Rotherhithe: Perfect for London commuters

Background

Rotherhithe is situated in the London borough of Southwark and is only a short distance from the Docklands area and the numerous office complexes around Canary Wharf.

From its historical roots in shipping and sea transportation, it appears that the area is now an in-demand place to live for 21st century Londoners with converted warehouses making plush accommodation for people looking for property to rent.

Property

Rotherhithe.com stated that the district is "fast-developing into an up and coming area of the city", which is perhaps reflected in the prices of buying an abode.

According to the latest figures from the Land Registry, the average cost of a property in the London borough of Southwark was £351,988 in March 2010, an increase of 10.5 per cent - or more than £37,000 - from 12 months earlier.

Furthermore, the data reveals that a detached house in the area will set potential buyers back £756,844, while semi-detached abodes are worth £490,175, which perhaps might not be music to the ears of those looking to purchase their own place.

In addition, terraced pads are valued at £389,487 and a maisonette or flat could cost approximately £337,813, which is still above the average price of a home across London.

These figures might encourage more people to consider looking at property to rent in Rotherhithe.

A studio pad in the area will set people back as little as £1,005 a month on average, while a one-bedroom place costs £1,070, a two-bed home £1,517 and a three-bed abode £2,197.

Transport

Rotherhithe has a railway station on the new East London line, which can get commuters to Canary Wharf in eight minutes via Canada Water.

In addition, people looking to get to work in the City of London can reach Liverpool St - in the heart of the Square Mile - in 18 minutes.

Motorists can also use the Rotherhithe Tunnel to cross the River Thames for those looking to reach destinations in North London.

Alternatively, Canary Wharf and Wapping can be reached via ferry services.

However, possibly less exhausting travel includes three main roads linking the area to London Bridge and Bermondsey in the west, Greenwich to the south-east and Limehouse on the northern side of the river, via the Rotherhithe Tunnel.

People looking to jet off on holiday will find that London City Airport is just half an hour's drive from the area, with Heathrow approximately 60 minutes away by car.

Amenities

The Surrey Quays shopping centre is not only a place for shopaholics looking to get some bargains, but also has plenty of attractions and eateries.

Those looking for property to rent in Rotherhithe will also have an array of restaurants, bars and clubs in the area to choose from with plenty of character.

For example, the Wibbly Wobbly on Old Dover Street may get people thinking they have had one too many, but they should not be alarmed as that may have something to do with the fact the pub floats on water, with the jetty acting as a beer garden with a difference.

Beyond the immediate area is Greenwich and its own variety of nightlife and international cuisines, not to mention the O2 Arena if residents want to see a pop concert or a major sporting event.

Thanks to its proximity, the cafes and bars around Canary Wharf are also worth a visit.

In all, its location and distance from an array of attractions as well as offering the potential for an easy journey for commuters going to work means Rotherhithe offers a lot for those considering moving to the area.

Written by Andy Britten

Published 1st June, 2010

© 2010 Estates IT Limited