Mortgage Advice in Roehampton: Property, Schools & Local Area Guide
Roehampton
A buyer’s guide to Roehampton — 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 Roehampton
- Transport
- Schools
- Police & Fire
- Areas
- Healthcare
- Flood
- History
- Beyond the Mortgage
- FAQs
thatsfamilyfinance.co.uk · hello@thatsfamilyfinance.co.uk
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 Roehampton: Property, Schools & Local Area Guide
Whether you're buying your first home in Roehampton, remortgaging, upsizing or simply researching this green corner of south-west London — a leafy but genuinely mixed district of the London Borough of Wandsworth, wrapped around Richmond Park, Putney Heath and Wimbledon Common, with the parkland campus of the University of Roehampton, the landmark Alton Estate, the old village and its listed churches, and famously the lowest council tax Band D in England (though, notably, no station of its own) — this guide covers what buyers and homeowners actually want to know.
We’ll introduce you to a carefully selected, award-winning, FCA-regulated mortgage adviser — no obligation.
WhatsApp Us Contact Us That’s Family Finance is an FCA-regulated protection adviser; we do not arrange mortgages ourselves. By submitting your details you agree your contact information will be passed to a carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage adviser.Request a call from a mortgage adviser
Quick answers about Roehampton
Click any question to expand the full detail and sources.
Is Roehampton a good place to live?⌄
Yes for green space and value — but weigh the lack of a station and the mixed housing.
Roehampton (SW15) is one of the greenest corners of the London Borough of Wandsworth, about seven miles from central London, wrapped around Richmond Park, Putney Heath, Wimbledon Common and Barnes Common. Its big draws are that green space, the parkland campus of the University of Roehampton, a genuinely wide range of housing (from affordable ex-council flats to prime houses near the park), and famously the lowest council tax Band D in England. It is a mixed district, though: it has no railway or Underground station of its own (you rely on buses to Barnes, Putney or East Putney), and it combines large social-housing estates — including the landmark Alton Estate — with pockets of very expensive housing, so it is worth getting to know street by street.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roehampton | rightmove.co.uk — Roehampton
Is Roehampton expensive?⌄
Very mixed — from ex-council flats around £300,000 to prime houses beyond £2m.
Roehampton has one of the widest price ranges in south-west London. Ex-council and purpose-built flats, particularly on and around the Alton Estate, can start from around £300,000 to £450,000 — genuinely among the more affordable ways into the borough — while Victorian, Edwardian and inter-war houses run from around £700,000 to £1,200,000, and prime houses near Richmond Park, Putney Heath and in the leafier enclaves can run well beyond £1,500,000 to £2,000,000 and more. Values depend heavily on the exact location, tenure and proximity to the parks, so overall averages are less useful here than usual. Always verify current prices via Land Registry data or independent valuation advice for the exact property.
Sources: rightmove.co.uk — Roehampton | landregistry.data.gov.uk
Does Roehampton have a train or Tube station?⌄
No — there is no station in Roehampton; you rely on buses.
No — and this is the single most important practical thing to know about Roehampton: it has no railway or Underground station of its own. Residents rely on buses, which connect to Barnes and Putney stations (South Western Railway to Waterloo), East Putney (District line) and Hammersmith and Richmond. For many people the buses work well, but if a short walk to a train or Tube is essential to you, Roehampton will not suit — it is one of the few sizeable districts in inner south-west London without its own station. Always check current bus routes and journey times before relying on a specific commute.
Sources: tfl.gov.uk
What is Roehampton known for?⌄
The University of Roehampton, Richmond Park & the landmark Alton Estate.
Roehampton is known for the University of Roehampton — a green, parkland campus of historic colleges (Froebel, Whitelands, Digby Stuart and Southlands) — for its position wrapped around Richmond Park, Putney Heath, Wimbledon Common and Barnes Common, and for the Alton Estate, one of Britain’s most significant post-war housing schemes, whose Alton West slab blocks are Grade II listed, Corbusier-influenced modernist landmarks. It is also known for the old Roehampton village and its listed churches, the private Roehampton Club, and Grade-I listed Roehampton House, now part of Queen Mary’s Hospital.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roehampton
Where is the nearest A&E to Roehampton?⌄
St George’s (Tooting) or Kingston — Queen Mary’s has an urgent treatment centre.
