Thinking about living in Putney in 2026?
Putney keeps appearing at the top of south-west London shortlists, and there are good reasons for it. The Thames on one side, Putney Heath on the other, a high street that still functions, and one of the best tube connections in this part of London. But is it right for you?
This guide covers what you actually need to know: property prices, the best parts of SW15, schools, transport, green space and the honest downsides. Written by Central Moves, a removal company based in nearby Twickenham that moves households into Putney regularly.
Putney at a glance
- Best for: families upsizing from Fulham or Clapham, hybrid workers, buyers who want schools and transport equally
- Transport: East Putney (District line) and Putney mainline to Waterloo: two stations is a genuine advantage
- Green space: Putney Heath connects directly to Wimbledon Common (460 hectares of open land)
- Watch out for: CPZ parking on most residential streets, competitive school catchments, weekend crowds near the river
Where is Putney?
Putney sits in the London Borough of Wandsworth, on the south bank of the Thames, covering the SW15 postcode. Barnes is to the west, Wandsworth to the east, Wimbledon to the south and Fulham directly across the river. It is close enough to central London to feel urban, settled enough that the residential streets feel like a proper neighbourhood rather than a transit zone.
The best areas within SW15
West Putney
The streets between the high street and the river (Deodar Road, Dryburgh Road, Festing Road) are the most sought-after in SW15. Late Victorian and Edwardian terraces with generous gardens, many with river views. Prices are at the top of the Putney range. Buyers who move here tend to stay.
East Putney
The roads around East Putney tube station (Keswick Road, Felsham Road, Charlwood Road) offer slightly better value and excellent District line access. Popular with professionals and younger families. A good mix of Victorian terraces, converted flats and purpose-built blocks.
Putney Heath
The streets adjacent to the Heath (Wildcroft Road, Upper Richmond Road West) give you open heathland on the doorstep. Larger properties, quieter streets, and direct access to some of the best walking in London. The most sought-after position for buyers who prioritise outdoor space.
Central Putney
The area around the high street and Lower Richmond Road is the most practical entry point: good access to both stations, the river and the shops. Stronger flat stock here. The right choice if connectivity matters more than a quiet residential street.
Property prices in Putney in 2026
Putney is not cheap, but what you get for the price (transport, schools, green space) is strong relative to comparable south-west London areas.
- Two-bedroom flats: £550,000–£750,000
- Three-bedroom Victorian terraces: £900,000–£1.25m
- Four-bedroom family houses: £1.25m–£1.85m
- Larger detached or riverside properties: £2m+
East Putney and central SW15 offer better value per square foot than the prime riverside streets. Roehampton, on the southern edge of the postcode adjacent to Richmond Park, is significantly more affordable if space is the priority.
One practical note: a large proportion of Putney’s housing stock is Victorian or Edwardian. These properties are generally spacious but original staircases, tight hallways and period features can complicate larger moves. A removals survey before moving day avoids surprises on the day itself.
Schools in Putney
Schools are one of the primary reasons families specifically target Putney. The combination of strong state primaries, respected independents and solid secondary options makes SW15 particularly attractive to buyers with children.
Brandlehow Primary and Hotham Primary are consistently popular state primaries and both are heavily oversubscribed. Catchment distances shift year to year: if a specific school is driving your choice of road, get the last three years of admissions data from Wandsworth before you commit to a property. Living nearby does not guarantee a place.
On the independent side, Putney High School (GDST) is the area’s flagship girls’ school. Hurlingham School is a well-regarded prep. Further afield but accessible: King’s College School (Wimbledon), The Harrodian (Barnes) and Ibstock Place (Roehampton) are all within manageable reach.
Transport from Putney
Putney is genuinely well connected, and in two different directions, which is relatively unusual.
East Putney (District line): Victoria in around 14 minutes, South Kensington in 12, Earl’s Court in 10. No interchange required for most central and west London destinations. This is the real transport asset for SW15 compared to neighbouring areas that lack an underground station.
Putney mainline (South Western Railway): London Waterloo in approximately 18 minutes. Also connects to Richmond and Wimbledon. For Waterloo commuters (City, legal, government) this is the faster option.
