Often described as ‘the beating heart of South London’, Brixton has an energy unlike any other neighbourhood in the capital. From excellent travel links to a thriving nightlife scene with plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs, the SW9 postcode has become one of the most sought-after areas in London. In this guide, we’ve got everything you need to know about moving to Brixton, from the house prices to different types of homes and more.
A brief history of Brixton
Brixton was undeveloped until the beginning of the 19th century. However, the opening of Vauxhall Bridge in 1816 improved access to central London and brought development to the area. Electric Avenue became the first street in London to have electricity, while Brixton was also home to the first-ever purpose-built department store in 1877.
Where is Brixton
Brixton is a London neighbourhood in southwest London. It shares an SW2 and SW9 postcode and is located approximately four miles from Charing Cross, the centre of London. It falls under the London Borough of Lambeth and is surrounded by several areas including Elephant & Castle to the northeast. Nearby, you’ll also find Clapham to the west and Camberwell to the east. Together, these neighbourhoods form a vibrant part of South London’s community.
Moving to Brixton
You will find an eclectic mix of housing in Brixton, with tree-lined residential streets like Ferndale Road housing Georgian and Victorian period properties. Further along the high street, on the way to Stockwell, features several new-build homes.
Buying in Brixton
The average sold price in Brixton is 615,899, which is considerably higher than the UK national average of £329,547 but cheaper than the London average (£734,698). Expect to pay an average of £831,101 for a detached home, £888,321 for a terraced house and £457,342 for an apartment.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Brixton, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Brixton
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £1,750 per month in Brixton, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £2,150 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £2,750 per month.
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Brixton, you can expect to pay similar prices to the rest of London for everyday living. A meal for one person is around £20, while a cappuccino and a pint of milk cost about £3.20p and £1 respectively.
Utility bills are considerably higher than the national average (UK average £155) in Brixton, at around £247 per month for electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal. Expect to pay around £29 per month for broadband.
Living in Brixton
Open spaces
Nearby Brockwell Park in Herne Hill is within walking distance from Brixton and is one of South London’s most popular parks. There’s a lido during the summer, a children’s playground, tennis courts, and plenty of green space to enjoy a stroll or walk the dog.
Transport links
Brixton is somewhat of an anomaly in that it’s a South-London neighbourhood with a tube station. Located on the Victoria Line, you can be in central London in just 10 minutes. There’s also a train station, which also has services to Victoria. Brixton is located in Zone 2.
Shopping
Morely’s, one of the UK’s oldest department stores, is still going strong and is one of the few independent malls left in London. The high street is also home to chain favourites. If you’re craving more authenticity, head to Brixton’s outdoor market, which has a mix of traditional stalls and boutiques.
Eateries
Brixton has a diverse range of restaurants, including chains and independent spots. At the Brixton Village market you can find Osaka-style okonomiyaki street food, and a wide variety of Caribbean dishes.
Nightlife
You won’t be short of nightlife options in Brixton, whether you’re watching live music or enjoying a drink at one of the many bars or popular spots with live music and DJs.
Art & culture
Head to Studio 73, an independent art gallery and studio. It celebrates local artists, hosting a range of displays for sale. For local shows, visit Brixton House and watch artists, writers, producers, and technicians do their thing.
Things to do
The Ritzy is a stylish art-deco cinema right in the heart of Brixton. It shows the latest flicks and also hosts live shows. Over the years, it has become an important part of the community and a cultural hub in SW9.
What’s not to like?
With so much entertainment, Brixton is one of the busiest neighbourhoods in London. It’s a significant draw with younger crowds but might be too noisy for some.
Who lives there?
Brixton has a population of more than 78,000 and a median age of 33.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 920mbps for full fibre in Brixton, which is much higher than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
The overall crime rate in Brixton averages around 135 crimes per 1,000 people.
Moving to Brixton
Move iQ’s property report provides an in-depth analysis of specific properties as well as details about the local area of Brixton. If you’re thinking of moving, make sure you get one first!
Last Updated: April 12th, 2024
