Surrey Quays is a residential area within the district of Rotherhithe, which is located in the north-eastern part of the borough of Southwark in South East London. The area was home to the Surrey Commercial Docks until 1970, and then remained derelict for more than 10 years.
In 2021 sold property prices in Surrey Quays averaged £505,462, significantly lower than the overall average across the borough of Southwark, which came in at £676,000. Average prices in the district were also a third of the price of the average property in Dulwich Village, which was the borough's most expensive district boasting an average property price of £1,553,449. The average property in Surrey Quays was marginally more expensive than in Southwark's most affordable area, which was Newington, with its average price of £491,250.
As is typically the case in many inner London areas, flats accounted for most of the properties sold in Surrey Quays throughout 2021, and they reached an overall average price of £457,798. Semi-detached properties in Surrey Quays averaged £666,250, with the area's terraced properties fetching the highest overall average of £734,693.
This data illustrates that property prices in Surrey Quays fell by 2% from 2020, and by 5% from the peak average in 2017 of £533,246.
What is living in Surrey Quays like?
In the 1980s an enormous regeneration project took place in Surrey Quays undertaken by the government-established London Docklands Development Corporation. The area's old warehouses were demolished and construction began on more than 5,000 new properties ranging from modern apartment complexes to spacious detached family homes. Baltic Quay is one example of the area's largest residential development projects. It was completed in 1989 and is known for its striking architecture including circular windows and vaulted roof.
During this period of regeneration South Dock was transformed into London's largest marina. Greenland Dock benefitted from the construction of a sailing facility, and the area around Russia Dock and Canada Water became wildlife reserves. One of the advantages of living in a recently developed area is a lot of thought has been put into ensuring there are enough facilities for locals and visitors to enjoy. So, as you might expect, Surrey Quays offers some incredibly picturesque views as well as plenty of things to do, including kicking back in relaxing pubs, tucking into delicious cuisine from around the world, and relaxing by the riverside or in one of the area's tranquil outdoor spaces.
Living in Surrey Quays pros and cons
Pro: Transport networks in Surrey Quays are excellent
Surrey Quays railway station is positioned on the East London Line of the Overground network. A program of upgrades is planned for the station, including a new ticket hall and step-free access. Currently the station benefits from frequent services to the likes of Sydenham, New Cross and Dalston Junction. Numerous bus routes serve the station which further improves connectivity including the 1, which runs between Canada Water and Tottenham Court Road station, the 188 which runs between Russel Square and North Greenwich bus station, and several night services which operate between 11pm and 6am.
Residents of Surrey Quays also have access to Canada Water station, which is positioned on both the overground services and the London Underground. It forms part of the Jubilee line between Canary Wharf and Bermondsey, and it is the busiest National Rail station with just two platforms. Like Surrey Quays railway station, Canada Water is in zone 2 and also benefits from excellent bus connectivity.
Thanks to its riverside location, accessing the London River Services is also an option for Surrey Quays residents which run from Greenland Dock Pier. To put all this information into context, residents can be in Canary Wharf or the Isle of Dogs in 10 minutes, and in the City in under 20 minutes.
Con: Development in Surrey Quays is on-going
While on-going development is often a benefit, it can also cause disruption for local residents. It is therefore worth noting than plans for the creation of a new town centre development in the area around the Surrey Quays Shopping Centre was approved in 2019, and the project is scheduled to begin in 2022. Under the plans, 16 new streets will be created alongside 3,000 new homes and green spaces.
Pro: Surrey Quays can offer a wide variety of properties
From apartments to detached homes, and even houseboats, this part of London seemingly has a property for everyone, regardless of personal taste and preferences. As many properties here were constructed in the 1980s, you may find that your dream home requires some work to bring it into this decade, however this does provide the ideal opportunity to put your own stamp on it.
Is Surrey Quays a safe place to live?
There were 1,795 crimes reported in the Surrey Docks SNT area between January 2020 and December 2021. Violent crimes accounted for 431 of those reports, alongside 420 cases of theft, 239 vehicle offences and 218 burglaries.
Crime in Surrey Docks peaked in September 2020, however crime has generally been lower since then. Crime fell from 70 reports in March 2021 to 53 reports in April 2021, before rising to 84 reports in June 2021. Notably crime fell again between October and December 2021, from 84 cases to 58.
There were 15 reports of miscellaneous theft, 13 cases involving theft from a person, and six reports of violent crime recorded in November 2021. However, the only real crime hotspot in the area can be found around the Surrey Quays Leisure Park. Overall there were seven crimes per 1,000 residents recorded in Surrey Quays in November 2021, which was lower than the borough of Southwark, which recorded nine crimes per 1,000 residents and the wider London area which recorded eight crimes per 1,000 residents.
Which celebrities live in Surrey Quays?
While Surrey Quays isn't renowned for being one of London's celebrity hotspots, the area has seen several well-known faces setting up home including the legendary actor Sir Michael Caine.
Things to consider when moving to Surrey Quays
Although Surrey Quays is vibrant, it certainly doesn't have the hustle and bustle of many other areas in Inner London. So, while it may not be the ideal place to live for those who relish living in an area that is fast-paced 24/7, it will suit those who enjoy their city living with a slice of tranquillity and who like spending time outdoors.
The area is also well-suited to family life, with local facilities including cinemas, bowling alleys and shopping centres. Surrey Quays also benefits from proximity to excellent schools, including the 'Outstanding' rated Albion Primary School, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School and St Michael's Catholic College.
Drivers may be disappointed to learn that Surrey Quays is within the expanded ULEZ zone, which means that daily charges will apply when using vehicles that do not conform to the scheme's strict emissions standards. The area is, however, well outside the Congestion Charge zone.
It is also worth noting that some properties in the area are still unable to access ultrafast broadband services, which could prove to be somewhat of an issue, particularly if you work from home in a heavily internet-based role.
Air quality in the area is among the best in the city, with data illustrating that between mid-January 2022 and mid-February 2022 pollution only exceeded WHO recommendations on nine out of 30 days.