Flats to rent in Walworth & SE17 and Houses to rent in Walworth & SE17

Just south of Borough and Elephant and Castle lies Walworth, a very interesting, historical area with a great mix of housing. As regeneration of the area takes hold, it's a great place to look if you're into inner city living with great charm and bargains - and the whole area is regarded as a must-view by those who want Borough and Riverside views but aren't keen on paying for them.

The mix of housing is explained by the position of the area; as times have come and gone in the section of streets south of the Borough and the Elephant, squeezed on either side by Bermondsey and Lambeth, so a huge range of styles and vogues have washed through here. This, together with the changing fortunes (and budgets) of the residents has given rise to the current glorious melange.

Walworth's character is multicultural, bustling, and centred on the busy East Street, where the market dominates. This is one of London's best and busiest markets, where bargains in groceries and other goods are always found, and it's a cultural centre as well - with loads of restaurants and shops spiralling off the area. Living here is a nightlife and activity dream - there are the fabulous cityscapes of the Borough and London Bridge, the city walks, and it's simplicity itself to get to the West End. As the area regenerates and goes a bit upmarket, there are better services, new schools and the streets are pretty, quiet and lined with trees away from the main areas. There are lovely little squares and gardens punctuating this mainly urban area, with the largest green space being the pretty Kennington Park.

Off from the main drags (East Street, Walworth Road, Old Kent Road, is a tight network of streets on which a vast range of houses and apartments are found. As said above the mix is astonishing and stylistically surprising. There are excellent Victorian terraced houses opporiste Georgian sections, with large complexes of apartments rising in their midst. In the West and North on the Newington estate, the houses are more uniform, well planned and give good amounts of space. Some of the best places are overlooking Kennington Park, with lovely Victorian terraces and Edwardian mansion blocks.

With the regeneration of the whole postcode under way, and as its location make it appeal to media workers, city and riverside workers all over the south and centre of London, Walworth is set to be a great bet for a while to come.

Walworth is in the Borough of Southwark 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 Southwark website: Borough of Southwark

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 Southwark Council Tax