Mortgage Advice in Furzedown: Property, Schools & Local Area Guide
Furzedown
A buyer’s guide to Furzedown — property prices and council tax, schools and their real Ofsted position, transport, healthcare, flood risk, the local lending realities, and the questions worth asking before you commit.
- Quick Answers
- Prices
- Market
- Why Furzedown
- Transport
- Schools
- Police & Fire
- Areas
- Healthcare
- Flood
- History
- Beyond the Mortgage
- FAQs
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That’s Family Finance is an FCA-regulated protection adviser (life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection). We do not arrange mortgages ourselves — we introduce you to carefully selected, award-winning, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers, with no obligation.
Figures in this guide were correct when it was produced and do change. Always verify council tax with the local council, school ratings with Ofsted and journey times with the operator before you rely on them. This guide is information, not financial or mortgage advice.
Mortgage Advice in Furzedown: Property, Schools & Local Area Guide
Whether you're buying your first home in Furzedown, remortgaging, upsizing or simply researching this quiet, leafy corner of south-west London — a genuinely family-friendly SW17 district tucked between Tooting and Streatham in the London Borough of Wandsworth, with one of the lowest council tax bills in the whole of England, Victorian and Edwardian terraces and villas, a strong village-feel community, Furzedown Recreation Ground, and Tooting Common and the historic Tooting Bec Lido a short walk away — this guide covers what buyers and homeowners actually want to know.
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Quick answers about Furzedown
Click any question to expand the full detail and sources.
Is Furzedown a good place to live?⌄
Yes — a quiet, leafy, family-friendly SW London district with a village feel and very low council tax.
Yes — Furzedown is one of south-west London’s quieter, leafier and most family-friendly residential districts (SW17), in the London Borough of Wandsworth, tucked between Tooting and Streatham about six miles from central London. It appeals strongly to families and professionals: a genuine village-feel community (the long-running Furzedown Project and the well-loved Moyser Road and Links Road streets), leafy roads of Victorian and Edwardian houses, Furzedown Recreation Ground, and Tooting Common and the historic Tooting Bec Lido a short walk away, plus one of the lowest council tax bills in the whole of England. The main things to weigh are that Furzedown has no railway station of its own (though Tooting Bec on the Northern line and Streatham rail are close), and that prices, while below prime SW London, are still firmly at London levels.
Sources: slsc.org.uk — Tooting Bec Lido | tootingmarket.com
Is Furzedown expensive?⌄
A sought-after but relatively affordable Wandsworth pocket; averages often £650,000–£850,000.
Furzedown is one of the more affordable, family-friendly pockets of the London Borough of Wandsworth, so while prices are firmly at London levels they sit below prime Wandsworth and Clapham — overall averages are often in the region of £650,000 to £850,000, with flats and maisonettes offering the more accessible ways in (often around £400,000 to £550,000) and larger Victorian and Edwardian family houses running well beyond £1,000,000 to £1,400,000 and more. Its village feel, its houses (rather than flats), its schools, its green space and — not least — one of the lowest council tax bills in England all support steady demand. Always verify current prices via Land Registry data or independent valuation advice for the exact property.
Sources: landregistry.data.gov.uk
Does Furzedown have a Tube or train station?⌄
Not its own — but the Northern line and Streatham rail ring it.
Furzedown does not have a station of its own, but it is well ringed by them: Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway are on the Northern line (Zone 3), a short walk or bus ride to the north-west, with direct trains into the West End and the City; and Streatham and Streatham Common stations (Southern and Thameslink) are close to the east, running into Victoria, Clapham Junction and London Bridge. Frequent buses run along the main roads to Tooting, Streatham, Balham and beyond. Always check current timetables and service updates before relying on a specific journey.
Sources: tfl.gov.uk
What is Furzedown known for?⌄
A village-feel community, Furzedown Rec, and Tooting Common & Lido nearby.
Furzedown is known for its strong, village-feel community — the long-running Furzedown Project community centre, the sought-after Moyser Road, Links Road and Envy-of-estate-agents residential streets, and a genuine neighbourliness rare so close to central London — as well as Furzedown Recreation Ground, and being a short walk from Tooting Common and the historic Tooting Bec Lido, the largest freshwater swimming pool in England. Tooting Market and the lively restaurants of Tooting are close by too. It is one of the quieter, leafier and more family-oriented districts of the London Borough of Wandsworth.
Sources: slsc.org.uk — Tooting Bec Lido
Where is the nearest A&E to Furzedown?⌄
St George’s Hospital, Tooting — very close.
