Flats to Rent or Houses For Sale in Norwood London & SE19 , SE25 , SE27

Norwood tends to be split into the Upper, West South Norwood areas. There are differences of course, but mainly the reason for this is geographical. Norwood as a whole is wide, popular and all its regions share the quality of being full of wonderful places to live.

The main difference between the Norwoods is fairly apparent. Upper Norwood and West Norwood have the distinct advantage of being up high on the Crystal Palace hill - which gives it lovely views - whilst South Norwood lies in the shallower plain that glides towards Croydon. The effect of proximity of Croydon on the housing, streets etc effectively makes the southern areas of Norwood feel more like a true suburb, whilst like neighbouring Crystal Palace, Upper Norwood and West Norwood feel like a leafy, but traditional city borough.

Both are well placed for schools for both sexes and all ages; both have splendid shopping close by. South Norwood has a good parade of little shops around the Portland Road area, a good spread of big names and local traders. Upper Norwood has perhaps a slightly more genteel feel and this is reflected in the character of its shops; small, independent grocers and traders, little cafes. There are good places to eat all over Norwood as a whole; South Norwood has excellent little eateries in amongst its shops.

The split between suburban and gentrified urban, between South and Upper/West on the hill, has an obvious effect on its property. To the south there are a few low-rise blocks of flats as well as purpose built blocks. Here, the few large houses that exist are mostly converted. Houses are generally medium sized, 1930s semis. To the north and west, larger properties chase up the hill. Large, wide roads lead to Crystal Palace, where large Victorian properties are both subdivided into generous flats, as well as found intact as lovely family residences. There are also very nice, small purpose built blocks here.

Norwood is in the Borough of Croydon 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 Croydon website: Borough of Croydon

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 Croydon Council Tax

Norwood Car Travel

Norwood Train Travel