Key differences
Median price: Lewisham (£460k) is ahead of Waltham Forest (£530k)
Transport: Lewisham (49/100) is ahead of Waltham Forest (41/100)
Crime rate /1k: Waltham Forest (24) is ahead of Lewisham (35)
Head-to-head comparison
The Verdict
Lewisham has a stronger transport score — 49/100 vs 41/100. Lewisham is more affordable at £460k median vs £530k.
The areas are closely matched — the decision comes down to specific streets and personal priorities.
Best for
Lewisham
Lewisham is the better pick for commuters prioritising fast central London access.
Best for
Waltham Forest
Waltham Forest suits buyers drawn to the specific character and amenities of this area.
Lewisham vs Waltham Forest: what the data says
Overall, Lewisham scores higher on liveability (66/100 vs 64/100), reflecting a better combined picture across safety, transport, schools and environment.
Property in Lewisham is more affordable — median price £460k vs £530k in Waltham Forest, a difference of around 13%. Over the past year prices changed +7.1% in Lewisham and +39.5% in Waltham Forest.
Waltham Forest has a lower crime rate (24 incidents per 1,000 residents vs 35 in Lewisham). Central London boroughs typically show higher per-resident figures due to large daytime populations.
Lewisham edges ahead on public transport connectivity (score 49/100 vs 41/100).
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