The nearest major hospital with a 24-hour Accident & Emergency department is St George’s Hospital in Tooting, one of the largest teaching hospitals in the country and only a short distance away — a genuine advantage of the area — with GP provision locally. As NHS services can be reconfigured and travel times vary, always confirm the nearest current A&E and the arrangements directly with the NHS.
Sources: stgeorges.nhs.uk
Is Furzedown right for you?
Every town suits some buyers better than others — here is how Furzedown rates for the people who most often buy here, and why.
| Buyer type | Rating | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Families | ★★★★★ | A genuinely family-first district — Penwortham Primary (Outstanding), Furzedown and Sellincourt (Good primaries), Graveney School (Outstanding secondary) and Ernest Bevin Academy nearby, roads of family houses, Furzedown Rec, Tooting Common and the Lido, and one of the lowest council tax bills in England. |
| Professionals | ★★★★★ | Leafy roads of houses within reach of town via the Northern line and Streatham rail, a village-feel community and very low council tax suit professionals wanting space and a settled neighbourhood at a relative discount to prime Wandsworth. |
| First-time buyers | ★★★★☆ | Flats and maisonette conversions (often around £400,000–£550,000) offer a way into a sought-after Wandsworth district with the lowest council tax in England — though houses are firmly at London family-market levels. |
| Commuters | ★★★★☆ | No station of its own, but Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway on the Northern line (Zone 3) and Streatham and Streatham Common rail into Victoria and London Bridge are a short walk or bus away — a good, if not doorstep, commute. |
| Upsizers | ★★★★☆ | Larger Victorian and Edwardian houses give real family space and gardens at below-prime-Wandsworth prices, with schools, green space and very low council tax — though the biggest houses still command a premium. |
An honest, at-a-glance summary of what Furzedown does brilliantly — and what to weigh carefully — before you commit.
Furzedown at a glance
The key facts buyers ask us about most, in one place.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| County & councils | London (London Borough of Wandsworth — unparished) |
| Postcode district | SW17 (bordering SW16) |
| Approx. character | A quiet, leafy, family-friendly residential district with a village feel |
| Average house price | Overall often £650,000–£850,000; flats/maisonettes from ~£400,000, larger houses £1,000,000–£1,400,000+; sources vary |
| Railway | No station of its own; Tooting Bec & Tooting Broadway (Northern line, Zone 3) and Streatham & Streatham Common (Southern/Thameslink) close by |
| Nearest A&E | St George’s Hospital, Tooting (very close) — verify with NHS |
| Schools | Strong Wandsworth schools; Penwortham (Outstanding), Furzedown & Sellincourt (Good primaries), Graveney (Outstanding secondary), Ernest Bevin Academy |
| Known for | The Furzedown Project & village-feel community, Furzedown Rec, Tooting Common & the historic Tooting Bec Lido |
| Character | A leafy district of Victorian and Edwardian terraces, villas and 1930s houses in the London Borough of Wandsworth |
| Roads | The A24 (Tooting) & A23 (Streatham) close by, for central London and the south |
| Green space | Furzedown Recreation Ground, Tooting Common, Tooting Bec Lido & Streatham Common nearby |
| Council tax (Band D) | £1,020.35 for 2026/27 (Wandsworth + GLA; verified) — the LOWEST in England; confirm your exact band |
Property prices & council tax in Furzedown
Furzedown is one of the more affordable, family-friendly pockets of the London Borough of Wandsworth, so while prices are firmly at London levels they sit below prime Wandsworth and Clapham. It offers flats and maisonette conversions, Victorian and Edwardian terraces, Edwardian villas and 1930s semis — mostly houses rather than flats, which is a big part of its family appeal. Published figures vary by property and street, so treat the ranges below as a broad guide and verify for the exact home.
| Property type / area | Typical position in the market | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Flats & maisonette conversions | Indicatively around £400,000–£550,000 | First-time buyers; downsizers; the more accessible ways in |
| Victorian & Edwardian terraces | Indicatively around £650,000–£950,000 | Families & professionals wanting a classic SW London house |
| Larger Edwardian villas & houses | Indicatively around £1,000,000–£1,400,000+ | Families wanting the premium end of the district |
| Furzedown average | Overall often £650,000–£850,000 (verify per property) | A broad benchmark for the area |
| 1930s semis | Indicatively £700,000–£1,000,000 | Families wanting a between-the-wars house with a garden |
What income might you need?
These illustrative figures use roughly 4.5x household income and assume a typical deposit. They are a starting point for budgeting only — not a quote or advice.
