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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Gym and communal spaces are a big plus

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jan 2024

There are bus stops and the Underground very nearby which connect to all London. Being high up in the apartment block means that there is little noise from traffic. Elephant Park just behind the apartment block has lovely restaurants and bars. There is a big Sainsbury’s nearby as well as a smaller Tesco and Co-op. Bin collections are easy. There are not many green spaces and a lot of tall buildings around which can feel oppressive at times. Little anti-social behaviour.

Please review your development:

Design is modern and colours are mainly grey and white. Often decorations are required to spruce things up. Lifts are a great help. Gym and communal spaces are a big plus. Very modern kitchen appliances. Concierge workers are lovely. Bins and recycling are easy and sorted by management.

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

There are discounts offered by nearby shops and restaurants when you live here! Drains can be noisy/odorous.

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

Problems about the cleanliness of the flat on arrival were quickly settled. Sofas have been replaced on request. Maintenance workers are friendly and knowledgable.

4
Facilities
3
Design
3
Location
2
Value
4
Management
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Well designed, very warm and has lots of light

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jan 2024

Lots of bars and restaurants nearby, Elephant and Castle tube and lots of buses pass by. Good size Sainsbury’s nearby too.

Please review your development:

I live in a 1 bed flat on the 19h floor with views to the south. Theyl accommodation is well designed, very warm and has lots of light. The building staff are all friendly, especially concierges and the maintenance team. Most staff stay a long time so you get to know them.

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

It’s very sunny up here and very hot, which isn’t something you can say very often in England!

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

Maintenance requests have always been fixed quickly and professionally.

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Great apartment, great location

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jan 2024

Great location, so easy to get everywhere you need and only 2 mins from tube. Always feels very safe as well. Lots of bars and takeaway shops nearby and Sainsbury’s in building opposite.

Please review your development:

The building is great, has everything you need. The gym is really well taken care of and has all the equipment you want. Apartment is really warm and modern and gets loads on sunlight. The security/reception desk downstairs is really helpful, makes you feel very safe and they are always there to answer questions.

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

Nothing, the communication when moving in was great.

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

Have only had one small issue but management were great. Super friendly and dealt with it straight away.

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Great apartment in an even greater location.

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jan 2024

Has everything you need within walking distance, only bad aspect (for now) is the limited selection of supermarkets.

Please review your development:

There’s no downside to the building and facilities provided. The management staff are wonderful, the facilities are always clean and operational, and any maintenance calls are promptly resolved. Everything you need from a apartment complex, plus more.

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

The amount of selection of restaurants in the surrounding area, spoilt for choice.

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

They are very quick to respond and implement a solution.

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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