Brayards Road Estate, London, SE15

Tucked away on a quiet residential street in SE15, this two-bedroom second-floor apartment gives you space, light and, most importantly, a foothold in one of South London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

The flat itself is straightforward and practical: two proper double bedrooms, a generous living and dining room, a separate kitchen and a modern bathroom. What makes it stand out is the setting. Step outside and you are in the heart of Peckham, with all the character and energy that has made the area one of London’s most desirable places to live.

Everyday convenience is close at hand too. Queens Road station is just a short walk away, with a cluster of local shops around it — from Tesco and Sainsbury’s Express to independent bakeries, cafés with outdoor seating, and a mix of takeaways and Caribbean favourites. Even closer to home, there are two small neighbourhood parks just a few minutes’ walk from the flat, giving you green space on your doorstep in addition to Peckham’s larger parks.

Peckham’s food scene has become legendary, and you are right in the middle of it here. On Queens Road, Kudu is a destination in its own right, with its cornbread and bacon butter a dish people come back for time and again. At Peckham Levels, independent kitchens serve everything from Thai noodles to Venezuelan arepas, alongside live music and rooftop views. For brunch, Anderson’s on Bellenden Road is a local institution, with sourdough and pastries that are well worth the Saturday morning queue.

When it comes to drinks and dinner, the choice is just as strong. Frank’s Café, perched on top of the multi-storey car park, has become a summer staple for Campari spritzes, sharing plates and sunset views across the London skyline. The Victoria Inn is the classic after-viewing pub stop, with wood panelling, a relaxed feel and a Sunday roast that many rate as one of the best in SE15. Beer Rebellion on Queens Road brings a more casual edge with its rotating craft beers and friendly neighbourhood atmosphere.

Green space is another highlight. Peckham Rye Park is around a 10-minute walk away and offers 113 acres of open ground, ornamental gardens, sports pitches and a café that is always lively at weekends. Burgess Park is nearby too, and has a very different character. There are wide open lawns for picnics, a fishing lake where you will often see regulars at weekends, and tennis courts that buzz with activity during Wimbledon fortnight. Both parks offer a genuine escape from city life without having to leave the neighbourhood.

For fitness, there is no shortage of options. The Yoga Space on Peckham Rye provides vinyasa and pilates in a calm, light-filled setting, while The Yard has built a following for its functional training classes and one-to-one coaching. Film lovers have the much-loved Peckhamplex nearby, an art deco cinema showing everything from blockbusters to indie releases, and at just £5 a ticket it remains a South London institution.

Connectivity is another reason people choose SE15. Queens Road Peckham station is a short walk away and offers trains to London Bridge in around 8 minutes. The London Overground connects directly to Shoreditch High Street, Dalston Junction and Clapham Junction, making it easy to reach key parts of the city. Peckham Rye station broadens your options further, with additional Overground services, Thameslink trains into the City and Blackfriars, and services towards Victoria and Kent. For drivers, the South Circular and A2 are close by, while cyclists benefit from quieter backstreets leading directly into central London.

Schools are also a strength. John Donne Primary is Ofsted-rated Outstanding and Bellenden Primary Good, both within easy reach. Harris Academy Peckham has shown consistent improvement, while independent schools such as Dulwich College, Alleyn’s and JAGS are all nearby and well regarded.

Altogether, this is a home that works as well for first-time buyers as it does for investors. Two genuine double bedrooms and a practical layout make it easy to live in, while the location puts the very best of Peckham on your doorstep. From brunch at Anderson’s to sundowners at Frank’s, Sunday roasts at The Victoria Inn and weekend walks across Peckham Rye, life here is as much about the lifestyle as it is about the flat itself.