Clapham Common: A brief history and where to live nearby

Clapham Common on a summer's day

Clapham Common is one of the many large parks and green spaces dotted across leafy South West London. This large, open triangle of parkland is beloved by locals as both a peaceful haven and the site of frenetic summer concerts and festivals. Take a look at our guide to the Common and tips on the best places to live in the area.

Jewel in the South West’s crown

Clapham Common started life as common land between the parishes of Battersea and Clapham. By the early 1700s, the area, still a village community detached from London, started to see investment and development. It became a fashionable place to relocate, and by the 1800s, a wealth of large houses had built up around the common.

The Common’s famous bandstand was built in 1890, and remains the largest in London. The 85 hectare site also includes three ponds, woodland, sweeping meadows, various sports facilities and a network of footpaths. It’s the ideal place for a run or a relaxing walk.

Focal point of the community

Today, the Common is a focal point of the community. On a summer’s day, the park teems with life as people seek to make the most of the sunny days and light evenings. With the pubs, cafés and restaurants of Clapham High Street nearby, the park is a convenient place to take a break from busy London life.

The park plays host to an array of events and concerts. A wealth of major pop, rock and dance acts have headlined the park at festivals or standalone events. Some of the biggest names to play at the park include Stevie Wonder, Aerosmith, Madness and De La Soul.

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Where to live near Clapham Common

Clapham Common sits at the heart of one of London’s most popular residential regions. The leafy South West London neighbourhoods of Clapham, Battersea and Wandsworth surround the park, with their many streets of handsome period terraces.

The likes of Wandsworth Common, Battersea Park and Tooting Commons provide further large swathes of green space across the area. The area is particularly popular with families, and professionals, seeking a little more breathing space than afforded by Central London.

There are vibrant, bustling high streets at Balham, Tooting and Clapham Junction. The diverse, cultural centre of Brixton is also nearby. Meanwhile, neighbouring Wandsworth has seen a great deal of recent development, giving rise to numerous luxury new build developments.

The average price of a property in Clapham is £865,035, according to Zoopla. This is above the London average of £727,743. Other options nearby include Brixton, averaging £627,847, and Wandsworth, which has an average price of £818,486.

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Best new build developments near Clapham Common

So, what are the best new build developments near Clapham Common? If you’re interested in moving to the area, there are several options within easy reach of the Common. Take a look below at the best-rated new homes close to Clapham Common, according to the reviews of verified residents.

Wingate Square, SW4

Ipsus Developments
4.49 (8 reviews) 4.49 (8 reviews)
Area guide to Borough of Lambeth
Image of Wingate Square, SW4
Wingate Square is a residential development designed by Gerald Eve Architects comprising of 170 two-bedroom homes in the heart of Clapham Junction. Situated equidistant between Clapham Common and Clapham Highstreet underground stations residents can reach Central London easily via the Northern line. Read reviews and details of Wingate Square, SW4

Junction House, SW11

Taylor Wimpey Central London
4.48 (12 reviews) 4.48 (12 reviews)
Area guide to Borough of Wandsworth
Image of Junction House, SW11
Junction House is a residential development by Taylor Wimpey that offers a selection of 93 one, two and three bedroom apartments in York Gardens, Battersea. The development is just 110m from the transport hub at Clapham Junction Station, which offers trains to routes from London’s South and South-West termini, Victoria and Waterloo in less than […] Read reviews and details of Junction House, SW11

Macaulay Walk, SW4

Grainger
4.18 (12 reviews) 4.18 (12 reviews)
Area guide to Borough of Lambeth
Image of Macaulay Walk, SW4
Grainger has redeveloped the former site of Ross Optical Works and transformed it into five new residential buildings. Macaulay Walk is comprised of 113 units, which are ser in the original Georgian quarter of Clapham Old Town. Clapham Common is close by. Read reviews and details of Macaulay Walk, SW4

Listello Buildings, SW4

Bellway Homes
3.91 (8 reviews) 3.91 (8 reviews)
Area guide to Borough of Lambeth
Image of Listello Buildings, SW4
Listello buildings is a residential development comprising of 58 flats. Located in the heart of Clapham the High Street is just a 5 minute walk away which connects residents to the excellent transport connections with Clapham North tube station (Northern Line, Zone 2), located a short walk away, offering direct services into London Victoria, Oxford […] Read reviews and details of Listello Buildings, SW4

Clapham One, SW4

U+I Group
3.59 (11 reviews) 3.59 (11 reviews)
Area guide to Borough of Lambeth
Image of Clapham One, SW4
A joint development from Cathedral Group PLC and Untied house, Clapham One is a new mixed-use residential and leisure scheme. The development offers 199 residential apartments in the heart of Clapham Junction. Situated equidistant between Clapham Common and Clapham North underground stations residents can reach Central London easily via the Northern line. Read reviews and details of Clapham One, SW4

Are you keen to explore the area around Clapham Common? Take a look at our guide to South West London below. From there you can find out more about the various popular neighbourhoods in this ever-popular part of the capital, together with the highest-rated new homes in the region.

South West London

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. Read more about South West London

HomeViews provides verified resident reviews of the UK’s housing developments. We’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to recognise high performers and help improve standards in the built environment.

Featured image credit: David Iliff | License: CC BY-SA 3.0

written by

Jan Moys

A residential property expert with over 15 years’ experience creating content... Read all

A residential property expert with ov... Read all