Flats to rent in Merton Park & SW19 and Houses to rent in Merton Park & SW19

Merton Park is well off, distinctly comforting and relaxing - although it's a bit more than a typical South London suburb.

In many respects however it's very similar to other areas around here. Much of its character is similar to that of areas of Wimbledon, Sydenham, and other truly suburban places that are strung in a ring just out of sight (and sound) of the huge South Circular. But Merton Park splits very much in half, with a distinctly 'suburban' part and another which appears more urban.

Like Merton itself, Mitcham, and other areas, the southern, suburban area - the area that roughly begins at Erridge Road and works south - of Merton Park is typified by 1920s and 1930s, and some later housing that was developed gradually; these good-sized midwar homes are comfortable, and offer good family bases. However the more upmarket, and more desirable areas of Merton Park are to the north, as it meets Wimbledon. The reason for this is simple, and down to the power of 19th Century money and autocracy. The area here, owned by John Innes, a financier, was developed as Wimbledon began to grow, and Innes, like many of his kind, sought to develop the area in a stylish and unified way: hence the northern areas of Merton Park find houses and parades that look more as if they belong in Chiswick (Innes' model) or Fulham, or Clapham. Both areas are desirable, but the northern areas of Merton Park are filled with very lovely, big Victorian houses and villas. Around them, and attracting trade from both sections of the area, are some excellent shops of the boutique style, gorgeous cafes and restaurants which both feed off and help drive the overall area upwards.

Merton Park's dual identity aside, this is a place that caters for those who can't afford the more expensive areas of Wimbledon, or who want more space around them than the houses closer to the centre give. It has access to excellent big-name shops in Wimbledon as well as great supermarkets nearby, not to mention the resources of Merton Park itself. It's an excellent bet for any first time buyers looking for good space at a range of budgets, and families.

Merton Park is in the Borough of Merton 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 Merton website: Borough of Merton

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 Merton Council Tax