Flats to rent in St Margarets & TW1 and Houses to rent in St Margarets & TW1

Across the river from Richmond, easily within reach of the former and of Twickenham, St Margarets nevertheless manages to be its own place, its own community, and locals of all kinds regard it as the finest place in London. With a down at heel, relaxed feel yet with a definite gentility, it comes across as an easy marriage of Richmond and near neighbour, Isleworth.

A lovely little suburb, St Margarets' isolation makes it feel a little out of time - but in a good way. A good spread of tree-lined residential roads meet at a little parade of shops, quaint boutiques and cafes that are very popular with locals as well as the Grade II listed (though modern) church. This is very much a city village, and it's a place that people tend to stay in a good while, as it feels secluded, relaxing and safe.

St Margarets is surrounded by the river and by parks and green spaces. In Moormead Park, by the River Crane that forms one of the areas formal boundaries, a fair is held every year, underlining the strong community feel that gets under the skin even of recent inhabitants, and Cole and Marble Hill parks are close, as well as the more obvious Richmond Park et al. There are good local pubs on the river and in the little centre, excellent local sports, tennis, rowing etc. Great schools are nearby in profusion, and there's a thriving local community centre. It's always thought of as like Richmond in terms of facilities, but infinitely calmer and more quiet, relaxed and suburban. It's so close to the larger areas that they might as well be considered facilities themselves.

Houses here are mostly small cottages and little conversions, but there are larger Victorian and Edwardian homes in many of the streets as well. These little cottages and larger family homes offer excellent living for young professionals and growing families that believe St Margarets to be just perfect.

St Margarets is in the Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames 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 Richmond-upon-Thames website: Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames

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 Richmond-upon-Thames Council Tax