Living in Camberwell
NeighbourhoodCamberwell is a town in London with a population of 21,484. It has exceptional schools, with 100% rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted and an above-average crime rate of 98 per 1,000 residents, with average house prices around £430k. Camberwell stands out for its excellent public transport connectivity, making car-free living very feasible.
About Camberwell
Overview
South London area with arts college heritage, growing food scene, and Denmark Hill green spaces. Located in London, Camberwell has a population of approximately 21,484 residents, making it a compact neighbourhood by UK standards. The primary postcode area is SE5.
Camberwell sits within London and is well connected to neighbouring areas. The local property market is at the mid-range end of the spectrum, with a median price of £430k that is 30% below the London average of £611k. The area has a above average crime rate compared to similar areas.
Key facts about Camberwell
- Excellent public transport links
- Nearest station: Denmark Hill
- Part of London
- High proportion of Good/Outstanding schools
- Region: London
- Population: ~21,484
- Median property price: £430k
- Crime rate: 98 per 1,000
- Ofsted: 100% schools Good/Outstanding
Property prices in Camberwell (2026)
Based on HM Land Registry Price Paid data, updated regularly.
Property market analysis
The median property price in Camberwell currently stands at £430k, placing it in the mid-range segment of the London market. This is 30% below the London average of £611k. Over the past twelve months, prices in Camberwell have been softening slightly, with a year-on-year change of -4.3%.
The decline in prices may reflect broader market conditions rather than area-specific issues. For buyers with a long-term horizon, this could represent an attractive entry point into a well-connected neighbourhood.
For context, the most affordable areas in London have median prices around £197k, while the most expensive areas reach £1.6M. Camberwell sits towards the more affordable end of this range.
What types of property are available? The market offers a mix of flats, terraced and semi-detached houses. First-time buyers may find entry-level flats within reach, while families typically look at terraced properties or ex-council stock.
Crime and safety in Camberwell
Crime data sourced from Police.uk, which records all crimes reported to police forces across England and Wales.
Crime rate analysis
Camberwell has a above average crime rate of 97.9 offences per 1,000 residents per year. This is above the national average of 62 per 1,000. This level is typical for well-populated urban areas and should be considered in the context of the area's size and character.
Understanding crime statistics: Raw crime numbers can be misleading without context. Areas with high footfall (shopping centres, transport hubs, nightlife) naturally record more incidents. The crimes-per-1,000-residents metric normalises for population size but does not account for visitors. When assessing safety, consider the types of crime most relevant to you — residential burglary and vehicle crime are more directly relevant to homeowners than shoplifting or public order offences.
For a full breakdown by crime category, monthly trends, and year-on-year comparison, sign up for Check Local's detailed safety report for Camberwell. Our AI-generated analysis puts the numbers in plain English so you can make an informed decision.
Schools in Camberwell
School data from the Department for Education (DfE) and Ofsted.
Schools analysis
Camberwell has 15 schools in the local area, of which 15 (100%) have been rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. This represents a exceptional level of school quality. Families moving to the area will find an excellent range of well-regarded schools, which is also a contributing factor to the area's property prices — proximity to top-rated schools typically adds a premium of 8-12% to property values.
Primary and secondary schools: The area serves families with children of all ages, with both primary and secondary schools available locally. There is a reasonable selection of schools available, giving families some degree of choice.
Catchment areas and admissions: Most schools in Camberwell use distance-based admissions criteria, meaning the closer you live to a school, the more likely your child is to gain a place. Popular schools can have very tight catchment areas. Check Local's detailed schools report shows the distance from any address to every nearby school, with full Ofsted ratings and Key Stage results.
Transport and commuting in Camberwell
Transport links analysis
Camberwell benefits from outstanding public transport connectivity, making it easy to reach central London, major airports, and neighbouring areas without a car. The nearest railway station is Denmark Hill, providing regular services to surrounding areas. Transport connectivity data is sourced from NaPTAN, the official UK database of public transport access points.
For commuters, Camberwell offers strong connectivity. The area is well served by the London Underground, Overground, and bus networks, making it feasible to commute across London without a car.
Impact on property values: Transport links are one of the strongest predictors of property prices. Areas within walking distance of a station typically command a premium of 10-15% over areas further away. The excellent transport links in Camberwell are a key factor supporting its property values.
Living in Camberwell — lifestyle and amenities
Camberwell is a compact neighbourhood in London with a population of around 21,484. Like many London locations, it offers a dense mix of shops, restaurants, pubs, and green spaces within walking distance.
Who lives in Camberwell? The area attracts a mix of young professionals, growing families, and long-term residents. The property market is accessible to those with reasonable deposits or equity from previous homes.
Green spaces and recreation: London benefits from an extensive network of parks and open spaces, and residents of Camberwell have access to both local green spaces and the capital's major parks.
Shopping and dining: While Camberwell may not have the range of a major city, local shops and eateries provide for daily needs, with larger centres accessible within a short drive or train ride.
Frequently asked questions about Camberwell
Is Camberwell a good place to live?
Camberwell is a town in London with excellent transport, exceptional schools, with 100% rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, and a median house price of £430k. The crime rate is above average at 98 per 1,000 residents.
What is the population of Camberwell?
Camberwell has a population of approximately 21,484, making it a town by UK standards.
Is Camberwell a safe area?
Camberwell has an above-average crime rate of 98 per 1,000 residents, which is above the national average of 62 per 1,000. Crime data is from Police.uk and covers all reported offences.
What are the schools in Camberwell like?
There are 15 schools in Camberwell, of which 15 (100%) are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted — a exceptional level of school quality.
What is the average house price in Camberwell?
The median property price in Camberwell is £430k, which is 30% below the London average of £611k. Prices have been softening slightly over the past year.
Where does this data come from?
All data in this Camberwell area guide is sourced from verified official UK government and public sector data providers. We combine property transaction records, crime statistics, school inspection data, transport network data, and census information to build a complete picture of every area.
We do not scrape, estimate, or fabricate any figures. Check Local processes and combines these official datasets to produce a unified area intelligence report. Our AI then generates plain-English narratives to help you understand what the numbers actually mean for your day-to-day life.
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