Building Surveys & RICS Valuations in Southwark

Property Market Trends in Southwark

Southwark, located directly south of the River Thames in London, offers a diverse and vibrant property market, appealing to a mix of professionals, families, and investors due to its rich history, cultural hotspots, and proximity to central London.

Urban Living and Riverside Developments

• Bermondsey and Bankside: These areas are popular for their modern apartments, historical warehouses converted into luxury lofts, and proximity to the Thames. They attract a mix of young professionals and investors due to their trendy lifestyle, cultural attractions like the Tate Modern, and vibrant food scene.
• London Bridge and Borough: Known for the Shard and the Borough Market, these neighbourhoods offer high-end apartments and are favoured by professionals for their central location and excellent transport links.

Suburban and Family-Friendly Areas

• Dulwich and East Dulwich: These areas provide a more suburban feel with their spacious Victorian and Edwardian homes, leafy streets, and reputable schools, making them popular among families.
• Camberwell and Peckham: Offering a mix of Georgian and Victorian properties, these culturally diverse areas are increasingly popular due to their arts scene, green spaces, and community vibe.

Regeneration and Investment

• Elephant and Castle: Currently undergoing extensive regeneration, this area is transforming into a significant residential and commercial hub with new developments, improved amenities, and green spaces.
• Walworth and Nunhead: These neighbourhoods offer more affordable housing options compared to other parts of Southwark, with ongoing development projects attracting first-time buyers and investors.

Influencing Factors

• Cultural and Historical Appeal: Southwark’s rich cultural heritage, including theatres, galleries, and historical landmarks, adds to its attractiveness as a place to live and work.
• Transportation: Excellent transport connections, including tube and rail services, make it easy to access other parts of London, enhancing its appeal for commuters.
• Green Spaces: Despite its urban setting, Southwark offers several parks and open spaces, like Dulwich Park and Burgess Park, providing residents with outdoor recreational opportunities.

Staying informed about Southwark’s property market trends is essential for those looking to engage with a market characterized by its blend of historical charm, cultural richness, and urban redevelopment.

Sources

• Rightmove: Southwark Property Market
• Southwark.gov.uk – Regeneration

Structural Condition and Common Issues in Southwark

Southwark’s property market includes a wide range of housing types, from historic Georgian and Victorian properties to post-war estates and contemporary high-rise apartments.

Common Types of Properties

• Georgian and Victorian Terraces: Common in areas like Bermondsey and Peckham, these properties offer historical character but may require updates for modern living standards, particularly in heating, insulation, and plumbing.
• Post-War Council Estates: Built during the mid-20th century, these estates are found throughout Southwark, offering solid construction but often in need of modernisation and energy efficiency improvements.
• Modern Apartment Complexes: Particularly near the Thames and in newly developed areas, these offer contemporary amenities but should be evaluated for build quality, especially regarding sound insulation and energy efficiency.

Structural Issues to Look Out For

• Damp and Mould: Due to age and construction methods, older terraced houses can be prone to damp issues, necessitating improvements in damp-proofing and ventilation.
• Roofing Condition: The roofs of both historic terraces and mid-century estates should be inspected, as repairs or replacements can be significant expenses.
• Subsidence: In certain areas, particularly those with clay soils or a history of industrial use, subsidence can be an issue, so a comprehensive structural survey is advisable.

Key Checks Before Purchase

• RICS Home Survey: Conducting a detailed survey is crucial for identifying any structural issues that could impact the property’s value and future repair costs.
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): An EPC provides an overview of the property’s energy efficiency and suggests areas for improvement.
• Local Planning and Development: Staying informed about local planning developments is important, as they can influence property values and the living environment in Southwark.

Understanding the structural conditions and common issues in Southwark’s properties will help buyers make informed decisions, ensuring they consider both the property’s historical value and practical functionality.

Sources

• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – Helping You Choose The Right Survey
• London Borough of Southwark – Planning and Building

Local Amenities in Southwark

Southwark, located in South East London, is known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and vibrant arts scene. It stretches from the banks of the Thames to the fringes of inner suburban London.

Food and Drink

• Diverse Cuisine: Southwark boasts a wide range of dining options, from Michelin-starred restaurants and traditional British pubs to international eateries and street food markets.
• Borough Market: One of London’s largest and oldest food markets, known for its range of gourmet foods and fresh produce.

Shopping

• Bermondsey Street and Borough High Street: These areas offer a mix of boutique shops, artisanal stores, and local businesses.
• Surrey Quays Shopping Centre: Provides a more traditional shopping mall experience with a variety of high-street brands and retailers.

Health and Fitness

• Leisure Centres and Gyms: Facilities like The Castle Centre and Seven Islands Leisure Centre offer modern gym equipment, swimming pools, and fitness classes.
• Parks and Open Spaces: Southwark has several green spaces, including Southwark Park and Burgess Park, which are ideal for outdoor activities and leisure.