Many Putney households use both stations depending on destination. That flexibility is genuinely useful and something few comparable areas can offer.
Bus routes cover Hammersmith, Richmond, Wimbledon and Clapham. The A3 at the southern edge gives access to Surrey and the M25, but car commuting into London is impractical for most; ULEZ applies and peak-hour congestion on the main roads is significant.
Green space
This is one of Putney’s most underrated qualities.
Putney Heath connects directly to Wimbledon Common (together around 460 hectares of open land, woodland and ponds accessible without a car journey from most of SW15). It is used daily by residents for running, cycling and dog walking, not just at weekends. For families with young children, this kind of open space integrated into the daily routine makes a real difference.
The Thames towpath runs east towards Wandsworth and west towards Barnes and Hammersmith, one of London’s better off-road cycling routes in both directions. Richmond Park is accessible from the southern edge of the postcode by bike or a short drive.
Shopping and local life
Putney High Street functions better than most comparable south-west London high streets. There is a Waitrose, independent food shops, a reasonable café and restaurant scene and enough independent character that it is worth using rather than bypassing. The Duke’s Head on the Lower Richmond Road, with a terrace directly above the Thames, is one of the better-positioned pubs in this part of London.
For larger shopping: the Kings Road is across the river, Richmond is 15 minutes by bus or train, Wimbledon is a few stops on the District line.
The honest downsides
Price. Putney charges a real premium. If floor space per pound is the priority, parts of Wimbledon, Tooting or further into Surrey will give you more for less.
Parking. CPZ zones cover most residential streets. Most households adapt quickly, but if you have multiple cars or rely on flexible visitor parking, check your specific road carefully before you buy.
School pressure. The schools are strong. So is the oversubscription. Catchment distances at the most popular primaries can be shorter than you expect. Get the data before choosing a road.
Weekend crowds. The high street and riverside fill up on sunny weekends. If you are moving from somewhere quiet, it can be an adjustment.
Planning your move to Putney
A few things that consistently catch people out:
CPZ suspensions. Most streets need a parking suspension arranged through Wandsworth Council before moving day: allow at least ten working days. Your removal company needs confirmation of this before they can guarantee vehicle position. Do not leave it until the week before. See our parking guide for London moves for full detail.
Period property access. Victorian staircases and tight hallways can make moving large items complicated without advance planning. A video survey takes around 20 minutes and identifies any access constraints before moving day rather than on it.
School-run timing. Roads around Brandlehow and Hotham are heavily congested between 8.15–9.00am and 3.00–4.00pm. Starting before 8.00am or after 9.30am makes a practical difference. We schedule Putney moves around this as standard.
If you need storage during a chain or gap between properties, our container storage is available from Twickenham with flexible access.
FAQs about living in Putney
Is Putney a good place to live?
Yes, consistently. The District line, mainline to Waterloo, Putney Heath, strong schools and a settled community make it one of south-west London’s most balanced areas. It performs well on almost every measure that matters to the families who choose it.
How much does it cost to live in Putney?
Three-bedroom Victorian terraces typically sell for £900,000–£1.25m in 2026. Two-bedroom flats from around £550,000. Four-bedroom houses from £1.25m. East Putney and central SW15 offer better value per square foot than the riverside streets.
Is Putney good for families?
Very much so. Strong primaries, respected independents, daily access to Putney Heath and the Thames, and a community that tends to stay long-term. The property mix means you can upsize within SW15 rather than being priced out when your space needs grow.
What is parking like in Putney?
Most residential streets are CPZ-controlled. Residents need permits and visitor parking is limited. On moving day, a suspension through Wandsworth Council is required on most streets: allow at least ten working days to apply.
Is Putney good for commuting?
Yes. East Putney to Victoria in around 14 minutes. Putney mainline to Waterloo in around 18. Many households use both stations. Car commuting into London is less practical: ULEZ applies and peak-hour congestion is significant on the main roads.
Ready to move to Putney?
Central Moves is based in Twickenham and carries out removals across SW15 every week. We know the roads, the parking requirements by street and the access considerations that come with moving in this part of London.
Start with a free video survey (around 20 minutes, no obligation, accurate quote). Or visit our Putney removals page for full details of what we cover.