Queen Mary’s Hospital in Roehampton has an urgent treatment centre and a range of services, but it does not have a full 24-hour major A&E; the nearest major A&E departments are at St George’s Hospital in Tooting (one of the largest teaching hospitals in the country) and Kingston Hospital, both a drive away, 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 Roehampton right for you?
Every town suits some buyers better than others — here is how Roehampton rates for the people who most often buy here, and why.
| Buyer type | Rating | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-time buyers | ★★★★☆ | Ex-council and purpose-built flats, particularly around the Alton Estate, are among the more affordable ways into the borough (often around £300,000–£450,000), and Wandsworth’s council tax is the lowest in England — strong value, if you are happy relying on buses. |
| Property developers & investors | ★★★★☆ | Affordable flats, strong rental demand from the University of Roehampton and good access to the parks support investor and buy-to-let interest — though ex-council and new-build leases need careful checks, and values vary sharply by street. |
| Families | ★★★☆☆ | Richmond Park, Putney Heath and the commons on the doorstep, Good local schools (Heathmere, Roehampton Church Forest and Granard are Good primaries; Ark Putney Academy is Good) and low council tax appeal to families — but the lack of a station and the very mixed housing are real considerations. |
| Professionals | ★★★☆☆ | Green space, the university and some prime enclaves appeal, and central London is reachable by bus and connecting train — but the absence of a station of its own makes the commute slower than most of the borough. |
| Commuters | ★★☆☆☆ | The honest weak point: Roehampton has no railway or Underground station of its own, so you rely on buses to Barnes, Putney or East Putney — workable for many, but a genuine drawback if a short walk to a train matters. |
An honest, at-a-glance summary of what Roehampton does brilliantly — and what to weigh carefully — before you commit.
Roehampton 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 | SW15 |
| Approx. character | A green but very mixed district wrapped around Richmond Park & the commons |
| Average house price | Very wide range: ex-council flats from ~£300,000; houses £700,000–£1,200,000; prime near the park £1,500,000–£2,000,000+; sources vary |
| Railway | None in Roehampton — buses to Barnes, Putney & East Putney (a genuine downside) |
| Nearest A&E | St George’s (Tooting) or Kingston; Queen Mary’s Roehampton has an urgent treatment centre — verify with NHS |
| Schools | Good schools in Wandsworth; Heathmere, Roehampton Church Forest & Granard (Good primaries); Ark Putney Academy (Good, secondary) |
| Known for | The University of Roehampton, the Alton Estate, Roehampton village & churches, Richmond Park, Putney Heath, Roehampton Club |
| Character | A green district of social-housing estates, university housing, Victorian & inter-war houses & prime park-side pockets in the London Borough of Wandsworth |
| Roads | The A3 (Roehampton Vale), the A306 (Roehampton Lane) & the South Circular close by |
| Green space | Richmond Park (Roehampton Gate), Putney Heath, Wimbledon Common & Barnes Common on the doorstep |
| Council tax (Band D) | £1,020.35 for 2026/27 — the LOWEST in England (Wandsworth + GLA; verified) — confirm your exact band |
Property prices & council tax in Roehampton
Roehampton has one of the widest price ranges in south-west London, so averages are less useful here than usual. It offers ex-council and purpose-built flats (particularly around the Alton Estate) among the more affordable in the borough, Victorian, Edwardian and inter-war houses, university housing, and prime houses near Richmond Park and the commons. Published figures vary enormously by location and tenure, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-council & purpose-built flats | Indicatively around £300,000–£450,000 | First-time buyers & investors — among the more affordable ways into the borough |
| Victorian, Edwardian & inter-war houses | Indicatively around £700,000–£1,200,000 | Families wanting a house with green space nearby |
| Prime houses near the park & commons | Indicatively around £1,500,000–£2,500,000+ | Buyers wanting a leafy, park-side home in the smarter enclaves |
| Roehampton range | Very wide — location & tenure matter most (verify per property) | A district best judged street by street |
| New-build & regeneration flats | Indicatively £400,000–£700,000+ | Buyers wanting a newer home, including on regenerated parts of the Alton Estate |
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.