Cultural Venues

• Theatres and Galleries: The borough is home to the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe, Tate Modern, and The Old Vic, offering a wide range of cultural experiences.
• Historical Attractions: Southwark Cathedral and The Shard are notable landmarks within the borough.

Education

• Schools: Southwark offers a diverse range of educational institutions, including primary, secondary, and special schools.
• Higher Education: London South Bank University and other colleges in the area provide opportunities for higher education.

Transport Links

• Extensive Public Transport: Excellent tube, rail, and bus networks, including major stations like London Bridge, provide easy access to central London and other areas.
• Cycling and Walking: Southwark is well-served by cycle lanes and pedestrian routes, making it a bike and pedestrian-friendly area.

Healthcare

• Hospitals and Medical Facilities: Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust is among the healthcare providers serving the area, along with numerous GP practices and health clinics.

Southwark’s blend of historical landmarks, cultural richness, and urban amenities makes it an attractive and dynamic area to live in and visit.

Sources

• Southwark Council: Events and Culture
• Southwark News: Local News

Commute and Transportation Options in Southwark

Southwark, a vibrant borough in Central London, provides a range of transportation options, reflecting its status as a well-connected urban area:

Public Transport

• Underground Services: Southwark is served by several London Underground stations, including Southwark (Jubilee Line), Borough (Northern Line), and Bermondsey (Jubilee Line), providing easy access to the city centre and other parts of London.
• Train Services: London Bridge Station, one of the main railway stations in Southwark, offers extensive train services to various destinations in London, the South East, and even long-distance routes.
• Bus Services: Numerous bus routes operate in Southwark, connecting it with other London boroughs and key areas. These services are managed by Transport for London (TfL).

Car and Motorway Access

• Major Roads: Southwark has good road connectivity with major routes like the A2 and A3 passing through, providing access to both Central London and outer London areas.
• Parking: While Southwark is in a high-demand area for parking, there are various options available, including on-street parking and public car parks, especially near major attractions and transport hubs.

Taxis and Ride-Shares

• Local Taxi Companies: Taxis are readily available in Southwark, with numerous firms offering services within the borough and to destinations across London.
• Uber: Uber and other ride-sharing services are widely used in Southwark, providing convenient travel options.

Cycling and Walking

• Cycling: Southwark Council encourages cycling, and there are several bike lanes and Santander Cycles hire schemes available in the borough.
• Walking: Southwark is home to numerous landmarks and scenic areas, making it a pleasant borough to explore on foot, including the South Bank, Borough Market, and various historic streets.

River Services

• Thames Clippers: River bus services offer an alternative mode of transportation, with stops at London Bridge City Pier and Bankside Pier, providing scenic routes along the Thames.

Future Developments

• Transport Infrastructure Improvements: Continual improvements are being made to enhance public transport, cycling infrastructure, and pedestrian facilities in Southwark.

Southwark’s extensive transport network, including its central London Underground stations and bus routes, makes it an accessible and convenient area for residents, commuters, and tourists.

Sources

• Transport for London: Southwark
• Thames Clippers: River Bus Services, Bankside Pier

Planning Permission and Land Covenants in Southwark

For property development or modifications in Southwark, understanding the local planning permissions and land covenants is crucial. These guidelines ensure that any development aligns with the borough’s urban planning strategies and legal requirements.

Types of Planning Permission

• Outline Planning Permission: This initial approval assesses the general concept of a proposed development, granting permission in principle but requiring detailed plans for full approval.
• Full Planning Permission: Necessary for specific construction works or significant alterations, this detailed permission must be obtained before starting any project.
• Permitted Development Rights: Some minor property changes may not require full planning permission. However, it’s important to check with the London Borough of Southwark, especially in conservation areas or for properties with special designations.

Common Land Covenants in Southwark

• Restrictive Covenants: These legally binding conditions can limit how a property is used or developed, such as preventing certain types of construction or specifying the use of the property.
• Positive Covenants: These require property owners to perform specific actions, like maintaining a shared boundary or contributing to communal infrastructure.

Factors to Consider

• Local Plans: The London Borough of Southwark’s Local Plan sets out policies and guidelines for development, influencing decisions on housing, commercial development, and environmental sustainability.
• Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings: Additional planning controls may be in place within conservation areas or for listed buildings to preserve historical or architectural significance.

Local Sources of Help

• London Borough of Southwark Planning Services: Offers support for planning applications, including advice on local planning regulations and policies.
• Land Registry: The official source for information on property ownership and details of any land covenants.

Tips for Navigating the System

• Pre-application Consultation: Engaging with planning officers before submitting a formal application can provide insights into potential planning constraints and the likelihood of approval.
• Legal Advice: Due to the complexities of land covenants, seeking legal advice can help clarify their implications for your property.

Understanding the planning permissions and land covenants in Southwark ensures that property developments and alterations are compliant with local regulations and contribute positively to the community’s urban development.

Sources

• London Borough of Southwark: Planning and Building Control
• HM Land Registry