£450,000
Flat / maisonette
~£100,000
household income (guide)
£750,000
Area benchmark
~£167,000
household income (guide)
£1,200,000
Larger house (indicative)
~£267,000
household income (guide)
Furzedown affordability & stamp duty calculator
A quick, no-obligation way to see roughly what you could borrow in Furzedown and what stamp duty you'd pay. Illustration only — real figures depend on the lender and your circumstances.
Illustration only, not a mortgage offer or personalised advice. Lenders' income multiples and criteria vary. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Borrowing ready-reckoner (around 4.5× income)
| Yearly income | Rough maximum mortgage |
|---|---|
| £40,000 | ~£180,000 |
| £60,000 | ~£270,000 |
| £75,000 | ~£337,500 |
| £90,000 | ~£405,000 |
| £120,000 | ~£540,000 |
Stamp duty (SDLT) in 2026 — England
| Portion of price | Standard rate | First-time buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Up to £125,000 | 0% | 0% (up to £300,000) |
| £125,001 – £250,000 | 2% | 0% (up to £300,000) |
| £250,001 – £925,000 | 5% | 5% on £300,001–£500,000 (no relief over £500,000) |
| £925,001 – £1.5m | 10% | — |
| Over £1.5m | 12% | — |
Worked examples: a £250,000 home = £2,500 stamp duty (£0 for first-time buyers); a £450,000 home = £12,500 (£7,500 first-time buyer); a £650,000 home = £22,500 (first-time buyer relief doesn't apply over £500,000). An additional-property surcharge of 5% applies to second homes and buy-to-lets.
SDLT rates as at 2026 (England & Northern Ireland). Scotland (LBTT) and Wales (LTT) differ. Figures are a guide — confirm with your conveyancer.
The Furzedown property market in depth
Furzedown offers a sought-after but relatively affordable family market — flats and maisonette conversions, Victorian and Edwardian terraces and villas, and 1930s semis — with its village feel, its houses, its schools, its green space and one of the lowest council tax bills in England all driving steady demand.
| Property type | What to expect | Typical guide |
|---|---|---|
| Flats & maisonette conversions | The more accessible way in; popular with first-time buyers, downsizers and investors. | £400,000–£550,000 |
| Victorian & Edwardian terraces | The classic Furzedown family home — a signature part of the district. | £650,000–£950,000 |
| Larger Edwardian villas & houses | Handsome larger homes on the leafiest roads — the top of the local family market. | £1,000,000–£1,400,000+ |
| 1930s semis | Between-the-wars houses with gardens — a popular family option. | £700,000–£1,000,000 |
Furzedown’s appeal — a quiet, leafy, family-friendly corner of south-west London, with a genuine village-feel community, roads of Victorian and Edwardian houses, Furzedown Recreation Ground and Tooting Common and the historic Tooting Bec Lido a short walk away, and one of the lowest council tax bills in England — makes it a steady, in-demand family market, mostly of houses rather than flats.
That mix means budgeting and the right mortgage matter. Flats and maisonette conversions bring lease, ground-rent and service-charge questions that lenders assess carefully, while older Victorian, Edwardian and period houses can need survey work, so advice pays off. A whole-of-market mortgage adviser helps you match the right lender to your plans — the kind of introduction we can arrange.
What makes Furzedown so popular?
Furzedown’s appeal is a quiet, leafy, family-friendly corner of south-west London, with a village-feel community, Furzedown Rec, and Tooting Common and the Lido a short walk away.
Tooting Common & Tooting Bec Lido
A short walk from Furzedown, Tooting Common is a large, leafy south-London common with woodland, a lake and open grass — and it is home to the historic Tooting Bec Lido, the largest freshwater swimming pool in England, run by the South London Swimming Club and a much-loved local institution.
Furzedown Recreation Ground & the community
Furzedown Recreation Ground gives green space and play close to home, while the long-running Furzedown Project community centre and the sought-after residential streets give the district its genuine village feel and neighbourliness.
Tooting Market & Tooting’s restaurants
A short walk or bus away, the award-winning Tooting Market and the celebrated restaurants of Tooting give one of south London’s liveliest food and independent-shopping scenes.
Transport & commuting from Furzedown
Transport in Furzedown is a case of being well ringed rather than served on the doorstep — the Northern line and Streatham rail close by, plus frequent buses. These indicative times are a starting point — always verify current timetables before relying on a specific journey.
| Route | Approx. time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tooting Bec → Leicester Square | ~20 min | On the Northern line, for the West End |
| Tooting Bec → Bank | ~30 min | On the Northern line (City branch), for the City |
| Tooting Broadway → London Bridge | ~25 min | Change to a Bank-branch train / mainline |
| Streatham → London Victoria | ~20 min | Direct on Southern, for the West End |
| Streatham Common → London Bridge | ~20 min | Direct on Thameslink / Southern, for the City |
| Streatham → Clapham Junction | ~12 min | For onward rail across the network |
| Furzedown → central London by road | ~30–45 min | Via the A24 / A23 — traffic dependent |
| Furzedown → St George’s Hospital | ~10 min | A short hop to the major Tooting hospital |
Getting around Furzedown
Day-to-day mobility here is worth thinking through — the practical picture.
