1 bed Flat For Sale £400,000
Southampton Way, Camberwell, SE5

Guide Price £400,000 to £425,000.

As a first-time buyer, I bought this property in 2015, and it has been a fantastic home ever since.

I bought the property off-plan and was over the moon when I finally saw it for real. The first things that drew my attention were the brightness throughout the property (so much light flooding through the floor-to-ceiling windows!), the spacious living area, the storage capacity in the kitchen (I love cooking and have a lot of stuff), and the south-facing balcony.

I immediately knew I could make this property a cosy home where I could relax and recharge after a busy day, entertain friends & family and be happy and content. It also felt safe and secure, which was very important to me.

I like my home organised, tidy, and clean, which I achieved by creating functional spaces with adequate storage capacity (and avoiding the temptation of late-night online shopping!).

When making improvements to the property, I opted for quality and craftsmanship by carefully selecting the appliances, products, suppliers, and professionals I work with. For example, John Lewis supplied and fitted the made-to-measure wooden blinds and the three-double-door wardrobe. The Da Vinci luxury vinyl floor throughout the property was provided and laid by Karndean. In 2021, I replaced the original Indesit washing machine and ceramic hob with a new NEFF washing machine and induction hob.

I also added some wall cabinets, laundry basket cabinets and a freestanding tall cabinet in the bathroom. I replaced the original Hansgrohe over-the-bath hand shower unit with a new Hansgrohe over-the-bath hand shower and overhead shower unit with a sleek and practical design. I also made these improvements in 2021.

To maximise the storage capacity within the property, I also added made-to-measure fitted shelving utilising the entire space (right-to-left and floor-to-ceiling) in the first hallway cupboard.

Having a south-facing balcony has been a blessing! The balcony is quiet, away from the main road, perfect for sitting out with a morning coffee, reading a book, or sunbathing. It's like having another room attached to the property.

The property is part of Camberwell Fields, a residential development in Camberwell. I didn't know Camberwell then, but having some fantastic parks (Burgess and Brunswick) on my doorstep offered a balance between the busy city and calming nearby green spaces for weekend walks (or runs).

Camberwell struck me immediately as an artistic part of town with the Art College nearby (interesting fact: building names in Camberwell Fields are artist names connected to the Art College). With this audience in mind, restaurants and bars are diverse and will not disappoint. In addition to this, Camberwell has excellent links into the city via bus (fantastic bus route to anywhere in the city within 20 to 25 mins), trains from Denmark Hill, tube (Oval and Elephant and Castle), and a short 10/15 mins cycle into the city.

For cyclist enthusiasts, Southwark cyclists organise free social rides on Saturdays, which are a great way to meet new people if you are new to the area. Two secure bike storage rooms are exclusively reserved for residents of our building on the ground floor, so you can keep your bike(s) off the property if you wish.

I have never lived in a residential development, and I must say it has been a very unexpected and pleasant experience. Before I moved here, I lived for nine years in Gilbey House in Camden Town, a famous building with 76 properties, and I never saw or knew any of my neighbours. Here at Camberwell Fields, we all know each other. We look after each other, and we help each other. There is a great sense of community. Although I live alone, I have never felt alone in Camberwell Fields. Residents across the entire development can communicate or share recommendations through various WhatsApp groups.

I'm now relocating to France to start a new business venture and be closer to my family. I will miss this property, my home and sanctuary for eight fantastic years! I will also miss my neighbours and the great community I'm leaving behind.

Lease Term 117 years
Service Charges £1471 per annum
Ground Rent £300 per annum
Council Tax Band C Southwark £1504 per annum (full rate)