Flats to rent in Mitcham & CR4 and Houses to rent in Mitcham & CR4

With the River Wandle wandering past it, Mitcham - to the southwest of Streatham and sandwiched by Croydon and Morden - is enclosed on all sides, quite subtly, by water and green. With the arrival of new transport links that have historically hampered the area, it's looking like a great bet for getting into town, which is all it needed.

The Eastfields Station opened up in June of 2008, and has instantly made a difference, putting Mitcham on an equal footing with other areas in the Southwest when it comes to commuters looking for good houses.

Mitcham has a good high street with everything you might want on it - but of course, if you want a wider choice then Morden, Streatham, Colliers Wood and other areas are very close by. In the area are good places to eat, some nice pubs and a few shops, but what Mitcham residents love more than anything else is the true semi-rural nature of their area, and although the new station is helping to push the area up in popularity, it's not losing any of its character.

Houses here range from the mid-war semidetached houses through ex-council houses and others. Houses around the Commonside, near the (now a conservation area) cricket pitch are very much in demand. Elsewhere, there are newer developments both of houses and flats in the Lavender Park area, whilst some very new, but lovely closes of Locks Lane are also becoming sought after. There are very large midwar houses in the north of Mitcham, which is the handiest for transport; meanwhile more large family homes are found around Mitcham Park and in the Baron Grove area.

Mitcham is still in a state of development - perhaps one of the few places in the area moving at this pace. But the pace appears to be managed, sensible, and maintaining what everyone loves about the area - its peace and tranquility, its semi-rural nature - whilst bringing in more in the way of resources in terms of connection and entertainment to rival that of nearby rivals. Mitcham is a lovely little enclosure of Surrey that's in London - and you'd be wise to view it soon.

Mitcham 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