London Bridge is one of London’s most historic neighbourhoods. Located on the south bank of the Thames in Southwark, London Bridge itself connects the City of London and Southwark, in central London.
Formerly known as the Pool of London, London Bridge is in the heart of commuter land, making it very easy to get across the city. Its diverse mix of old and new has led to the area becoming an increasingly popular place for people to live, with a London Bridge apartment being a particularly desirable option for either renting or buying.
Living in London Bridge provides heritage, unique properties, stellar attractions, and transport links. The area is regularly cited as one of the best places to live in London. To find out more about what living in London Bridge has to offer, check out our area guide below.
Properties in London Bridge
London Bridge Property Market
London Bridge has emerged as one of the most sought-after areas to live in London, and the property market echoes this appeal. Over the past years, prices have shown a steady incline, with the average property cost reaching £980,000 in 2022.
Several factors have contributed to the surge in property prices in London Bridge, making it a prime choice for investors in the UK and abroad. First and foremost, the area boasts excellent connectivity, with robust transport links connecting it to the rest of London and beyond. Moreover, it is home to several renowned landmarks, including Tower Bridge, Borough Market, and the Southbank Centre, making it an enticing location for residents and visitors alike. Furthermore, the locality has witnessed significant rejuvenation efforts, with various new developments enriching the landscape.
Property Types in London Bridge
London Bridge primarily features flats, apartments, and townhouses as the most common types of properties available. Flats are the most affordable option, offering a range of sizes and styles to suit various preferences. They are favoured by many buyers and renters due to their lower price points and low maintenance requirements. However, some may find the limited outdoor space and shared communal areas less appealing.
On the other hand, apartments in the London Bridge area tend to be larger and more spacious than flats. They often come with additional features like balconies or terraces, providing private outdoor spaces that enhance the living experience. As a result, apartments present excellent opportunities for investment, as attractive features can lead to higher rental yields and resale values. However, potential buyers should consider that apartments might have higher maintenance costs and service charges compared to flats, impacting overall affordability.
For those seeking even more space and a touch of luxury, townhouses present the most expansive option in the London Bridge area. Accompanied by delightful gardens or courtyards, townhouses offer a perfect blend of indoor and outdoor living. Their generous living spaces and multiple levels provide ample room for families or those who desire extra space. It’s important to note that townhouses generally come with a higher price tag and may require more maintenance compared to flats or apartments.
When considering the type of property to choose in London Bridge, evaluating the pros and cons of each option against your budget, lifestyle, and preferences will help you find the ideal home that meets your unique needs. Whether you prioritise affordability, spaciousness, or additional amenities, the variety of flats, apartments, and townhouses in this area ensures there's something for everyone.
London Bridge has a diverse architectural history that spans centuries. Georgian buildings from the 18th century bring a touch of classical elegance. Moving into the 19th century, Victorian structures stand out for their eclectic features, including bay windows and decorative brickwork. The 20th century introduces Edwardian architecture, blending tradition with contemporary elements like stained glass windows. Art Deco buildings, though rare, capture the style of the 1920s and 1930s. Modern designs dominate the financial district, characterised by sleek lines and glass and steel elements. London Bridge's architecture narrates a layered story of design evolution and urban transformation.
Buying Property in London Bridge
London Bridge has promising appeal to property investors. Situated at the heart of London, its proximity to the City of London and Canary Wharf provides convenience for commuters, with efficient transport links around central London and beyond.
A significant draw lies in the rental yields achievable here, averaging between 4-5%. London Bridge's strong recent capital growth trend paints a promising picture for the future. This trajectory indicates a potential appreciation in property value over time, offering investors the prospect of a growing asset.
The demand for property within London Bridge adds another layer of interest here. Fueled by its strategic location, vibrant community, and diverse property types, the area experiences consistent demand. This makes it easy to find tenants for investment properties, underpinning the financial viability of the area.
In essence, London Bridge stands as a strategic investment choice making it a great proposition for property investors seeking both immediate returns and long-term value appreciation.