£375,000
Ex-council flat
~£83,000
household income (guide)
£850,000
House benchmark
~£189,000
household income (guide)
£1,600,000
Prime park-side house (indicative)
~£356,000
household income (guide)
Roehampton affordability & stamp duty calculator
A quick, no-obligation way to see roughly what you could borrow in Roehampton 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 Roehampton property market in depth
Roehampton offers a genuinely mixed market — ex-council and purpose-built flats among the more affordable in the borough, Victorian and inter-war houses, university housing, and prime houses near the parks — with its green setting, the University of Roehampton and famously low council tax driving demand, tempered by the lack of a station of its own.
| Property type | What to expect | Typical guide |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-council & purpose-built flats | The more affordable way in; popular with first-time buyers and investors, especially around the Alton Estate. | £300,000–£450,000 |
| Victorian, Edwardian & inter-war houses | Family homes with green space nearby — a good part of the market. | £700,000–£1,200,000 |
| Prime houses near the park & commons | Leafy, park-side homes in the smarter enclaves — the top of the local market. | £1,500,000–£2,500,000+ |
| New-build & regeneration flats | Newer flats, including on regenerated parts of the Alton Estate — a growing part of the market. | £400,000–£700,000+ |
Roehampton’s appeal — a green corner of south-west London wrapped around Richmond Park, Putney Heath, Wimbledon Common and Barnes Common, with the parkland University of Roehampton, the historic village and its listed churches, and famously the lowest council tax in England — makes it an interesting, value-conscious market, from affordable ex-council flats to prime park-side houses.
That very wide mix means budgeting and the right mortgage matter more than usual. Ex-council, purpose-built and new-build flats bring lease, ground-rent, service-charge and major-works questions (and some lenders treat certain ex-council blocks and non-standard construction cautiously), while older houses can need survey work, so advice pays off. A whole-of-market mortgage adviser helps you match the right lender to the specific property and your plans — the kind of introduction we can arrange.
What makes Roehampton so popular?
Roehampton’s appeal is a green corner of south-west London wrapped around Richmond Park and the commons, with the University of Roehampton, the historic village and the landmark Alton Estate.
Richmond Park & Roehampton Gate
Richmond Park — London’s largest Royal Park, a National Nature Reserve with 600 red and fallow deer — is on Roehampton’s doorstep at Roehampton Gate, giving vast open space, cycling on the Tamsin Trail and a genuinely rural feel.
Putney Heath, Wimbledon Common & Barnes Common
Putney Heath and Wimbledon Common (managed by the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators) and Barnes Common wrap around the district — over a thousand acres of heath, woodland and grassland for walking, riding and nature.
The University of Roehampton & the village
The parkland campus of the University of Roehampton — the historic Froebel, Whitelands, Digby Stuart and Southlands colleges — and the old Roehampton village with its Grade-I listed churches give the district a green, historic character.
Transport & commuting from Roehampton
Transport is Roehampton’s honest weak point — there is no station of its own, so it relies on buses and connecting trains, plus good road links. These indicative times are a starting point — always verify current bus routes and timetables before relying on a specific journey.
| Route | Approx. time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roehampton → Barnes station | ~10–15 min by bus | For South Western Railway to Waterloo |
| Roehampton → Putney / East Putney | ~10–20 min by bus | For South Western Railway (Putney) & the District line (East Putney) |
| Roehampton → Hammersmith | ~25–35 min by bus | For the District, Piccadilly & Circle lines |
| Barnes → London Waterloo | ~20 min | On South Western Railway |
| East Putney → central London | ~25–35 min | On the District line |
| Roehampton → Richmond | ~20–30 min by bus / road | For the town, the river & the park |
| Roehampton → the A3 / central London by road | ~25–40 min | Via Roehampton Vale & the A3 — traffic dependent |
| Roehampton Gate → Richmond Park | On the doorstep | Vast open space & the Tamsin Trail |
Getting around Roehampton
Day-to-day mobility here is worth thinking through — the practical picture.
