Is Nunhead a Good Place to Live?

Nunhead is one of South East London’s most underrated neighbourhoods. Tucked between the energy of Peckham to the north and the leafy calm of East Dulwich to the south, it has its own distinct character — a village green, a remarkable Victorian cemetery, a community-owned pub, and streets of solid Victorian houses that still represent genuine value by London standards. Here’s what life there is actually like.

What is Nunhead like?

Sandwiched between the yummy mummies of East Dulwich and the hipsters of Peckham, Nunhead has at its heart a village green and a shopping street where independent shops, bars, cafés, and restaurants have opened in recent years. The Standard

It’s a genuinely local area — not destination dining, not a weekend scene, but a real neighbourhood with real character. The annual Nunhead art trail, a handful of excellent pubs, and a tight-knit community make it a place people feel genuinely attached to.

At the heart of the area is Nunhead Cemetery — one of London’s “Magnificent Seven” Victorian cemeteries. It’s now a Local Nature Reserve, home to over 200 species of birds and wildlife, and a genuinely atmospheric place for a walk. Unusually beautiful and consistently underappreciated by people who haven’t been.

Who is Nunhead best suited to?

First-time buyers looking for more space and character than Peckham offers at a slightly lower price point, with excellent transport connections.

Families attracted by the village feel, good schools, and access to Peckham Rye Park without paying Peckham Rye prices.

Renters who want a quieter alternative to Peckham while staying within easy reach of it.

Property prices in Nunhead

Nunhead offers better value than neighbouring Peckham Rye, while sharing many of the same transport and amenity advantages. Period homes in conservation areas around Holly Grove and Nunhead Green command £1 million and above. Fraserbond More typical Victorian terraces range from around £550,000–£800,000, and two-bedroom flats from around £350,000–£500,000.

Rental yields in SE15 typically range from 4% to 5.5% Fraserbond, suggesting strong sustained demand from renters — a useful indicator of the area’s long-term appeal.

Property price data sourced from HM Land Registry via Fraser Bond and Housemetric. Figures reflect recent sold prices and are subject to change.

Transport links

Nunhead has solid rail connections that are often overlooked.

• Trains from Nunhead station to Victoria and Blackfriars take around 18 minutes, with services to St Pancras via Farringdon taking about 27 minutes The Standard
• Queens Road Peckham and Peckham Rye are both within walking distance, giving access to the Overground and National Rail connections
• Bus routes connect to Peckham, Lewisham, New Cross, and Camberwell

For a Zone 2 address, the transport offer is reasonable — particularly for anyone working in the City or Blackfriars corridor.

Schools

Nunhead has good access to schools across the Southwark and Lewisham borough boundary.

• Several local primary schools are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted
• The outstanding secondary schools in neighbouring Peckham (Harris Boys’ and Girls’ Academies) are accessible
• The Dulwich independent schools (Dulwich College, JAGS, Alleyn’s) are within a short bus ride

Green spaces

Nunhead Cemetery is the standout — 52 acres of Victorian Gothic atmosphere, ancient trees, and surprising wildlife. It’s free to enter and one of the most distinctive green spaces in South London.

Peckham Rye Park is a short walk away and one of the best 113-acre parks in the borough. Telegraph Hill Park, which straddles the Nunhead/Brockley border, is another excellent option for views and open space.

Food, drink, and things to do

Nunhead has a cluster of excellent pubs — The Old Nun’s Head on Nunhead Green, the Beer Shop (a great craft beer micropub), Babette (a lovely French bistro), and 400 Rabbits (beloved sourdough pizza). Foxtons

The Ivy House in Stuart Road made history when local residents raised £1 million to buy and renovate it, making it London’s first cooperatively owned pub. The Standard It remains a community institution and a good indicator of the kind of area Nunhead is.

The honest verdict

Nunhead is genuinely good value — a village feel, strong community, real green space, and a housing stock that still offers more for your money than Peckham or East Dulwich. It’s the kind of area that tends to creep up in price once enough people discover it. It may already be in the process of doing so.

A Viven property report for any Nunhead address covers flood risk, broadband, EPC ratings, crime data, and sold price history — useful groundwork before viewing.

Exploring other South East London neighbourhoods?

We’ve put together honest guides to living in each area — covering house prices, transport, schools, green space, and what life is actually like on the ground.

• Is East Dulwich a Good Place to Live?
• Is Peckham a Good Place to Live?
• Is Forest Hill a Good Place to Live?
• Is Crystal Palace a Good Place to Live?
• Is Brockley a Good Place to Live?
• Is Herne Hill a Good Place to Live?
• Is Dulwich Village a Good Place to Live?
• Is Sydenham a Good Place to Live?
• Is Honor Oak a Good Place to Live?

This article is for informational purposes only. Property prices referenced are based on recent sold data and may change. Always seek independent financial and legal advice before making property decisions.