Renting Property in London Bridge
London Bridge is a great area to rent a property. Its appeal lies in its practicality for commuting, the vibrancy of the area, diverse housing options, affordability, and family-friendly amenities. Its central location ensures easy access to the City of London and Canary Wharf, supported by strong transport links. The lively community, brimming with shops and eateries, extends the living experience beyond the home.
Housing options span apartments, townhouses, and converted warehouses, catering to various preferences and budgets. Affordability is relatively low for central London and is complemented by the presence of good schools, making it a family-friendly choice.
In essence, London Bridge's rental scene offers a great living experience, combining convenience, vibrancy, housing diversity, affordability, and family-oriented amenities.
London Bridge Property for Sale
London Bridge Rental Properties
Buildings of Significance in London Bridge
One of the most iconic buildings in the area is The Palace of Westminster. It’s the home of the UK Parliament. Its Victorian architecture has many ornate details, including exquisite decorative brickwork, intricate ironwork, and stained glass windows.
The building at nearby 33-35 Eastcheap shows Neo-Gothic architecture which has some unique characteristics, such as pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and intricate tracery.
Near London Bridge, you’ll also find the Tower of London, showcasing Romanesque architecture at the White Tower. Popular in Europe between the 9th and 12th centuries, this style includes rounded arches, awe-inspiring barrel vaults, and solid, fortified walls.
Then a stone’s throw from London Bridge is the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral, which is an example of Baroque architecture from Sir Christopher Wren.
London Bridge Schools
The London Bridge area is home to several great schools, including:
- City of London School: Founded in 1519, this prestigious all-boys’ grammar school has an excellent academic reputation. Attracting students from all across London, enrolment begins from 11 years of age.
- St Paul’s Cathedral School: Established in 1509, this independent, mixed, co-educational school follows the Church of England’s principles and maintains a strong academic standing. Welcoming pupils from all areas, this school offers full and day boarding.
- London Christian School: With its inception in 1978, this private, co-educational Christian school offers a diverse and balanced curriculum for pupils aged 3-11 years.
- Tower Bridge Primary School: Serving the community within its catchment area since 1903, this state-funded primary school provides education for boys and girls and enjoys a positive local reputation and has been part of The Bridges Federation since 2015.
- Charles Dickens Primary School: Founded in 1870, this state-funded primary school is co-educational and well-regarded within the area and is the leader of the London South Teaching School hub, that works to recruit, train and develop teachers.
London Bridge Regeneration Information
Past Regeneration Projects
The area has seen significant regeneration in recent years, but non as obvious as The Shard. This 95-story skyscraper located in the London Bridge Quarter, near the London Bridge area, was conceived by property entrepreneur Irvine Sellar with a vision for a multifunctional building that serves as a significant hub of activity. Construction commenced in March 2009, and on March 30, 2012, the building reached its pinnacle height, showcasing architect Renzo Piano’s distinctive design inspired by river-side railways, London’s historic spires depicted in Canaletto’s paintings, and the majestic masts of sailing ships. The Shard’s steel structure was completed when a 66-meter spire, weighing 500 tonnes, was lifted into place, bringing the total height to 308.7 meters. With its 516 glass panes subsequently added, the tower reached its full height of 309.6 meters. This ranks as the UK’s second-tallest freestanding structure, surpassed only by the 330-meter concrete transmission tower at Emley Moor. The Shard accommodates offices, residences, public spaces, a hotel, and a public observation gallery offering a remarkable 40-mile view. Despite its impressive stature, the building faced opposition from English Heritage, who expressed concerns about its impact on the historic London landscape, thus earning its name, The Shard.
Regeneration Projects in London Bridge
The London Bridge area is currently undergoing several regeneration projects with the aim of transforming further into a vibrant and attractive destination. These initiatives include:
- London Bridge Regeneration: A £700 million redevelopment project in progress, engaging various stakeholders, including London South Bank University (LSBU), to contribute to the proposals and plans for the area. The primary focus is on enhancing connectivity, making the area more accessible to people from all over London, and creating green spaces and pedestrian-friendly areas to improve the public realm.
- London Bridge Plan: Devised by the Southwark Council, the London Bridge Plan is a comprehensive strategy for the area’s regeneration and enhancement. Its objectives include improving the area’s appeal to attract more companies and investment. The plan encompasses various proposals, such as developing new cultural and educational facilities, improving transport links, and creating more affordable housing.