By bus
Roehampton has no station of its own, so buses are the backbone — connecting to Barnes, Putney and East Putney stations, and to Hammersmith, Richmond and Kingston — workable for many, but the key thing to check before you buy.
By connecting train & Tube
Barnes and Putney (South Western Railway to Waterloo) and East Putney (District line) are a bus ride away — the practical routes into town, via a change.
By car
The A3 (Roehampton Vale), the A306 (Roehampton Lane) and the South Circular give quick links across south-west London and out to the M25 — driving is often the easiest option here, though parking varies by street.
On foot & by bike
Richmond Park (the Tamsin Trail), Putney Heath, Wimbledon Common and Barnes Common give outstanding walking and cycling on the doorstep — a genuine highlight, if within the district rather than for the commute.
For the airport
Heathrow is reachable by road via the A3 and M25, and the airports via connecting trains from Barnes, Putney and Clapham Junction — check current connections.
For the commute
Roehampton suits people happy to combine a bus with a train or Tube, or to drive — but it is the one part of the borough where the commute needs the most thought, because there is no local station.
Schools in Roehampton
Wandsworth is one of London’s stronger boroughs for schools, and Roehampton has several well-regarded Good primaries and a Good secondary. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathmere Primary School | Primary (state, co-ed) | Good | A community primary on Alton Road, in the heart of Roehampton, rated Good at its November 2024 inspection (with behaviour and personal development judged Outstanding) — check catchment and admissions. |
| Roehampton Church (Forest) Primary School | Primary (state, Church of England, co-ed) | Good | The Church of England primary in Roehampton village (now Roehampton Church Forest Primary School), rated Good at its June 2023 inspection — check the latest report, catchment and admissions. |
| Granard Primary School | Primary (state, co-ed) | Good | A community primary on Cortis Road, on the Roehampton/Putney border, rated Good at its May 2023 inspection — check catchment and admissions. |
| Ark Putney Academy | Secondary (state academy, co-ed, 11–18) | Good | A co-educational secondary and sixth form on Pullman Gardens, serving Roehampton and Putney, rated Good at its latest graded inspection (November 2022) — check the latest report, catchment and admissions. |
Map, Police & Fire Services in Roehampton
A useful local guide should show the practical services buyers actually check — policing, fire cover, emergency healthcare and the local crime context for Roehampton.
Interactive map of Roehampton — view it on the online guide at thatsfamilyfinance.co.uk.
Popular parts of Roehampton & nearby
Where you buy in Roehampton matters enormously — more than in most districts — because character and value vary sharply from the estates to the village to the park-side enclaves. A quick orientation.
Local highlights & days out from Roehampton
Roehampton packs a Royal Park, over a thousand acres of commons, a parkland university and landmark architecture into one green district. A few of the best-loved local highlights.
Sports, leisure & community in Roehampton
For green space and the outdoors, few London districts can match Roehampton — a Royal Park, over a thousand acres of commons, a parkland university and landmark architecture on the doorstep.
Days out & the outdoors
Richmond Park (the Tamsin Trail and the deer), Putney Heath, Wimbledon Common and Barnes Common give outstanding walking, cycling, riding and nature — a genuinely rural landscape right beside inner London.
The parks & green space
Richmond Park at Roehampton Gate, Putney Heath, Wimbledon Common and Barnes Common give vast open space, with playing fields and the Roehampton Club nearby.
Shopping & eating out
Roehampton has local shops and the university, with Putney High Street, Barnes and Richmond close by for a fuller range of shops, restaurants and cafes.
