Sometimes seen as the poor neighbour to pricier Fulham and Chelsea north of the river, Putney in the Wandsworth Borough of South West London certainly offers better value for money, and arguably a more down to earth vibe. With an average price tag of £837,308 in the last 12 months – and £533,873 for flats, the most popular offering – Putney is by no means cheap when it comes to house prices. However, in the context of eye-watering Central and West London at £1,495,606 and £1,231,446 on average respectively, the area certainly offers more bang for your buck for London homeowners.

Putney is also a more relaxed, family-friendly option than bustling Clapham, Battersea and Wandsworth with its riverside location and plenty of lush green outdoor space nearby whilst still offering easy access to central London and beyond via road, rail, boat and tube.

So, if you are looking for a smart choice for that next London move, here are our top 10 reasons why you should add Putney to your shortlist.

• You can take your pick of transport options by land …

Putney is only six miles from central London and 15-20 minutes train journey from London Waterloo with a favoured Zone 2 position.

Whilst it may not have the speediest tube line, you can also pick up the District Line at either end of town from Putney Bridge or East Putney tube station, which is 5 minutes’ walk from the top of Putney High Street. Regular buses will also take you into central London via scenic Chelsea, Kensington and Knightsbridge.

The rest of the UK – if you feel that there is life outside of London – is also accessible via the A3 and nearby M3.

• … and water.

Alternatively, you can take the more scenic route into central London via the Thames Clipper from Putney Pier which will take you on a leisurely sail along the river and deposit you at Embankment and Canary Wharf piers amongst others in around 45 minutes and just over an hour, respectively.

• There is outdoor space aplenty.

With Putney Heath and Wandsworth Park in Putney itself and the London Wetland Centre, Wimbledon Park and the mighty 2500 acre Richmond Park only moments away, lovers of the great outdoors are certainly spoilt for choice in Putney.

• Plus, good school options for younger and older children alike…

Whether it be state or private school, primary or secondary, Putney has you covered.

Our Lady of Victories Catholic Primary School, All Saints’ CofE Primary School and secondary schools Ashcroft Technology Academy and Paddock School are all rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted and independent options the Merlin School, Hurlingham, Prospect House, Ibstock Place and girls school Putney High are also highly regarded.

• …and a vibrant social scene for the grown-ups too.

Admittedly there is more of a pub than club culture, but Putney stalwarts The Dukes Head and The Prince of Wales are worth a visit for sports and food fans alike and both serve a popular Sunday Roast. If you are in search of a lively after-hours venue, Revolution and Simmons Bar will fit the bill, as does Putney institution Le Fez nightclub.

• The café culture is also alive and well, with the best brunch spot in the South West (allegedly).

Highly rated and award-winning Tried & True on Upper Richmond Road is supposedly the one to beat when it comes to brunch, although The Bakehouse and the Artisan will certainly give it a run for its money according to Positively Putney.

• Although Putney is no slouch when it comes to a heartier dining experience either.

With tapas at Pata Negra, Roxie Steak, a great range of Thai restaurants, Putney stalwart Ma Goa, Brazilian Preto and Antipodean Bill’s, you can eat your way around the world from the comfort of SW15.

• All of the essentials when it comes to shopping.

With a decent sized Sainsburys and Waitrose and enough ‘express’ options to shake a stick at, Putney fulfils all of your needs when it comes to groceries. There are also a number of high street favourites in the Putney Exchange and for a bigger range of options, shopping centres in Wandsworth, Kingston and Wimbledon are only a short bus or train ride away.

• Council tax rates are now the lowest in the country.

Given the number of pricey pads to be found locally, it might surprise you to hear that Putney residents have paid some of the lowest council tax rates in London for years as part of the wider Wandsworth district, saving thousands of pounds compared to neighbouring boroughs.

This year, Wandsworth Council has gone one step further and reduced its share of council tax bills from April 2022 – the only council in London to do so.

• The famous boat race – a British institution.

A must-see event for every Putney local at least once is the famous boat race between the esteemed University of Oxford and University of Cambridge rowing teams which sets off from Putney Pier and dates back to 1829.