Waterloo is part of the London Borough of Lambeth and is connected to the Strand on the north bank of the River Thames by Waterloo Bridge, which was built to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.
Waterloo is positioned near to a large number of excellent attractions, including the South Bank with its numerous theatres, including the Globe Theatre, The Old Vic and The National Theatre, as well as the London Eye and the Tate Modern.
The area is well serviced by public transport with Waterloo and Waterloo East mainline stations and tube stops at Waterloo, Lambeth North, and Southwark. Situated just across the water is Charing Cross mainline station and the tube stops of Westminster, Embankment and Charing Cross.
It is also home to a large regeneration project involving New Elizabeth House. This will soon be transformed into a large public space complete with 142 homes and two large towers in a £600 million project.
Waterloo is very popular with young professionals, civil servants and politicians who can enjoy easy access to Westminster. However, it is still one of London's most overlooked residential areas and is architecturally very varied with two-storey Georgian houses, railway cottages, period conversion apartments, modern riverside developments and purpose-built mansion apartment blocks close to County Hall.
Flats to rent in Waterloo are highly sought-after, particularly those overlooking the river. Albert Embankment, for example, is a collection of apartment buildings to the west of Westminster, between Lambeth Bridge and Vauxhall Bridge, namely Parliament View, Salamanca Square, a re-development of the British Steel Headquarters, Salamanca Tower and Peninsula Heights. In addition to stunning views across the river, these apartments are fitted to an extremely high standard with modern, contemporary bathrooms and kitchens.
Elsewhere, Westminster Bridge Road is home to a number of executive apartments, the SACO Waterloo Apartments offer bright, light and spacious rooms with floor to ceiling windows, and The Whitehouse is a luxury South Bank development which benefits from an on-site gym, swimming pool and 24-hour porter facilities. The apartments here are furnished to a high specification with brand new wooden flooring and air conditioning.
For more information on our range of Property in Waterloo, please contact our estate agent office on 020 7378 9000.
Property for sale in Waterloo Property for rent in Waterloo
The eastern side of Waterloo, neighbouring Southwark, has fine examples of period terraces in the area between the Cut and the Thames. For example, streets like Roupell Street, Aquinas Street and Whittlesey Street have railway cottages in the typical early Georgian style. These brick, two-storey homes typically have doorways on the street. However, closer to the river are luxury Georgian mansions with three or four stories. Many of them have undergone extensive modernisation to convert into spacious flats.
To the southern part of Waterloo, between Blackfriars’s Road and Waterloo Road, are fine Edwardian terraces. For example, Ufford Street has terraces of smart flats in three-storey buildings and two-storey family homes with private gardens. Many of these streets also have low-rise properties from the mid-20th century that offer affordable housing for families. This area also has several multi-storey buildings with maisonettes. You will also find many modern family houses with walled gardens and off-street parking.
Dotted throughout Waterloo are social housing blocks and ex-council flats. These buildings offer affordable housing and good value for money, considering Waterloo’s excellent amenities, schools, and transport links.
The most sought-after apartments in Waterloo are in modern multi-storey blocks between Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars’s Bridge. Here spacious, contemporary apartments along the riverside offer stunning views over Westminster and the salubrious buildings on the north side of the Thames. Many of the luxury developments are in gated apartments with concierge services, on-site gyms and swimming pools.
In 2021, the average property in Waterloo cost £841,000, which was above the London average of £620,000. Obviously house prices vary depending on the property type and proximity to public transport. The most desirable properties with the highest price tags are closer to the Thames.
New-Build Properties in Waterloo
The newest residential developments in Waterloo are near Waterloo Bridge. For example, Casson Square and Whitehouse Apartments on Belvedere Road have new luxury apartments. Also, the redevelopment of County Hall brings a range of luxury apartments from studio flats to magnificent three-bedroom penthouses.