Healthcare & local services in Roehampton
Healthcare access is reasonable for the area — GP provision locally and Queen Mary’s Hospital in Roehampton, with major A&E a drive away at St George’s (Tooting) and Kingston.
The area has GP provision locally and Queen Mary’s Hospital in Roehampton (with an urgent treatment centre and specialist services, including a well-known rehabilitation and prosthetics centre), with dentists and pharmacies locally; the nearest major A&E departments are at St George’s Hospital in Tooting and Kingston Hospital. 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 Roehampton
Day to day, Roehampton is a green corner of south-west London — Richmond Park, Putney Heath and the commons on the doorstep, the parkland University of Roehampton, the historic village and the landmark Alton Estate — with famously low council tax, though you rely on buses rather than a station of your own. Here is a sense of everyday life.
Roehampton has the amenities of a green, mixed district — local shops, the university, Queen Mary’s Hospital, well-regarded primary schools and a Good secondary, and above all outstanding green space in Richmond Park, Putney Heath, Wimbledon Common and Barnes Common. The big everyday pluses are that green space, the value (some of the more affordable prices in the borough), the university and academic character, and — unusually — the lowest council tax in England.
The honest trade-offs are real: there is no railway or Underground station of its own, so you rely on buses and connecting trains; the housing is very mixed, combining large social-housing estates — including the landmark Alton Estate — with pockets of very expensive housing, so it pays to get to know the area street by street; and there is no full major A&E in Roehampton itself. Connectivity for working is generally good, with superfast (and in places gigabit) broadband across much of the area, so home and hybrid working is very possible — which suits a district where the commute needs the most thought. For green space, value and character within reach of town, though, Roehampton is a genuinely distinctive choice.
| Everyday amenity | In Roehampton? | Nearest / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary schools | Yes (several) | Heathmere (Good), Roehampton Church Forest (Good), Granard (Good) and others; check catchment |
| Secondary schools | Yes | Ark Putney Academy (Good, with sixth form); plus other Wandsworth secondaries; check catchment |
| GP & hospital | Local; Queen Mary’s in Roehampton | GP provision locally; Queen Mary’s Hospital has an urgent treatment centre; major A&E at St George’s (Tooting) & Kingston |
| Nearest A&E | A drive (Tooting / Kingston) | St George’s Hospital & Kingston Hospital — Queen Mary’s Roehampton is urgent care, not full A&E |
| Station | No — buses only | No station in Roehampton; buses to Barnes, Putney & East Putney (a genuine downside) |
| Shops | Local; Putney & Richmond close | Local shops and the university; Putney High Street, Barnes & Richmond nearby |
| Green space | Yes (outstanding) | Richmond Park (Roehampton Gate), Putney Heath, Wimbledon Common & Barnes Common |
Working & connectivity in Roehampton
More people than ever work from home or hybrid, and that suits Roehampton particularly well given the commute — so it's worth being realistic about connectivity.
Superfast broadband reaches much of Roehampton, with gigabit-capable full-fibre available in parts of the area (and in many newer and regenerated schemes), so home and hybrid working is very possible — genuinely helpful in a district that relies on buses rather than a station of its own. Coverage can still vary by exact address, particularly in older houses and some estate blocks, 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 and newer schemes — check the exact address |
| Mobile coverage | Generally good across the district |
| Trains for office days | No local station — buses to Barnes, Putney & East Putney for the train and Tube |
| Road & air | A3, A306 & the South Circular to the wider network; Heathrow via the A3 & M25 |
Flood risk in Roehampton
On flooding, most of Roehampton sits on higher ground at lower risk of river flooding, but surface water in heavy rain can affect some low-lying streets, so it is worth checking carefully for a specific home.
Cost of living & running a home in Roehampton
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 (some homes near Putney Heath pay the small commons levy) |
| Buildings insurance | Varies — check flood risk | Surface-water flood risk in heavy rain 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 Roehampton
A green, value-conscious district with outstanding parks is a rewarding thing to buy into — but its very mixed housing means a few points on the mortgage side are especially worth understanding first.
