Flats to rent in Balham & SW12 and Houses to rent in Balham & SW12

For the professional couple, and for families, Balham is nigh on perfect. Wide, safe streets lead to green spaces like Tooting and Wandsworth Commons, and the beautiful and oft-missed Angus Riley Gardens to the northeast. Mostly composed of Victorian and Edwardian terraces, but with Edwardian semis also fringing the picturesque Graveny Common, Balham's houses are attractive, well-planned and generous, often with good-sized gardens ideal for children or that Sunday barbecue when the sun's shining through the trees. Prices are best if you don't mind walking a few minutes to the Commons, but even if you have to have a view of the parks, Balham is still remarkably reasonable.

For those preferring a quieter existence than that found in its more fashionable neighbours, Balham offers everything, in particular a very affordable way to step up several rungs on the property ladder without breaking the bank, and whilst still giving plenty of access to central London. The area has remained stable for a long time, partly because those who live here love doing so.

Apart from the extraordinary range of greenery within easy walking distance, the area has a vast array of amenities of all kinds. Its restaurants and cafes are many and varied, so you'll never be stuck for ideas for dinner, lunch or perhaps a quick brunch after a night out at one of the vibrant pubs or clubs. Shopping in Balham is the best of both worlds, with supermarkets and big name brands in easy reach as well as old-fashioned greengrocers, boutiques and quirky stores.

Balham remains one of the best places in London to live a quiet life with an option to be loud for the young professional - and one of the best environments for a family.

Balham is in the Borough of Wandsworth which holds the responsibility for delivering services in your area.
For specific information on this borough, or to contact individual departments please click here to visit their website.

Borough of Wandsworth website: Borough of Wandsworth

In General:
The London boroughs are administrative centres responsible for collecting local taxes (Council Tax and Business Rates) and then spending the funds received on local services. They are run by Borough Councils who are elected by borough residents on a four year cycle. The totals that they spend will depend on the rates of tax that they levy plus funds allocated from central government and other sources.

While many of the services (schools, roads, planning, rubbish collection and social services) are standard, levels of provision will vary according to the overall political will as expressed by the voters.

Your tax liability (as a resident) will be based on the council tax band of your home. These bands are set by Valuation Officers and there is scope for appeal. The rate bands are then used to determine the amounts of tax levied. So, while the bands will remain largely constant the levels of tax can go up and, in theory, down.

You may claim discounts or exemptions based on your circumstances. For example, as the only adult in a property you can get a 25% reduction on your bill. Other reductions are available for qualifying second adults and Council Tax Benefit claimants.

There is more information available at the HM Customs & Excise website.

Borough of Wandsworth Council Tax