The ‘underrated’ South West London area where houses are 20% cheaper

One South London area is massively overlooked, and much cheaper than its neighbours (Picture: Getty Images)

When it comes to South London, certain areas are well-known for being ‘cool’. There’s Brixton, Camberwell, Peckham.

But if there’s one location that’s usually overlooked when compared with its SW neighbours, it’s Streatham.

Yes, critics will say the high street (which locals know is actually the High Road) is too loud, and that there’s no Tube (how about three railway stations, though?). Both valid points.

It’s main claim to fame is that it has the ‘longest high street in the UK,’ although we’re to say, that’s not quite true. That accolade firmly goes to Southend-on-Sea, but Streatham’s is certainly fairly lengthy.

However, Streatham could be on the cusp of greatness. For starters, a Gails opened its doors on the High Road back in September 2025, well known as a key indictor that an area is on the up.

Sam Ball, new homes sales director at estate agent Rampton Baseley, tells Metro that he’s seeing an ‘enormous’ number of people moving from the surrounding areas to Streatham.

‘For anyone priced out of popular South West neighbourhoods, Streatham provides the same postcode, without the premium,’ he says.

‘We see significant price increases when you go along the Northern Line to Clapham, Balham, or down to Tooting. Generally speaking, you’re often looking at prices upwards of 20% higher than in Streatham.

‘By adding in just a five-minute bus journey to a nearby Tube station, buyers can enjoy the convenience of the underground while potentially saving hundreds of thousands of pounds on their purchase price.’

Streatham Common has plenty of woodland to stroll in (Picture: Getty Images)

House prices in Streatham

Now, it’s worth noting that while house prices in Streatham are lower than other South London neighbours, it’s still not cheap cheap.

According to Rightmove, the average home in the area has sold for £566,634 over the last year. Some went for considerably more than that, too, as the figure for semi-detached properties was as high as £976,249.

Plus, this is miles more expensive than the going rate across the UK, which, according to Zoopla’s latest house price index, is £271,900.

Tooting Bec Lido is just down the road, and perfect in summer (Picture: Kristina Beanland)

It’s still much better than the situation in Brixton, though, where the average house price is almost £20,000 pricier, at £585,501. Semi-detached properties have even fetched an average of £1,125,579.

Balham costs more, still, as the averages have rested at £850,267, with terraced homes stretching up to £1,303,831.

As for renting, there are some better deals to be found in Streatham. According to SpareRoom’s latest rental index, the average room in SW16 goes for £910, while in nearby Brixton, it’s more like £988.

Prices are cheaper in Streatham than the surrounding areas (Picture: Getty Images)

Again, Balham is even worse, at £1,166, while Clapham sees averages of £1,063 and West Wandsworth £1,059.

There are plenty of rentals up for grabs that are much below Streatham’s averages, though. Taking a look at the current listings on SpareRoom, there are digs going for £700, £726 and £760.

That’s just for one room in an existing house share, but if you’re coupled up and looking for a one-bedroom flat, Zoopla is currently flagging properties in the region of £1,550, £1,425, or even £1,350.

‘There wasn’t a lot around’

Gareth Davies first moved to Streatham Hill 25 years ago.

He’d bought a one-bedroom flat that needed a considerable amount of work, so he renovated it, and went on to buy a two-bed once he’d finished.

The 52-year-old, who runs a coaching business in the area, tells Metro: ‘I was just priced out of Balham but rather cleverly, an estate agent told me the next place to invest in was Streatham.

Streatham Common Kite Day is held every year (Picture: Jack Dredd/Shutterstock)

‘I wanted property that was going to give me a long-term investment and Streatham has been a wise decision.’

He says when he first moved there, there ‘wasn’t a lot around.’ But, over the years, he’s become more and more convinced Streatham is the place to be.

‘It’s grown on me. There are now some really lovely places to eat, cafés, the Virgin Active gym is amazing and there are lots of fitness studios,’ he says.

‘The Railway pub is great. Green Cactus is a nice café, and a big shout out to Alchemy Space, a yoga studio near me.’

Things to do in Streatham

Ready to start exploring? The Rowdy Table is a newly opened wine bar. It’s super chic, queer-owned, and already known as the type of place where locals spill out onto the streets, engrossed in chatter.

It also sits next door to Griffin Coffee House, a tiny coffee shop which always has a queue out the door. Friendly staff, headed up by owner Clarke, will be sure to put a smile on your face, even before the caffeine buzz does.

Here’s our very own Kristina Beanland enjoying the kirbside (Picture: Kristina Beanland)

If pints are more your thing, Br3wery is another brand-new venue (again, proof that things are popping off in Streatham?). This one’s a microbrewery, and while it might be stocked full of tipples brewed in Beckenham, they’ve got enough IPAs on tap to sink a ship.

Brooks and Gao is famous for its cinnamon rolls, and it’s also incredibly innovative with its creations. Metro‘s very own lifestyle editor, Kristina Beanland, visited last week, and tried out a carbonara pasty.

Take a look at this bad boy (Picture: Kristina Beanland)

Bravi Ragazzi is often dubbed the best pizza in London. They specialise in the Neopolitan style, which has a deliciously puffy crust.

As you’d expect of a top-notch pizzeria, absolutely everything is wood-fired.

And, while it might technically be on Tooting Bec Common, the Woodfield Pavilion has a Streatham postcode. It’s a small community and arts centre hosting book clubs, sip and paint, yoga, tai chi, and suchlike.

If you fancy an outdoor swim at the longest outdoor pool in the UK, Tooting Bec Lido is just around the corner. Sessions need to be booked in advance (you might want to plan ahead during hot weather), and cost £9.40.

And finally, the Pilates girlies will want to head to Mind & Motion, which is open 7 days a week. The studio has two locations in Dubai, one on Clapham’s bougie Northcote Road, and now in Streatham. The facts speak for themselves.

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