundproofing between apartments is great

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

Yes – whenever I need a repair or have any issues the building management respond within the day. Extremely helpful.

5
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
5
Value
4
Management
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Safe, cozy, great price, lovely people!

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Feb 2024

Great location with just a few minutes walk from the tube, sainsbury, and Asian marts! The bus stops are just downstairs with various routes that can directly take us to most of the places in London. There is a free gym within the building, a private garden, and a conference room.

Please review your development:

The design of the building is very nice. The two bedroom unit gives spacious storage rooms, big balcony, and amazing views! The washing machine, oven, microwave, and stove are very good in functionality. The walls and windows are soundproof and quiet.

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

I wish I moved in earlier cuz it is definitely place I can call home for the next few years.

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

The management team are always responsible, responsive and friendly! They really care about tenants and I love each of them!

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Good design of flats, bedrooms, bathrooms, as well as shared spaces

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Feb 2024

Lovely bars and restaurants within a very short walk. Very close to transport links (tube and train). Lack of outdoor spaces nearby. On a very noisy, busy road.

Please review your development:

Good design of flats, bedrooms, bathrooms, as well as shared spaces – reception area and working rooms. Horrible, overwhelming, chemical smell in the reception. Gym is quite small and equipment very close together – would be better if it were in a larger room.

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

Noisy neighbours in summer is bad. Nice coffee shop next to flat.

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

They are generally quick to reply to maintenance requests.

3
Facilities
4
Design
4
Location
2
Value
4
Management
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