These regeneration projects are anticipated to have a significant impact on the London Bridge area, generating job opportunities, attracting investment, and enhancing the quality of life for both residents and visitors. Furthermore, they are expected to contribute to making the London Bridge area a more sustainable and resilient community.
London Bridge Community
Several organisations and initiatives actively promote community spirit in the area, helping to create a great place to live for all residents.
Commonplace: This platform benefits the London Bridge community by creating opportunities to connect, enabling idea-sharing, and encouraging participation in local projects. It enhances community cohesion, informs residents, and promotes civic engagement, ultimately enriching the fabric of London Bridge life.
London Bridge City: This community page is a valuable resource for London Bridge residents, providing information about a range of community events and organisations. By offering insights into upcoming events and local groups, creating opportunities for discussions, enabling feedback, and promoting a sense of community, it contributes to enhancing the quality of life, engagement, and connectedness among local residents.
Team London Bridge: This partnering project is a valuable resource for businesses and organisations aiming to contribute to the local community. By providing funding opportunities, marketing support, networking events, access to expertise, and a sense of community, Team London Bridge facilitates meaningful involvement that can enhance the quality of life for residents in the area.
London Bridge Revealed: This organisation serves as a vital resource for residents and businesses within the London Bridge area. By offering a calendar of local events, a directory of organisations, a discussion forum, and a platform for feedback, it encourages community interaction and involvement.
Transport Information
London Bridge boasts excellent transport links to the rest of London and beyond. Here are some of the main transport options available in the vicinity:
- Trains: London Bridge has multiple mainline train stations, including London Bridge Station, Blackfriars Station, and Cannon Street Station. These stations facilitate travel to various destinations across the UK, such as Brighton, Oxford, and Birmingham.
- Underground: The area is well-served by the Underground, with key stations like London Bridge Station (serving the Northern, Jubilee, and Bakerloo Lines), Southwark Station (Jubilee Line), and Cannon Street Station (District and Circle Lines). These stations offer convenient connections to all corners of London.
- Buses: London Bridge enjoys an extensive bus network, with routes covering the entire city. The main bus stops are situated at London Bridge Station, Southwark Station, and Blackfriars Station.
- DLR: The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) extends to the London Bridge area, serving stations at Bank, Tower Gateway, and Shadwell. The DLR provides swift and efficient transportation to and from the City of London and Canary Wharf.
Whether you're looking for a unique apartment, a spacious townhouse, or a prime investment opportunity, London Bridge has it all. With rich history, famous landmarks, and top-notch schools the area has a lot to offer. Contact our team today to find your perfect home in London Bridge.
Things To Do in London Bridge
London Bridge holds historical significance as the inspiration behind the famous nursery rhyme, “London Bridge is Falling Down.” With origins dating back to the medieval period, this beloved rhyme has been passed down through generations, captivating young minds with its playful melody and engaging lyrics. While the exact meaning behind the rhyme remains debated, its timeless popularity has made it an integral part of London Bridge’s cultural heritage. As you explore the properties in this vibrant area, take a moment to appreciate the historical charm and allure associated with the nursery rhyme, adding to the rich tapestry of London Bridge’s fame.
Thomas Backlog, our London Bridge branch manager, tell us one of his favourite things about the London Bridge area is: “Taking a walk along the River Thames and admiring the incredible architecture and skyline. The picturesque spots along the river's edge make it a delightful way to catch sight of some of London's most renowned landmarks.”
- One of the oldest and most infamous prisons in England, The Clink Prison Museum allows visitors to peer into the harsh conditions of the past. With its interactive exhibits and informative displays, the museum is an experience for all history enthusiasts and curious travellers.
- You can go ishopping and dining at previously mentioned ‘Shard’. Visitors can enjoy shopping at a range of stores and amazing dining experiences with stunning views.
- You can also delve into the story of London Bridge at the London Bridge Experience museum, where history comes alive from its Roman origins to the present day. Interactive exhibits ensure an engaging and informative exploration of London Bridge's rich heritage.
