Living in Herne Hill

Neighbourhood

Herne Hill is a small town in London with a population of 15,782. It has strong schools, with 75% rated Good or Outstanding and a moderate crime rate of 71 per 1,000 residents, with average house prices around £583k. It offers a balance of affordability, amenities, and connectivity that appeals to a range of residents.

£583k
Median property price ↑ 2.9%
71
Crimes per 1,000 residents
12
Schools (9 Good/Outstanding)
Limited
Transport rating · Herne Hill

About Herne Hill

Overview

South London neighbourhood centred on the velodrome, Sunday market, and Brockwell Park. Located in London, Herne Hill has a population of approximately 15,782 residents, making it a compact neighbourhood by UK standards. The primary postcode area is SE24.

Herne Hill 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 £583k that is 5% below the London average of £611k. The area has a moderate crime rate compared to similar areas.

Key facts about Herne Hill

  • Limited public transport links
  • Nearest station: Herne Hill
  • Part of London
  • High proportion of Good/Outstanding schools
  • Region: London
  • Population: ~15,782
  • Median property price: £583k
  • Crime rate: 71 per 1,000
  • Ofsted: 75% schools Good/Outstanding

Property prices in Herne Hill (2026)

Based on HM Land Registry Price Paid data, updated regularly.

£583k
Median price
↑ 2.9%
Year-on-year change

Property market analysis

The median property price in Herne Hill currently stands at £583k, placing it in the mid-range segment of the London market. This is 5% below the London average of £611k. Over the past twelve months, prices in Herne Hill have been on an upward trend, with a year-on-year change of +2.9%.

This moderate growth is consistent with the broader London market, where demand continues to be supported by limited housing stock and sustained interest from both first-time buyers and those moving from more expensive areas.

For context, the most affordable areas in London have median prices around £197k, while the most expensive areas reach £1.6M. Herne Hill sits in the middle 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 Herne Hill

Crime data sourced from Police.uk, which records all crimes reported to police forces across England and Wales.

Medium crime 71.1 crimes per 1,000 residents

Crime rate analysis

Herne Hill has a moderate crime rate of 71.1 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 Herne Hill. Our AI-generated analysis puts the numbers in plain English so you can make an informed decision.

Schools in Herne Hill

School data from the Department for Education (DfE) and Ofsted.

12
Total schools
75%
Good or Outstanding

Schools analysis

Herne Hill has 12 schools in the local area, of which 9 (75%) have been rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. This represents a strong level of school quality. While the majority of schools perform well, parents should research individual schools carefully. Ofsted ratings can change between inspections, and a school's suitability depends on your child's specific needs.

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 Herne Hill 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 Herne Hill

Limited Nearest station: Herne Hill

Transport links analysis

Herne Hill has limited public transport options. Most residents rely on a car for daily commuting and errands. The nearest railway station is Herne Hill, providing regular services to surrounding areas. Transport connectivity data is sourced from NaPTAN, the official UK database of public transport access points.

Commuters from Herne Hill should factor in travel times carefully. While bus services operate in the area, the nearest rail connections may require a short journey to reach.

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. Planned transport improvements could be a catalyst for future price growth in Herne Hill.

Living in Herne Hill — lifestyle and amenities

Herne Hill is a compact neighbourhood in London with a population of around 15,782. Like many London locations, it offers a dense mix of shops, restaurants, pubs, and green spaces within walking distance.

Who lives in Herne Hill? 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 Herne Hill have access to both local green spaces and the capital's major parks.

Shopping and dining: While Herne Hill 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.

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Frequently asked questions about Herne Hill

Is Herne Hill a good place to live?

Herne Hill is a small town in London with limited transport, strong schools, with 75% rated Good or Outstanding, and a median house price of £583k. The crime rate is moderate at 71 per 1,000 residents.

What is the population of Herne Hill?

Herne Hill has a population of approximately 15,782, making it a small town by UK standards.

Is Herne Hill a safe area?

Herne Hill has a moderate crime rate of 71 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 Herne Hill like?

There are 12 schools in Herne Hill, of which 9 (75%) are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted — a strong level of school quality.

What is the average house price in Herne Hill?

The median property price in Herne Hill is £583k, which is 5% below the London average of £611k. Prices have been on an upward trend over the past year.

Where does this data come from?

All data in this Herne Hill 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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