Auction House London’s Area Guide to Greenwich
Auction House London’s Area Guide to Greenwich
Auction House London has a number of interesting properties listed for auction throughout the City and surrounding areas. Our property auction experts are knowledgeable about the different areas in and around London, such as Greenwich, and are sharing a series of London area guides to help investors make more informed decisions.
This latest addition to the Auction House London series focuses on Greenwich in south east London, within the Royal Borough of Greenwich. It is a historically significant part of the capital, and there are often plenty of opportunities for investors.
Where is Greenwich?
Greenwich sits on the south bank of the River Thames in southeast London, about 5 and a half miles east of Charing Cross. It is neighboured by the Isle of Dogs and Blackwall to the west, Deptford to the northwest, Charlton to the east, and Plumstead to the southeast.
Transport links are good, with Greenwich station offering rail services into central London and beyond, while nearby Maze Hill and Westcombe Park add further rail options. The Docklands Light Railway at Cutty Sark provides quick access to Canary Wharf and the City, and a network of buses connects Greenwich with south and east London. There are also river services on the Thames.
The history of Greenwich
Greenwich originally grew from a medieval settlement, becoming significant in the Tudor period when the Palace of Placentia was built in the fifteenth century, with monarchs Henry VIII and Elizabeth I both born there.
In the 17th century Greenwich Hospital was founded to care for retired sailors, and this led to the creation of the iconic Royal Hospital for Seamen buildings, designed by Sir Christopher Wren. This period also saw the building of the Royal Observatory which remains to this day. There were also many naval and river industry developments built in subsequent centuries, which have since given way to civic, cultural and residential use in the modern era.
What does the architecture and property market look like in Greenwich?
Greenwich has a nice blend of historic and modern buildings in a way few London districts do. Around the heart of the old town you’ll find Georgian and Victorian terraces, townhouses and historic civic structures. Meanwhile the riverside is dotted with converted dockside warehouses and newer apartment developments. There are also lots of mid-20th century estates and contemporary build-to-rent and private developments among the housing stock.
Greenwich and southeast London in general often have interesting property opportunities, such as this three bedroom mid terrace house on Tunnel Avenue. Additionally there’s this fourth floor one bedroom flat in nearby Woolwich, or this second floor self-contained office in Bermondsey for commercial investors.
What are the amenities like in Greenwich?
Greenwich combines lively town centre life with exellent cultural attractions. Greenwich Market is a hub for craft stalls, independent traders, food vendors and boutique shops. Around Nelson Road and Creek Road you’ll find a mix of cafes, pubs and restaurants, as well as essential services. Cultural attractions include the National Maritime Museum, the Queen’s House, and the historic Cutty Sark. Then there’s the O2 just upriver at North Greenwich, which hosts concerts, entertainment and major events.
For everyday needs there are plenty of supermarkets, gyms, dentists, libraries and community centres spread throughout the borough.
Open spaces in Greenwich
Greenwich is blessed with open space, with Greenwich Park sitting high above the Thames with wide lawns, trees, gardens and views across the river towards Canary Wharf. It also hosts the Royal Observatory and its famous Meridian Line.
Other green spaces include the riverside Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park, which is a small nature reserve with paths and wildlife. The Thames Path also runs through the area, offering traffic-free walking and cycling along the riverbank.
What are the schools like in Greenwich?
Families in Greenwich have access to a range of education options. Primary schools include Conway Primary School and Windrush Primary School, vehicle secondary schools and sixth form colleges include the Plumstead Manor School, as well as the two Woolwich Polytechnic Schools for boys and girls each.
The borough is also home to the University of Greenwich, with campuses at the Old Royal Naval College and in Avery Hill. The Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance is nearby for some specialist higher education, while the Charlton Park Academy and Willow Dene School offer alternative educational options.
Auction House London prides itself on having local knowledge about diverse areas of the capital. If you have questions about Greenwich or any other London area or suburb, please contact our team of property auction professionals. If you’re looking to buy property in London at an auction, browse through the lots listed in our forthcoming auction. Or, if you have a property you want to sell in London or the surrounding areas, why not see how much it could be worth in an auction with a free valuation by Auction House London.