Flats to Rent or Houses For Sale in Morden & SM4

The epitome of southwestern London's generally very good suburbs, this is an area that's up and coming - and always so.

The reason of course is that to an extent prices here are set a little below those of neighbouring Wimbledon - the touchstone of the local districts and the one all those around set themselves against. But this historical bias ignores the history and excellent environment that Morden presents for the family and anyone looking for a good deal.

Mostly built up in the 19th century, Morden has a pleasingly uniform aspect about it, reflecting in spirit its previously rural, arable character. What's remained of that countryfied feel is the aspect of it most important to homebuyers - the splendid array of local parks and playing fields all around the area such as Morden Park and Morden Hall Park, most of which were converted from the large estates that dominated here until it began its long, inexorable acceleration to suburbia. Around this are spun the other accoutrements of modern living - Morden has a good number of restaurants and cafes, and its shops provide most of what you need. Of course, it's a pretty simple trip from here to any one of a number of areas - Merton, Sydenham, and of course Croydon and Wimbledon, the latter two of which contain virtually everything you might want.

Morden is gently cosmopolitan. As well as a large number of churches of various denominations it contains the famous Ahmadiyya Mosque, the largest Mosque in Western Europe, opened in 2003.

The acceleration that pushed Morden's development saw the creation of its most notable residential area, the St Helier estate, which was begun in the 1930s still dominates and dictates the character of the suburb. But all houses in the area are similar. It specialises in medium sized, 2 and 3 bedrooms mostly, semi-detached houses, all built on good wide roads with ample parking and good gardens. In general this is a place of well built, carefully thought out roads perfect for the young family or the first time buyer; with its tube station (extremely unusual in South London) Morden is a very well connected area for the professional to get into town.

Morden 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