Lewisham is one of London's busiest and most cosmopolitan boroughs, and has always had a bit of a rough-diamond image. But the Lewisham that exists today is utterly different from its reputation, as investment and an evolving demographic has made it desirable, yet still gloriously varied and lively.

Much of the old Lewisham of course still exists; the architecture of the streets as they twist out towards New Cross hasn't changed, but the old shopping centre that these roads entwine has changed completely, rapidly remodeled and made into a thoroughly nice place to be, in recent years. The old market that surrounds it, however, hasn't gone away, and this is still the place to come to experience the local food and get bargains of all kinds.

The improvement of rail links and urban renewal are all attracting people to Lewisham, some for the first time. It's looking more and more like a property goldmine here, as it offers a huge range of housing at good prices, and with room to grow. Around the station, or up the hill as the area blends into the east prices increase, but in the streets of Victorian terraces around Lewisham there are excellent deals to be had; some of the 19th century houses and conversions here are truly lovely, and still commanding very competitive prices that will only climb as transport gets better.

If you are attracted to great deals and a thriving town centre, but with the space of Brockley and Blackheath close by, then Lewisham is one of the best bets in the Southeast.