Roehampton’s very wide range of homes means the right mortgage matters more than usual — from affordable ex-council and purpose-built flats to family houses and prime park-side homes. Ex-council, new-build and shared-ownership flats bring lease, ground-rent, service-charge and major-works questions, and some lenders assess certain ex-council blocks, high-rise and non-standard construction cautiously, so the choice of lender can genuinely depend on the specific block; older houses can need survey work too. Getting the right lender for the exact property and your circumstances is where good advice really pays off.
A whole-of-market approach is especially valuable here. That's Family Finance introduces you to carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers who search across lenders to fit the property and your circumstances, and we make sure your protection is set up properly alongside it. Talk to us →
Conveyancing & the searches to expect in Roehampton
A few standard checks are worth their weight when buying in Roehampton — especially the lease and construction on a flat, and the lack of a local station.
History, heritage & famous connections
Roehampton began as a small rural hamlet on the high ground west of Putney, and from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries it became a favoured spot for the grand country villas of wealthy Londoners — several of which survive, including Grade-I listed Roehampton House (now part of Queen Mary’s Hospital), set in landscaped grounds on the edge of the commons and Richmond Park. The old village, its churches and the parkland estates gave Roehampton a green, genteel character quite unlike the terraced suburbs closer to town.
The twentieth century transformed it. Several of the great houses and their grounds became the colleges that now form the University of Roehampton, while after the Second World War the London County Council built the Alton Estate on the parkland — the Alton West blocks, completed around 1959 and now Grade II listed, are internationally celebrated as one of the most ambitious modernist housing schemes in Europe, directly influenced by Le Corbusier. Absorbed into the London Borough of Wandsworth in 1965, Roehampton today is a genuinely mixed district — historic villas and churches, a great post-war estate now partly under regeneration, a parkland university and prime park-side houses — all wrapped in the green of Richmond Park and the commons, and all within the borough with the lowest council tax in England.
Roehampton through the ages
A quick timeline of the moments that shaped the town you would be buying into.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 17th–18th c. | Roehampton becomes a favoured spot for grand country villas — several survive, including Grade-I listed Roehampton House. |
| 19th c. | A green, genteel village of estates and churches on the high ground west of Putney. |
| 20th c. | The great houses and grounds become the colleges that now form the University of Roehampton. |
| c.1959 | The London County Council completes the Alton Estate; the Grade II listed Alton West blocks become internationally celebrated modernist architecture. |
| 1965 | Roehampton is absorbed into the new London Borough of Wandsworth. |
| 21st c. | A mixed district of historic villas, a great post-war estate (partly under regeneration), a parkland university and prime park-side homes — with the lowest council tax in England. |
Famous connections
A few of the people and stories that put Roehampton on the map.
The Alton Estate
The Alton Estate, whose Grade II listed Alton West blocks (completed around 1959) are internationally celebrated, Le Corbusier-influenced modernist architecture set in parkland — one of Roehampton’s defining landmarks.
The University of Roehampton
The University of Roehampton, gathering the historic Froebel, Whitelands, Digby Stuart and Southlands colleges on a green, parkland campus — a defining institution of the district.
Richmond Park & Roehampton House
Richmond Park at Roehampton Gate, and Grade-I listed Roehampton House (now part of Queen Mary’s Hospital) — the green, historic setting that has always defined Roehampton.
Looking beyond the mortgage
Buying a home in Roehampton 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 Roehampton
Beyond the brochure, a few honest points worth weighing before you commit to buying here.