Renting Property in Waterloo
Waterloo is a magnet for renters who want to live close to Central London or work in government offices. Due to the diverse range of housing in the area, there is something to suit most budgets. The average rent for a one or two-bedroom flat in Waterloo is around £500 per week.
Multi-storey blocks of flats between Waterloo Station and Lambeth Road have the most affordable rental housing. On the other end of the scale, modern apartments in Waterloo with 24-hour porter service and floor to ceiling windows can cost between £800 and £1,200 per week.
Living in Waterloo means that excellent public transport links are within walking distance. For example, Charring Cross is only 3 minutes on the Tube, and Canary Wharf is a 12-minute journey. For rail services, Waterloo is the busiest station in the country.
In 2021, the average property in Waterloo cost £841,000, which was above the London average of £620,000. Obviously house prices vary depending on the property type and proximity to public transport. The most desirable properties with the highest price tags are closer to the Thames
In the Waterloo area you can find a number of primary schools including Johanna Primary School, Friars Primary Foundation School, St George's Cathedral Catholic Primary School, Charles Dickens Primary School, Charlotte Sharman Primary School, Keyworth Primary School and Crampton Primary School.
There is also a good selection of secondary schools including Oasis Academy Southbank, Notre Dame Roman Catholic Girls' School, London Nautical School, DLD College London and London Waterloo Academy.
The big renovation project in the Waterloo at the moment is New Elizabeth House. Plans were submitted for this project in 2012, and the plan is to transform the area next to Waterloo Station. This will comprise a large public space, two large towers, 142 homes and more in the £600 million project. It will also improve access to the station.
There are other smaller projects in the Coin Street area, and the Lower Marsh Regeneration Project is almost complete. This has seen improvements to the Lower Marsh area including better lighting, more cycle parking hoops, public seating and improvements to Lower Marsh Market.
Waterloo residents are passionate about giving back to their community, and there are many opportunities to get involved in local organisations and events. From volunteering at a food bank to participating in a community garden, there is something for everyone to do in Waterloo.
Local Events in Waterloo: With a wide range of activities and gatherings, Eventbrite is the go-to resource for locals seeking to know what's happening in their community. From arts and culture to entertainment and workshops, this platform ensures that you're always aware of the events in your neighbourhood.
St. John's Waterloo: Improving community spirit by providing a variety of engaging activities. Through events like concerts, workshops, and discussions, it brings together residents for learning and celebration. By promoting connection and shared experiences, St. John's Waterloo contributes to the cohesion of the local community.
Coin Street Community: This organisation connects the community through diverse, inclusive initiatives. From arts and culture to health and well-being, they offer programs that engage, teach, and promote collaboration. By providing a space for residents to engage with one another, Coin Street Community contributes significantly to the strength and unity of the local area.
Community Events: This list is constantly updated, ensuring you don't miss out on anything going on in the Waterloo area. These events promote interaction, collaboration, and shared experiences, which all go towards creating the connected community of Waterloo.
Due to its proximity to the capital’s vibrant South Bank, there’s plenty to do in and around Waterloo.
Fans of the theatre will be in their element. The Southwark Playhouse hosts productions old and new, the Globe Theatre is a reconstruction of the original open-air playhouse and further well-established theatres include The Old Vic and The National Theatre.
Other cultural highlights include the Bankside Gallery which is home to a fine range of prints and watercolour paintings, the world-famous Tate Modern, based in the former Bankside Power Station, The London Eye, the Royal Festival Hall, Vinopolis and BFI IMAX.
The history box is ticked in the form of the Golden Hinde, the original ship of Sir Francis Drake which is now a living museum with regular guided tours, and HMS Belfast which is moored in between Tower Bridge and London Bridge.
Food and drink enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with the nearby Borough Market, representing the jewel in the area’s culinary crown. The Market has thrived in the area for 20 centuries and is a haven for food lovers and those who enjoy a good haggle.
Elsewhere, there’s the Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie, Fish! which specialises in fresh, sustainable and fairly priced fish dishes and the luxurious Le Pont de la Tour.