West Norwood Area Guide | RM Surveyors
West Norwood’s great transport links make it popular with young professionals who still want access to central London but are looking for more space, better value and a community feel.
With its mix of modern developments and rows of period properties, leafy West Norwood offers a friendly community vibe and more for your money than surrounding areas* . I love this residential south London suburb for its abundance of green spaces, excellent transport links and vibrant high street which is packed with amenities, including a recently opened Picturehouse cinema and the monthly West Norwood Feast – one of London’s most exciting new street markets which is attracting a younger crowd to the area*. I’ve seen West Norwood’s popularity rise in recent years – particularly amongst young professionals and first-time buyers – leading to a steady rise in sales and rental prices*. In this guide, I share my take on this up-and-coming part of south London and explain why I believe it’s ripe with investment potential.
Typical housing stock
West Norwood has lots to offer when it comes to housing – whether you’re looking for a shiny new build or characterful period property. You’ll find modern developments alongside more traditional Victorian, Edwardian and Thirties family homes.
Many period properties are yet to be extended or receive loft conversions, making West Norwood an excellent choice if you’re looking to invest or add value*
Transport links
A big part of West Norwood’s appeal is the area’s great transport links, making it popular with young professionals who still want access to the bright lights and opportunities of central London but are looking for more space, better value and a community feel.
Southern trains leave from West Norwood station to Victoria and London Bridge & take around 20 minutes, while nearby Tulse Hill station runs cross-London Thameslink services to London Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Kings Cross, St Pancras and Luton Airport. The area’s closest tube stations are at Brixton and Balham, both of which can be reached by one of the eight day-time and two night-time bus routes serving the area*. If you’re interested in local architecture, look out for Norwood Bus Garage: this huge local bus depot is housed in an unusual 1960s building.
Shopping and eating out
West Norwood’s main shopping area lies along Norwood Road, Norwood High Street and Knights Hill*. In the last few years, I’ve enjoyed seeing familiar high-street names such as Superdrug, Co-op and B&Q being joined by a growing number of independent retail stores, coffee shops and places to eat. I like The Garden for authentic Italian fare such as home-made pasta, Lal Baag restaurant for classic Indian cuisine and The Good Drinker on Knight’s Hill which stocks an extensive range of great-value wines from all over the world.
Be sure to mark the Norwood Feast in your diary – this buzzy community market takes place every first Sunday of the month from April to December, has over 100 stalls and attracts shoppers and foodies from all over London*
Some of my other local favourites include Floral Hall, a longstanding florist, nursery and garden centre; independent butcher H & M Meats whose friendly staff are always on hand to help with helpful recipes and cooking advice; and Rosebery’s auctioneer house, a local institution that runs monthly antique sales and regular fine arts events.
Parks and green spaces
West Norwood is blessed with an abundance of nearby parks and green spaces which attracts many young families to the area. Providing a 40-acre sanctuary in the heart of this bustling suburb, the cemetery has become popular amongst walkers with its views across south London. You’ll also find Norwood Park and Norwood Grove within walking distance of the high street, and the open space offered by nearby Streatham Common ideal for family, sports and leisure activities.
I particularly love walking through Peabody Hill: this small woodland area is a hidden gem tucked away a few minutes north of Norwood Road – and it’s now recognised as an area of outstanding ecological importance.
Sports, leisure and community
Local fitness fanatics will love West Norwood Health & Leisure Centre which boasts a 100-station gym, a six-lane swimming pool and a fitness studio for dance, yoga and martial arts classes. Movie buffs will enjoy the four-screen Picturehouse cinema which opened on Norwood High Street in 2018 in a local council building which also houses a café and the local library*. A must-visit for art lovers, Portico Gallery is a vibrant community and arts space on Knights Hill celebrating local creativity and cultural diversity. I’ve also been pleased to see some innovative community initiatives springing up in West Norwood over recent years, including The Southside Rehabilitation Association’s Copyshop which helps local people with mental health difficulties return to work, and local charity L’Arche on Norwood High Street which provides support for people with learning disabilities.
Schools and local council
West Norwood schools fall under the Lambeth Local Education Authority. Any parents looking to move to the area will be pleased to learn that all state primary and comprehensive schools were rated “good” by Ofsted in 2020*.
West Norwood sits within the Labour-controlled London Borough of Lambeth and is comprised of three wards: Gipsy Hill, Knights Hill and Thurlow Park. Each of these wards is represented on Lambeth Council by three councillors*.
Estate agencies
If you like the idea of living or investing in West Norwood, there are some fantastic estate agencies in the area to help you find that perfect place. As a former estate agent myself, I’ve always found these guys to be helpful, proactive and friendly:
Surveys and valuations
If you’ve already got your eye on a West Norwood property and are ready to take the next step, I offer a wide range of independent and cost-effective residential surveys and property valuations. As a residential chartered surveyor and RICS registered property valuer with more 20 years’ real estate experience across London and the south-east, I know that buying property is one of the most important decisions most people ever make. That’s why I’m passionate about taking the stress out of the survey and valuation process and helping people realise their dreams, whether that’s a treasured new home or the next investment property.
I’m passionate about taking the stress out of the survey and valuation process and helping people realise their dreams, whether that’s a treasured new home or the next investment property.
“Helpful with local recommendations for trades which was over and above his remit. Have moved into live there and are very happy and settled.”
Contact me today at roo@rmsurveyors.co.uk or by phone on 07957 606886 to have an informal, confidential and no-obligation initial consultation about your requirements, or visit my website to learn more about my property services.