By Tube
Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway are on the Northern line (Zone 3), a short walk or bus ride to the north-west, with direct trains into the West End (Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road) and the City (Bank, Moorgate).
By mainline rail
Streatham and Streatham Common stations (Southern and Thameslink) are close to the east, running into Victoria, Clapham Junction and London Bridge — a genuinely useful second route into town.
By bus
Frequent buses run along the main roads to Tooting, Streatham, Balham, Mitcham and beyond — a real workhorse for a district without its own station.
By car
The A24 (Tooting) and A23 (Streatham) give routes into central London and out to the south, with the South Circular and (further out) the M25 reachable — though they carry traffic at peak times, and parking varies by street.
For the airport
Gatwick is reachable by rail via Streatham and East Croydon, and by road down the A23 / M23; Heathrow is a drive via the South Circular and A4 / M4 — check current options.
On foot & by bike
Furzedown Recreation Ground, Tooting Common and the residential streets make for pleasant walking, with cycle routes across the area — though the main roads shape where it is most comfortable to cycle.
Schools in Furzedown
Wandsworth is one of London’s strongest boroughs for schools, and Furzedown is well placed for several highly regarded primaries and secondaries. Because catchments and admissions matter — and Wandsworth is competitive for school places — confirm the current position directly for a specific address.
| School | Type | Inspection | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penwortham Primary School | Primary (state, co-ed) | Outstanding | A popular community primary on Penwortham Road on the Furzedown / Streatham border, rated Outstanding at its latest inspection (June 2024) — check the current catchment and admissions. |
| Furzedown Primary School | Primary (state, co-ed) | Good | The district’s own primary on Beclands Road, Tooting (SW17), rated Good at its latest inspection (July 2022) — check catchment and admissions. |
| Sellincourt Primary School | Primary (state, co-ed) | Good | A community primary on Sellincourt Road, Tooting (SW17), rated Good at its latest inspection (February 2023) — check catchment and admissions. |
| Graveney School | Secondary (state academy, co-ed, 11–18) | Outstanding | A large, very well-known and heavily oversubscribed secondary with a strong sixth form on Welham Road, Tooting (SW17), rated Outstanding at its latest inspection (November 2022) — check catchment and admissions carefully. |
| Ernest Bevin Academy | Secondary (state academy, boys 11–16 with mixed sixth form) | Good | A well-regarded secondary on Beechcroft Road, Tooting (SW17), rated Good at its last graded inspection (June 2022) — a more recent inspection has taken place, so read the latest report card, and check catchment and admissions. |
Map, Police & Fire Services in Furzedown
A useful local guide should show the practical services buyers actually check — policing, fire cover, emergency healthcare and the local crime context for Furzedown.
Interactive map of Furzedown — view it on the online guide at thatsfamilyfinance.co.uk.
Popular parts of Furzedown & nearby
Where you buy in and around Furzedown shapes both your budget and your character — from the sought-after Moyser Road and Links Road streets to the roads towards Tooting Common and Streatham. A quick orientation.
Local highlights & days out from Furzedown
Furzedown packs a village-feel community, a recreation ground, one of London’s best-loved commons and the historic Tooting Bec Lido into one quiet, leafy district. A few of the best-loved local highlights.
Sports, leisure & community in Furzedown
For a quiet district, Furzedown offers a lot — a historic lido, one of south London’s best commons, a recreation ground, and Tooting’s celebrated food and market scene close by.
Days out & the outdoors
Tooting Common, Tooting Bec Lido, Furzedown Recreation Ground and Streatham Common give swimming, walking, running and family days out — with central London a short Northern line or rail ride away.
The parks & green space
Furzedown Recreation Ground, Tooting Common and Streatham Common give walking, running, playgrounds and open space close by.
Shopping & eating out
Tooting Market and the celebrated restaurants of Tooting, plus Streatham High Road and Balham, give a lively range of independent shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs a short walk or bus away.
Healthcare & local services in Furzedown
Healthcare access is a real strength — GP provision locally, and one of the country’s largest hospitals with a major A&E right next door in Tooting.
