People are moving to this ‘vibrant’ London borough more than anywhere else in 2025

A trip to the zoo, an acrobatics show, a stroll around one of London’s first indoor markets, or perhaps just a swim in a historic Lido.

These are just some of the unique activities you might stumble across in Wandsworth in South West London.

It seems that it’s becoming increasingly popular with movers, too, as in 2025, a study analysing more than 23,000 moves found that it was the most popular London borough.

Now, it’s not exactly a cheap enclave to move to. Over the last year, house prices in Wandsworth have averaged at out at £810,224, towering over the current national average of £269,900 (according to Zoopla’s figures).

Plus, renting here certainly costs a pretty penny, as Compare My Move’s research found that the average monthly payment comes in at £2,526.

So, just what’s all the fuss about?

‘There’s a great feeling of peace’

Fiona Harrold has lived in Wandsworth for just over two years now, having moved back to London from Somerset in 2024.

She knew she wanted to be somewhere more lively than a village, but needed to be able to switch off and seek clarity amid nature, which is precisely why she ended up choosing South West London.

‘You can come home from a busy day of meetings in the centre of town, turn a corner and there’s suddenly a feeling of peace with a great green expanse of a park or heath,’ the 58-year-old PR tells Metro.

‘What’s special about it is the village feel as well as the convenience of Pilates studios, cafes and hairdressers that are open seven days.’

In her view, it feels like it’s outside of London – but in reality, it’s only 15 minutes from Waterloo on the train.

She now lives in a mansion block, and many of her neighbours have lived there for 20 years. Taking in each other’s parcels is the norm, and many of them have looked after her cat while she’s been away travelling.

‘I wouldn’t want to live in any other part of London,’ she says.

A love of greenery is also why 42-year-old Holly Stevens, who is originally from Wimbledon, chose Wandsworth. She wanted somewhere that felt familiar, but had a slower, more family-friendly pace of life.

‘King George’s Park, Wandsworth Common and Clapham Common are all on the doorstep, and they completely shape daily life, especially with children,’ Holly, who has two children, shares.

‘The schools are another big draw. There are some fantastic options locally, and that naturally brings in lots of young families. There’s a real sense of community here, you see familiar faces at the school gates, in the parks and in local cafés. It feels supportive and neighbourly.’

‘Wandsworth feels like possibility’

While Alicia Drabble-Castellano now lives in neighbouring Wimbledon Park, one minute from the border, she lived in Wandsworth when she set up her business.

The area gave her exactly what she needed for her idea, women’s clothing brand Single Swan, to thrive: space, energy, and community.

‘It’s full of people quietly building something. There’s a real entrepreneurial undercurrent, founders working from cafés, creatives collaborating after school drop-off, women in their 40s starting second acts,’ she tells Metro.

‘You’ll see river runners at sunrise, toddlers in tow by 9am, and start-up meetings happening over flat whites by 10.’

In her experience, Wandsworth feels ‘layered’ in that there are long-standing locals, but also new arrivals.

‘Local conversations turned into collaborations. It’s a place that allows you to grow quietly, steadily, and confidently,’ she adds.

Housing in Wandsworth

When it comes to explaining why it’s so popular despite the relative price tag, Damien Jefferies, founder of Jefferies London, has a few theories.

As Damien tells Metro, it ‘combines lifestyle appeal with relative affordability given its favourable location.’

He explains: ‘Families are attracted by the excellent schools, plentiful green space and riverside setting, while professionals value the fast connections into central London, particularly with the Northern line extension, as well as the up-and-coming buzz that has come from the redevelopment of the Battersea Power Station and surrounding area of Nine Elms.’

In his mind, it channels an essence of London’s ‘prestige’ without the champagne budget associated with nearby Chelsea and Fulham.

Damien adds that, between 2024 and 2025, the average sold price across Wandsworth actually fell by 6.4%, which he says is ‘in line with the slowdown seen across the wider London market.’

However, this has actually fuelled the borough’s popularity even further, as the average number of monthly housing transactions rose by 10.1% in 2024 and 9.3% in 2023.

Things to do in Wandsworth

From quirky food markets to a vibrant clubbing scene, there’s plenty to explore down this neck of the woods. It was also named the London Borough of Culture for 2025 by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, hailed for being ‘vibrant and diverse,’ as well as teeming with creativity.

Tooting Market is worthy of a visit alone, being one of South London’s first indoor markets, opening in 1930.

For those who like to party, Exhibit in Balham and Tram and Social in Tooting are two standout clubs, offering karaoke, bottomless brunches, comedy nights and more.

And those who prefer the great outdoors can enjoy the area’s green spaces like Wandsworth Park, Battersea Park and the River Wandle. Alternatively, why not take a dip in the famous Tooting Bec Lido?

Elsewhere on the cultural scene, there’s the Royal Academy of Dance offering a range of classes, while Battersea Arts Centre has a vibrant programme of events, covering music, theatre, dance and acrobatics.

Backyard Cinema is another great option for a day out, as well as Theatre 503 – which is located on top of the Latchmere pub.

Wandsworth is an incredibly family-friendly neighbourhood, with the likes of Battersea Children’s Zoo – offering hours of entertainment for kids and adults alike – and The Pottery Café, which is the ideal activity for creative little ones.

On the financial side of things, it also benefits from the lowest council tax rates in the whole country – which is certainly welcome news for the wallet.

This article was first published on July 12, 2024.

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