Roehampton compared with nearby towns
How Roehampton sits against the places buyers most often weigh against it — a quick, indicative comparison.
| Town | Rough average price | Station? | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roehampton | Very wide (~£300k–£2m+) | No (buses only) | Green, mixed district around Richmond Park; the university; lowest council tax in England |
| Putney | ~£700k–£1.1m | Yes (District line & SWR) | The riverside town to the north-east, with the Thames, the Heath, the station and good schools |
| Barnes | ~£800k–£1.5m | Yes (SWR to Waterloo) | The village-like riverside neighbour to the north, with the pond, the Common and good schools |
| Richmond | ~£750k–£1.5m | Yes (District line, SWR & Overground) | The riverside town to the west, with the park, the river and the Green |
| Wimbledon | ~£650k–£1m | Yes (District line, SWR, Thameslink & tram) | The bustling town to the south, with the Common and the tennis |
Pros & cons of living in Roehampton
An honest, balanced summary to weigh up.
| In its favour | To weigh carefully |
|---|---|
| Richmond Park & the commons on the doorstep | No railway or Underground station of its own |
| The lowest council tax Band D in England | You rely on buses to Barnes, Putney & East Putney |
| Some of the more affordable prices in the borough | Very mixed housing — know the area street by street |
| The parkland University of Roehampton | Ex-council/new-build flats need lease & construction checks |
| Historic village, churches & landmark architecture | No full major A&E in Roehampton itself |
| Strong green, outdoor character | Surface-water flood risk in heavy rain in low spots |
| Good local schools | Some homes near Putney Heath pay the small commons levy |
Villages & areas around Roehampton
Many buyers who love Roehampton look just outside it too — a quick guide.
Who tends to move to Roehampton?
Understanding your fellow buyers helps you read the market and pitch an offer.
First-time buyers & investors
People wanting value — ex-council and purpose-built flats among the more affordable in the borough (often around £300,000–£450,000), strong rental demand from the University of Roehampton, and the lowest council tax in England — who are happy relying on buses.
Families & green-space lovers
People wanting Richmond Park, Putney Heath and the commons on the doorstep, with Good local schools (Heathmere, Roehampton Church Forest, Granard and Ark Putney Academy) — weighing the green space against the lack of a station.
University staff & buyers of prime park-side homes
People connected to the University of Roehampton, and buyers wanting a leafy, prime house near Richmond Park and the commons who don't mind relying on buses and the car.
What your money buys in Roehampton
A rough sense of what different budgets tend to secure — indicative only, and hugely dependent on position and condition.
Your move to Roehampton, 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 low Wandsworth council tax, insurance, which flood risk can affect, and SDLT), and get a mortgage in principle — especially useful in a district where the right lender can depend on the specific block.
2. Do your homework on the property
Time the specific bus-and-train commute, check surface-water flood risk (especially for low-lying homes), get a full building survey (wise on older houses), review the lease and construction on a flat or ex-council home, check the school catchment — before you fall in love.
3. Line up the right people
A whole-of-market mortgage adviser (valuable here, given the varied stock), a good surveyor and a local conveyancer will save you time, money and stress. We can introduce you to the first.
Already live in Roehampton?
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 Roehampton
If you are weighing up a move to the town, here is the honest bottom line.
Quick tips before you buy in Roehampton
- Enjoy the setting — Richmond Park, Putney Heath, Wimbledon Common and the University of Roehampton on the doorstep.
- Plan the commute carefully — Roehampton has no station of its own, so you rely on buses to Barnes, Putney and East Putney, or the car.
- Note the setting — a green but very mixed district; get to know the area street by street.
- Check surface-water flood risk for low-lying homes, and confirm insurance.
- Confirm the council tax and band — Roehampton Band D is £1,020.35 for 2026/27, the lowest in England (verified); some homes near Putney Heath pay the small commons levy.
- Budget realistically — prices range from affordable to prime; on flats check the lease, service charge and construction; use a whole-of-market adviser.
- Verify the nearest current A&E (St George’s, Tooting, or Kingston) with the NHS — Queen Mary’s Roehampton is urgent care, not full A&E.
- Get a full building survey on an older house, and on a flat or ex-council home review the lease, ground rent, service charge, construction and any shared-ownership terms.
- For schools, check catchment for Heathmere, Roehampton Church Forest and Granard (primary) and Ark Putney Academy (secondary).
- Factor the low council tax into your running costs — a genuine Wandsworth advantage.
- Explore Richmond Park, the commons, the university and the village to get a feel for the area.