The area has GP provision locally, with dentists and pharmacies around Furzedown, Tooting and Streatham; the nearest major A&E is at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, one of the largest teaching hospitals in the country and unusually close for a residential district. GP and dental registration availability changes over time, so always check directly with a practice about its current catchment before relying on it for a move.
Living in Furzedown
Day to day, Furzedown is a quiet, leafy, family-friendly corner of south-west London — a village-feel community, roads of period houses, Furzedown Rec, Tooting Common and the Lido, and the lowest council tax in England, with the Northern line and Streatham rail close by. Here is a sense of everyday life.
Furzedown has the amenities of a settled, community-minded district — local shops, cafes and pubs, with Tooting Market and the celebrated restaurants of Tooting, and Streatham High Road, a short walk or bus away; well-regarded primary and secondary schools; Furzedown Recreation Ground, Tooting Common and the historic Tooting Bec Lido; and a genuine village feel around the Furzedown Project and the residential streets. The big everyday pluses are the green space, the schools, the community, the very low council tax and the major hospital next door in Tooting.
Connectivity for working is generally good — superfast (and in places gigabit) broadband reaches much of the area, so home and hybrid working is very possible, complemented by the Northern line at Tooting Bec and Streatham rail for office days. The main trade-offs are that Furzedown has no station of its own (a short walk or bus is needed), that prices, while below prime Wandsworth, are still firmly at London levels, and (on flats and conversions) lease and service-charge questions — but for green space, schools, community and a quiet family life at a relative discount, with the lowest council tax in England, it is a strong choice.
| Everyday amenity | In Furzedown? | Nearest / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary schools | Yes (several) | Penwortham (Outstanding), Furzedown (Good), Sellincourt (Good) and others; check catchment |
| Secondary schools | Yes (well-regarded) | Graveney School (Outstanding, oversubscribed); Ernest Bevin Academy (Good at last graded inspection); check catchment |
| GP & hospital | Local / A&E very close | GP provision locally; major A&E at St George’s Hospital, Tooting |
| Nearest A&E | Very close (Tooting) | St George’s Hospital — one of the largest teaching hospitals in the country |
| Tube / rail station | Nearby, not on the doorstep | Tooting Bec (Northern line) & Streatham rail a short walk or bus away |
| Shops | Yes (local + Tooting/Streatham) | Local shops; Tooting Market & restaurants and Streatham High Road close by |
| Green space | Yes (excellent) | Furzedown Recreation Ground, Tooting Common, Tooting Bec Lido & Streatham Common |
Working & connectivity in Furzedown
More people than ever work from home or hybrid, and Furzedown is well set up for it — so it's worth being realistic about connectivity.
Superfast broadband reaches much of Furzedown, with gigabit-capable full-fibre available in parts of the area, so home and hybrid working is very possible — complemented by the Northern line at Tooting Bec and Streatham rail for office days. Coverage can still vary by exact address, particularly in older Victorian and Edwardian houses, so check the specific property on the providers' and Ofcom's coverage checkers before you commit.
| Connectivity | Typical picture |
|---|---|
| Fixed broadband | Superfast reaches much of the area; gigabit full-fibre in parts — check the exact address |
| Mobile coverage | Generally good across the district |
| Tube / rail for office days | Tooting Bec (Northern line) & Streatham rail a short walk or bus away |
| Road & air | A24 & A23 to central London and the south; Gatwick by rail via East Croydon |
Flood risk in Furzedown
On flooding, most of Furzedown sits at lower risk of river flooding, but low-lying land and surface water in heavy rain can affect some streets, so it is worth checking carefully for a specific home.
Cost of living & running a home in Furzedown
Beyond the mortgage, it helps to picture the ongoing costs of a home here. Indicative only — always confirm for a specific property.
| Typical ongoing cost | Indicative figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Council tax (Band D, 2026/27) | £1,020.35 | Wandsworth + GLA precept (verified) — the lowest in England; confirm your band |
| Buildings insurance | Varies — check flood risk | Surface-water flood risk in low-lying spots can affect premiums; get a quote and flood check before committing |
| Water & wastewater | ~£450–£750/yr | Thames Water area — check the supplier for the address |
| Broadband | ~£30–£50/mth | Superfast widely available; gigabit full-fibre in parts — check the address |
Financing a home in Furzedown
A quiet, leafy, well-connected SW London family district — with the lowest council tax in England — is a rewarding thing to buy into; a few points on the mortgage side are worth understanding first.
