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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Perfect location in central London

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Nov 2023

Living in Elephant Central means the perfect location in central london! The station is right across, and gymbox and sainsbury’s are in the same building! Perfect especially in winter for when you’re lazy.

Please review your development:

The Development is good and there is a common floor to work or study but it is quite small. I was a bit disappointed with the End of Tenancy cleaning done before our move in as I felt it wasn’t properly done and had to get my own cleaner. However, I had a lovely welcome by Persapel and Anire.

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

Throwing the bin is not the best experience compared to previous flats

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

Not efficiently as with the cleaning they just brought someone to dust things off and we ended up paying £60 for someone to come clean properly !

3
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
4
Value
3
Management
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Porters Edge Review

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Nov 2023

There a good range of local shops in a walking distance from the development. The tube is only 5 minutes away!

Please review your development:

One thing which I enjoy the most in our development is the outdoor area on the third floor which is private only for residents. It’s spacious, quiet and beautifully designated space where I like to go for a short walk when working from home during the day.

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

There’s nothing for me to add – all my expectations of the development are met and I fell happy living here.

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

The management team is always fast at responding to requests.

4
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
4
Value
5
Management
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Excellent property, but poor management.

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Nov 2023

Overall, the area has proven to be very nice. There are many restaurants & bars around, and super markets and convenience stores. It is well connected in terms of public transport and especially busses. Location-wise, it is great.

Please review your development:

The building designs are very good. In terms of the exterior, the buildings are aesthetic and modern, and every flat has a balcony which is great. The flats are also very beautiful and modern. In terms of facilities, reception is super helpful and the BringMe delivery system is brilliant. However, property management has not been great. They do respond quickly and send people, but for example we have been asking for a replacement of our washing machine for 4 months now and nothing has happened. So in terms of taking actions, they are slow and unresponsive. The same applies to our interphone which has not worked since we moved in. Otherwise, everything is great.

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

That it would be a hassle everytime we have a visitor or food delivery because we have to go down and tap for the elevator to work

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

They have sent people to look at the problem and they always say ‘we will report it to the team and send you a new one or send you an expert’, but then nothing happens.

3
Facilities
5
Design
4
Location
3
Value
2
Management
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Excellent homes and lifestyle

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Nov 2023

The local area is full of life, stores owners are really kind , they are always helpful with customers and sometimes I feel like living in a small town within the city. The construction of the new shopping center might be a bit noisy but the developer always ingorm us on what is going on and keep the disturbance at minimum, we are all excited to see the completion of the new center!

Please review your development:

The building is really nice and maintenance really good, concierge service and assistance is excellent ( super kind and always available), the common club room is amazing and the 24h security make us feel safe even when living alone, energy performance of the flats is excellent ( thermal insulation amazing)

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

The building doesn’t have any facility for barbecue in the external garden

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

Everytime we had a request for maintenance they always reached within 2 or 3 days max

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
User submitted image of  Elephant Central, SE1
User submitted image of  Elephant Central, SE1
User submitted image of  Elephant Central, SE1
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