- Remember there is no local station, and the housing is very mixed — time your commute and know the street.
- 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, construction, flood, boundary and standard searches.
Nearby areas worth considering
If you are weighing Roehampton against the surrounding area, these are the places buyers most often compare.
Putney
The riverside town to the north-east — on the District line and South Western Railway, with the Thames, Putney Heath, good schools and the station Roehampton lacks.
Barnes
The village-like riverside neighbour to the north — on South Western Railway to Waterloo, with the pond, Barnes Common and good schools.
Richmond
The riverside town to the west — on the District line, South Western Railway and Overground, with Richmond Park, the river and the Green.
Wimbledon
The bustling town to the south — on the District line, South Western Railway, Thameslink and the tram, with the Common and the tennis.
Kingston
The riverside market town to the south-west — on South Western Railway, with the river, big shops and the Bentall Centre.
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 Roehampton or a nearby area? We are always happy to point people in the right direction.
Get in touch →Frequently asked questions
Is Roehampton a good place to live?
Is Roehampton expensive?
Does Roehampton have a train or Tube station?
What is Roehampton known for?
What is the Alton Estate?
Where is the nearest A&E to Roehampton?
Does Roehampton have good schools?
What salary do you need to buy in Roehampton?
How much is stamp duty on a Roehampton property?
How much is council tax in Roehampton?
Which police and fire services cover Roehampton?
Is Roehampton a safe place to live?
What is there to do in Roehampton?
What is broadband like in Roehampton?
Is Roehampton good for families?
Is Roehampton good for commuters?
What searches should I expect when buying in Roehampton?
Is flooding a problem in Roehampton?
How do I get started with a mortgage for Roehampton?
Can existing homeowners in Roehampton benefit from a mortgage review?
Useful resources
Need help?
Whether you're researching Roehampton, planning a move, reviewing your finances or simply exploring your options — we're always happy to point people in the right direction.
By submitting your details you agree that your contact information will be passed to a carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage adviser.
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; Roehampton has no railway or London Underground station of its own — residents rely on buses, which connect to Barnes and Putney stations (South Western Railway to London Waterloo), East Putney (District line, Zone 2/3), and Hammersmith and Richmond, with the A3 (Roehampton Vale), the A306 (Roehampton Lane) and the South Circular for drivers — always verify current bus routes, timetables and service updates at tfl.gov.uk before travelling, and time the specific commute you would make. Ofsted information is based on the most recent publicly available reports. Wandsworth is competitive for school places; Roehampton has several Good primaries (Heathmere Primary, Roehampton Church Forest Primary — formerly Roehampton Church of England Primary — and Granard Primary) and the Good Ark Putney Academy, plus the University of Roehampton for higher education — 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: Queen Mary’s Hospital in Roehampton has an urgent treatment centre and specialist services but not a full 24-hour major A&E; the nearest major A&E departments are at St George’s Hospital in Tooting (St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) and Kingston Hospital, both a drive 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 the University of Roehampton and its colleges, the Alton Estate, Roehampton village and its churches, Roehampton House, the Roehampton Club, Richmond Park, Putney Heath, Wimbledon Common and Barnes Common are for context. Crime information is general — check current data at police.uk. Flood-risk: most of Roehampton sits on higher ground 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: Roehampton is in the London Borough of Wandsworth (unparished); the Band D total for 2026/27 is £1,020.35 — the lowest in England — 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 (verified from Wandsworth’s published council tax bands and charges for 2026/27); because Roehampton borders Putney Heath, some homes also pay a small Wimbledon and Putney Commons levy; confirm your exact band with the London Borough of Wandsworth. Property prices are indicative and based on recent public sold-price data — Roehampton is an SW15 district with an unusually wide range, from ex-council flats around £300,000 to prime park-side houses well beyond £1,500,000, depending heavily on location and tenure; 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).
Free guidance
Make sure your life insurance goes to your family. Not the taxman
You’ve protected your family. Now make sure the money reaches them. Get free, straightforward guidance on placing your life insurance policy in trust.