Furzedown’s steady demand and family housing mean the right mortgage matters — from flats and maisonette conversions to Victorian and Edwardian terraces and larger villas. Flats and conversions bring lease, ground-rent and service-charge questions, and period and larger houses are cases lenders and insurers assess carefully, so a survey is wise on an older home and a lease review is essential on a flat. Getting the right lender for your circumstances is where good advice pays off. That’s Family Finance is an FCA-regulated protection adviser (FCA No. 1038034).
A whole-of-market approach really helps here. That's Family Finance introduces you to carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers who search across lenders to fit your circumstances, and we make sure your protection is set up properly alongside it. Talk to us →
Conveyancing & the searches to expect in Furzedown
A few standard checks are worth their weight when buying in Furzedown — especially the lease on a flat or conversion, and surface-water flood risk in low-lying spots.
History, heritage & famous connections
Furzedown takes its name from the furze (gorse) that once covered the open down on the high ground between the villages of Tooting and Streatham, in the historic county of Surrey. For centuries it was farmland and heath on the edge of London, with a scattering of large houses — the grandest, Furzedown House, giving its name to the district and surviving today as part of a college site. The coming of the railways to Tooting and Streatham, and the outward march of London in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, brought the streets of Victorian and Edwardian terraces and villas that still define the area.
Between the wars, further houses filled in the remaining fields, and Furzedown settled into the quiet, leafy, family suburb it remains. Absorbed into the London Borough of Wandsworth in 1965, it has kept a strong sense of local identity — the long-running Furzedown Project, the well-loved residential streets, and its closeness to Tooting Common and the historic Tooting Bec Lido — even as the wider borough became one of the most sought-after (and lowest-taxed) in London.
Furzedown through the ages
A quick timeline of the moments that shaped the town you would be buying into.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Medieval–18th c. | Open down and farmland — furze-covered high ground between the Surrey villages of Tooting and Streatham. |
| 19th c. | Furzedown House and other large houses stand among the fields; the railways reach Tooting and Streatham. |
| Late 19th–early 20th c. | Streets of Victorian and Edwardian terraces and villas are built as London spreads outward. |
| Between the wars | Further houses fill in the fields; Furzedown settles into a quiet, leafy family suburb. |
| 1965 | Furzedown is absorbed into the new London Borough of Wandsworth. |
| 21st c. | A sought-after, community-minded SW17 district with the lowest council tax in England and Tooting Common and the Lido on its doorstep. |
Famous connections
A few of the people and stories that put Furzedown on the map.
Tooting Bec Lido
Tooting Bec Lido on Tooting Common — the largest freshwater swimming pool in England, a historic, much-loved outdoor pool a short walk from Furzedown.
Furzedown House & the district’s name
The grand Furzedown House, which gave the district its name, survives as part of a college site — a reminder of the area’s origins as open down and large houses on the edge of London.
Tooting Common & the community
Tooting Common and the Furzedown Project community centre — the green space and neighbourliness that define the district’s village feel.
Looking beyond the mortgage
Buying a home in Furzedown is a major commitment — and the mortgage is only part of the picture. Whatever you buy, the right protection makes sure the home stays yours if life does not go to plan.
Life cover
Pays out a lump sum if you die during the policy term — typically arranged to clear the mortgage so your family can stay in the home.
Critical illness cover
Pays out if you are diagnosed with a serious illness the policy covers — helping you keep up payments while you focus on recovery.
Income protection
Replaces part of your income if you cannot work due to illness or injury — often the most overlooked, and most valuable, cover of all.
That's Family Finance is an FCA-regulated protection adviser — life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection are what we do. We don't arrange mortgages ourselves; we introduce you to carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers, and make sure your protection is set up properly alongside it. Talk to us →
Things people don't always tell you about Furzedown
Beyond the brochure, a few honest points worth weighing before you commit to buying here.
Furzedown compared with nearby towns
How Furzedown sits against the places buyers most often weigh against it — a quick, indicative comparison.
| Town | Rough average price | Station? | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furzedown | ~£650k–£850k | No (Tooting Bec & Streatham nearby) | Quiet, leafy Wandsworth family district; village feel; Tooting Common & the Lido; lowest council tax in England |
| Tooting | ~£550k–£800k | Yes (Northern line) | The lively, well-connected neighbour to the north-west, with a famous food and market scene |
| Streatham | ~£500k–£750k | Yes (Southern/Thameslink) | The busy high street and rail town to the east, with more affordable flats |
| Balham | ~£650k–£900k | Yes (Northern line & rail) | The buzzy, sought-after suburb to the north, on the Northern line |
| Streatham Hill | ~£500k–£750k | Yes (rail) | The rail suburb to the east, between Streatham and Brixton, with Victorian terraces |
Pros & cons of living in Furzedown
An honest, balanced summary to weigh up.
