What you need to know about Lewisham
Six miles from central London, Lewisham has become one of the best-value locations in Zone 2, with new developments commencing all the time. This south east area has been undergoing a major transformation and is fast becoming a fresh modern metropolis with new public spaces and leisure facilities. It’s easy to find fine early Victorian houses, a reminder that Lewisham was once a peaceful retreat from the crowded central London locations.
Blackheath was London’s first conservation area, with Hare and Billet pond regarded as being the most natural wildlife habitat. This area of Lewisham is also considered the place where golf was introduced to England.
Lewisham certainly has everything you need, ranging from shopping centres and outdoor markets to interesting venues, shops, bars and restaurants to explore. This part of the town is a great place for those who don’t want to live in an overcrowded area of London but need excellent transport links to the city centre. Lewisham is only 9 minutes by train to London Bridge and is very well served by bus routes both into London and to nearby towns and suburbs. There are also plans to extend the Bakerloo line from Elephant and Castle to Lewisham in 2030.
The air pollution in Lewisham is considered low, and by the end of October 2021, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was expanded to include all roads within the North and South Circular (A205). The crime rate in this region is slightly higher than the average in London.
Tenants are generally looking for houses in Lewisham, New Cross, Forest Hill and Hither Green, while new buyers are eager to find the perfect place in Catford, Blackheath and Bellingham. According to Housing in London 2019, there are 303,536 people living in Lewisham with 2.40 people per dwelling. The housing stock in the area has grown 10.6% from 2008 to 2018, with 37,210 affordable homes, and houses are 40% of the total stock. The average private rent is £1,275 and the average house price is £403,327, according to the same report. The borough has 18.72% of owned outright properties, 26.26% owned with a mortgage or loan, 25.97% private rent and 29.05% social housing, according to the Office of National Statistics. If you would like to rent a house in Lewisham, it is estimated that you will need a total annual income of £38,250, according to the rent affordability formula.
In this ward, you will find approximately 174 primary schools and 56 secondary schools, of which 38 are rated as outstanding by Ofsted. The University Hospital Lewisham is the principal hospital in the borough, but there are many other NHS community sites, such as Honor Oak Health Centre and South Lewisham Health Centre.
