House prices in Southwark have almost doubled in past 9 years, making it the most expensive borough in south east London to put down roots, that is according to the ONS median house price dataset, writes Frankie Hills…
In 2017, the average property would set you back just over £331k, but by November 2025, this had risen to an eye-watering £590k, a 78% increase. The recent increase in prices has now made Southwark the most expensive borough to buy property in south east London.
These drastic changes to housing prices came in 2023/24. Throughout that year, the price of the average home in Southwark rose from £405k to £584k. Prices also surged nearly 38% in neighbouring Lewisham, with homes on average increasing from £350k to £483k over the course of that year.
By December 2025, ONS data also revealed the median prices of each property type within Southwark too, with detached properties now costing buyers on average £1,759,000, Semi-detached properties £1,244,000, Terraced properties £851,000 and Flats and maisonettes £486,000.
The news comes as figures released last year show that Southwark also outpaced London in terms of average rent per household, with a standard two bedroom property setting renters back £2,250 a month.
Sebastian Kalmar from estate agents Kalmars told us: “Areas such as Peckham have also become a lot more desirable, with it offering residents a wide variety of leisure activities and access to its vibrant restaurant scene.”
Sebastian also provided further perspective, citing the changing nature of the economy down Old Kent Road.
“The changing economy of the area is also playing a role, particularly down Old Kent Road, where industrial sectors are winding down, in their place industries like tech are becoming more prominent.”
When asked about his thoughts on how the changes to Southwark’s property may affect the community, Sebastian went on to say:
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“Being a lad who is originally from Peckham, you were often ashamed of being from there because it was considered such a rough area. I think the other day I saw it being described by one outlet as ‘the coolest place in the universe’, and I think that’s an incredibly positive thing.
“The changes that are happening are bringing the affluence of middle class-ness to previously deprived areas.”
However, this view on the changing nature of Southwark’s property market isn’t without detractors Siobhan McCarthy, leader of the Aylesham Action Group in Peckham fighting the largest development in the area for a generation told us: “I think, off the top of my head, 80% of people in Peckham and Southwark won’t be able to afford these homes, so I think it’s only for a certain subsect of society that’s being able to afford that.
“We are within the top 10 most deprived areas in London. So there is a demonstrated need for affordable housing here.
“The problem is, these developments don’t do anything for residents here, instead rise in property prices is being caused by people moving here and upgrading their homes and I don’t think it is curing any social problems we have down here.”
Berkeley, the developer behind the Aylesham redevelopment, projects it will value the new flats at £850 per square foot, meaning if the development goes ahead, the price of an average apartment can be projected to reach more than £600,000. Meanwhile, the average income in Peckham sits at £34,100 a year.
Siobhan added: “People are already being priced out of the neighbourhood, out of the places where their family and friends are.
“I just think it sends a message to young people living around here that this place isn’t for them, when actually they should be able to feel like there’s things for them here, whether it be jobs or opportunities.”
The cost of living, houses prices and a housing crisis has resulted on a record number of families moving out of the capital with primary schools across London closing as pupil number fall.
Southwark recorded the largest drop amongst inner London boroughs with at least one dependant child throughout the last decade. Conversely, outer boroughs such as Barking and Dagenham have seen increases of 35% over the same time period.
Religion should Not be taught at Any school..religions are many and varied. If late rd want to ensure their child follows a particular faith , why not Saturday school or even old fashioned Sunday school instead?
Then time taking religious studies can be used by real useful education…The three Rs!
I pressed send before proof reading! If late rd. Comment should read …IF PARENTS WANT TO ENSURE!
MEA CULPA