| In its favour | To weigh carefully |
|---|---|
| A quiet, leafy, family-friendly Wandsworth district | No railway station of its own |
| The lowest council tax in England | Prices firmly at London levels |
| Good local schools (Penwortham, Graveney, more) | Wandsworth is competitive for school places |
| A genuine village-feel community | A short walk or bus to the Northern line / Streatham rail |
| Tooting Common & the historic Tooting Bec Lido | Flats/conversions need lease checks |
| A major hospital (St George’s) very close | Surface-water flood risk in low-lying spots |
| Mostly houses, not flats — a real family market | Larger houses still command a premium |
Villages & areas around Furzedown
Many buyers who love Furzedown look just outside it too — a quick guide.
Who tends to move to Furzedown?
Understanding your fellow buyers helps you read the market and pitch an offer.
Families
People wanting good schools, green space and a village feel at a relative discount to prime SW London — Penwortham (Outstanding), Furzedown and Sellincourt (Good primaries), the Outstanding Graveney School, Furzedown Rec, Tooting Common and the Lido, with the Northern line and Streatham rail close by and the lowest council tax in England.
Professionals
People wanting a leafy house and garden within reach of town — the Northern line at Tooting Bec and Streatham rail, a settled community, and very low council tax, at below-prime-Wandsworth prices.
First-time buyers
People wanting a way into a sought-after Wandsworth district — flats and maisonette conversions (often around £400,000–£550,000), with the lowest council tax in England and Tooting Common on the doorstep.
What your money buys in Furzedown
A rough sense of what different budgets tend to secure — indicative only, and hugely dependent on position and condition.
Your move to Furzedown, step by step
A simple order of play that keeps things on track.
1. Get your budget straight
Work out your deposit and the true monthly cost (mortgage, the very low council tax, insurance, which flood risk can affect, and SDLT), and get a mortgage in principle so you can move quickly in a sought-after district.
2. Do your homework on the property
Check surface-water flood risk (especially for low-lying homes and basements), get a full building survey (wise on Victorian, Edwardian and period houses), review the lease on a flat or conversion, check the school catchment, and confirm your commute — before you fall in love.
3. Line up the right people
A whole-of-market mortgage adviser, a good surveyor and a local conveyancer will save you time, money and stress. We can introduce you to the first.
Already live in Furzedown?
This guide isn't just for people moving in. If you already own here, a few moments now can save a lot later.
If your current mortgage deal is within about six months of ending, it's usually worth reviewing your options rather than drifting onto your lender's standard variable rate, which is often more expensive. And whether or not you're moving, it's worth checking that your protection still matches your life. We can introduce you to a whole-of-market, FCA-regulated mortgage adviser, and review your life cover, critical illness cover and income protection alongside it.
Review my options →In summary: buying in Furzedown
If you are weighing up a move to the town, here is the honest bottom line.
Quick tips before you buy in Furzedown
- Enjoy the district — the village-feel community, Furzedown Rec, and Tooting Common and the historic Tooting Bec Lido a short walk away.
- Make the most of the transport — Tooting Bec (Northern line) and Streatham rail are a short walk or bus away, into the West End, City and Victoria.
- Note the setting — a quiet, leafy, family district near the A24 (Tooting) and A23 (Streatham).
- Check surface-water flood risk for low-lying homes and basements, and confirm insurance.
- Confirm the council tax and band — Furzedown (Wandsworth) Band D is £1,020.35 for 2026/27 (the lowest in England, verified).
- Budget realistically — prices are firmly at London levels, and flats and conversions need lease checks; use a whole-of-market adviser.
- Note the nearest major A&E is very close (St George’s Hospital, Tooting) — verify with the NHS.
- Get a full building survey on a Victorian, Edwardian or period home, and on a flat or conversion review the lease, ground rent and service charge.
- For schools, check catchment for Penwortham, Furzedown and Sellincourt (primary) and Graveney and Ernest Bevin (secondary).
- Explore the residential streets, the Rec, Tooting Common and the Lido to get a feel for the area.
- Note that Furzedown has no station of its own — a short walk or bus to the Northern line or Streatham rail.
- Get a mortgage agreement in principle before you start viewing in earnest.
- Review your protection at the same time as your mortgage — important for family buyers.
- Take your conveyancer’s advice on the lease, flood, boundary and standard searches.
- Enjoy the very low council tax — a genuine year-after-year saving in Wandsworth.
Nearby areas worth considering
If you are weighing Furzedown against the surrounding area, these are the places buyers most often compare.
