neighbouring areas
Postcodes
| SW10 | SW16 | SW3 | SW9 |
| SW11 | SW17 | SW4 | TW10 |
| SW12 | SW18 | SW5 | TW9 |
| SW13 | SW19 | SW6 | |
| SW14 | SW2 | SW7 | |
| SW15 | SW20 | SW8 |
other districts in UK
| Central London | North London | South West London | |
| East Central London | North West London | West Central London | |
| East London | South East London | West London |
Balham has a vibrant town centre with a strong multicultural community and an increasingly buoyant local economy.
Living in Balham
Balham is in the London Borough of Wandsworth, although a small area east of Cavendish Road is in the Borough of Lambeth.
Clapham Common lies to the north of Balham, Wandsworth Common to the west, Tooting Graveney Common to the south, and Tooting Bec Common to the east.
Following World War II, many of the older properties that had survived the bombs were converted into flats or bedsitters, giving Balham a transient, neglected feel.
However, in the last decade or so, Balham's solidly-constructed housing stock of large Victorian villas and 3-bedroom Edwardian houses is attracting both young professionals and families. Residents enjoy excellent transport links, especially to the City, complemented by leafy streets and large green commons.
Another lure to Balham is Du Cane Court, a distinctive Art Deco apartment block on Balham High Road. It was built in the mid 1930s and is one of the largest privately owned apartment blocks in Britain with 676 flats ranging from studio flats to 4-bedroom penthouses.
Balham High Road is a wide, busy, main thoroughfare with plenty of retail outlets, bars, restaurants and cafés, often reflecting the area's Asian population. Balham also boasts a Waitrose supermarket, a sure sign of its middleclass credentials.
Tooting is a few minutes by car south of Balham and offers an even wider choice of shops. Bellevue Road on Wandsworth Common has several upmarket restaurants (including Chez Bruce) and clothing boutiques.
Transport
Balham tube station is on the Northern Line and links south to Tooting, South Wimbledon and Morden, and north to Central London and the City of London.
Balham railway station is part of the tube station and is served by Southern Trains, providing a direct link south to Croydon and Gatwick Airport, and north to Clapham Junction, Victoria and Watford Junction.
For details of train services throughout the UK please visit http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
Balham is on several bus routes and has good road access to Central London.
For information regarding buses and tubes please visit http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/default.aspx
History and culture
200 years ago Balham was a hamlet of farms and a few country houses but as travel to London became easier, the town began to grow around Balham Hill in the early 19th century.
In the mid 19th century the Crystal Palace Railway arrived and Balham grew around the new station, with the High Road becoming its thriving commercial centre.
One of the finest residential districts in Balham was built by Alfred Heaver in the grounds of Bedford Hill House and is now a highly sought after conservation area.
Polish immigrants have been settling in Balham since the 1950s and the White Eagle Club is a thriving Polish community centre. Opposite the club is a Polish catholic church.
view the 10 most recently added properties for sale in Balham
studio flat in Bedford Hill, Balham, SW12 - Asking price of £299,950
Haart are proud to present this modern two bedroom split level apartment in a great location on Bedford Hill. Moments from Balham town centre, rail and amenities, this would make a superb first...... view full details
3 bedrooms house in Alderbrook Road, London,South West London - Asking price of £699,950
A three double bedroom Victorian terraced house with generous entertaining space and a private garden. The property is located on a much sought after residential road in the Nightingale Triangle,...... view full details
2 bedrooms flat in Ravenslea Road, London SW12 - Asking price of £375,000
Jacksons Estate Agents are delighted to present to the sales market this immaculately refurbished first floor period conversion.... view full details
3 bedrooms house in Cavendish Road, Balham, London SW12 - Asking price of £650,000
A truly outstanding end terraced period house which has been the subject of meticulous refurbishment by the current owners.... view full details
4 bedrooms house in Dagnan Road, Balham,South West London - Asking price of £737,500
No onward chain- halfapercent as sole agents are pleased to offer this well presented 1,531sqft (142sqm) four double bedroom, two reception room, victorian terraced family house arranged over over...... view full details
2 bedrooms flat in Ravenslea Road, London SW12 - Asking price of £375,000
Recently refurbished to an exciting standard by the current owners is this stunning split-level flat. The kitchen has a solid oak work top and floor with Franke sink and taps while incorporating...... view full details
2 bedrooms flat in Honeybrook Road, London,London - Asking price of £375,000
A beautifully presented upper floor two bedroom split-level Victorian conversion flat, with ample entertaining space. The property is situated within close proximity of Clapham South, Abbeville...... view full details
1 bedroom flat in Burnbury Road, London SW12 - Asking price of £345,000
A simply charming purpose built period conversion which has a host of period features throughout and the benefit of its own front door.... view full details
4 bedrooms house in Englewood Road, Clapham South,South West London - Asking price of £795,000
No onward chain- halfapercent as sole agents are delighted to offer this recently decorated, four double bedroom, two reception room mid terraced victorian house, retaining many period features...... view full details