Tooting
The lively, well-connected neighbour to the north-west — on the Northern line, with a famous food and market scene and St George’s Hospital.
Streatham
The busy high street and rail town to the east — on Southern and Thameslink, with shops and more affordable flats.
Balham
The buzzy, sought-after suburb to the north — on the Northern line and rail, with bars, restaurants and good schools.
Streatham Hill
The rail suburb to the east, between Streatham and Brixton — Victorian terraces and mainline rail into Victoria.
Mitcham
The neighbouring area to the south, in Merton — with Mitcham Common and more affordable homes.
Family Protection
Whichever area you choose, the right life cover, critical illness cover and income protection matter just as much as the mortgage.
Talk to us →Speak to Us
Researching Furzedown or a nearby area? We are always happy to point people in the right direction.
Get in touch →Frequently asked questions
Is Furzedown a good place to live?
Is Furzedown expensive?
Does Furzedown have a Tube or train station?
What is Furzedown known for?
Where is the nearest A&E to Furzedown?
Does Furzedown have good schools?
What salary do you need to buy in Furzedown?
How much is stamp duty on a Furzedown property?
How much is council tax in Furzedown?
Which police and fire services cover Furzedown?
Is Furzedown a safe place to live?
What is there to do in Furzedown?
What is broadband like in Furzedown?
Is Furzedown good for families?
Is Furzedown good for commuters?
What searches should I expect when buying in Furzedown?
Is flooding a problem in Furzedown?
How do I get started with a mortgage for Furzedown?
Can existing homeowners in Furzedown benefit from a mortgage review?
Useful resources
Need help?
Whether you're researching Furzedown, planning a move, reviewing your finances or simply exploring your options — we're always happy to point people in the right direction.
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That's Family Finance is an FCA-regulated protection adviser (life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection). We do not arrange mortgages ourselves — we introduce you to carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers.
Transport information is approximate and can change; Furzedown does not have a railway station of its own, but Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway are on the Northern line (Zone 3) a short walk or bus ride away with direct trains into the West End (Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road) and the City (Bank, Moorgate), and Streatham and Streatham Common are Southern and Thameslink stations close to the east running into Victoria, Clapham Junction and London Bridge, with frequent buses along the main roads and the A24 (Tooting) and A23 (Streatham) for drivers — always verify current timetables and service updates at tfl.gov.uk before travelling. Ofsted information is based on the most recent publicly available reports. Wandsworth is competitive for school places; Furzedown is well placed for Penwortham Primary (Outstanding), Furzedown Primary and Sellincourt Primary (both Good), Graveney School (Outstanding secondary, heavily oversubscribed) and Ernest Bevin Academy (Good at its last graded inspection, with a more recent inspection since) — confirm catchment and admissions with each school and the London Borough of Wandsworth. From September 2024 Ofsted no longer awards a single overall effectiveness grade at routine state-school inspections; read each school’s latest report in full. Healthcare: the nearest major hospital with a 24-hour A&E is St George’s Hospital in Tooting, one of the largest teaching hospitals in the country and only a short distance away, with GP provision locally; NHS services can be reconfigured and travel times vary, so always verify the nearest current A&E and arrangements with the NHS. References to Tooting Common, Tooting Bec Lido, Furzedown Recreation Ground, the Furzedown Project, Tooting Market and Streatham Common are for context. Crime information is general — check current data at police.uk. Flood-risk: most of Furzedown sits at lower risk of river flooding, but some low-lying streets can be affected by surface-water flooding in intense rain, which can affect insurance; always check the exact postcode at check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk and confirm buildings insurance availability and cost before committing. Council tax: Furzedown is in the London Borough of Wandsworth (unparished); the Band D total for 2026/27 is £1,020.35 (verified from Wandsworth’s published council tax for 2026/27), made up of the London Borough of Wandsworth basic share of £509.84 (including the adult social care precept) and the Greater London Authority (Mayor of London) precept of £510.51 — one of the lowest council tax bills in the whole of England; a small Wimbledon and Putney Commons levy of around £7.86 applies only to homes close to those commons and does not apply in Furzedown; confirm your exact band with the London Borough of Wandsworth. Property prices are indicative and based on recent public sold-price data — Furzedown is an SW17 district where overall averages are often around £650,000 to £850,000, with flats and maisonettes from around £400,000 and larger houses well beyond £1,000,000, with a wide range by property and street; verify current values via Land Registry or an independent valuation for the exact home. Salary and affordability figures are illustrative only and do not constitute financial advice. Stamp duty figures should be verified using the official GOV.UK SDLT calculator.
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. That's Family Finance is an independent, FCA-regulated firm (No. 1038034).
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