History of Balham

Balham was a very rural area until the end of the 18th century when the village grew around Balham Hill and some shops began to open. A church was built in the early 19th century, giving the area a stronger identity next to the more developed area of Streatham. But it was not until the arrival of the railway that this rural area began to expand, as for most of the suburbs of London. In the second half of the 19th century, farmland was quickly swallowed up by the building of houses. The country was industrialised and labour was required for factories, shops and a greater need for servants with the increase of middle class families. By the beginning of the 20th century, Balham had pretty much the layout it has now.

In recent years, Balham has become a trendy place attracting many young professionals. Less pricy than Clapham and more ‘villagy’ than Streatham, it has grown into one of the most desirable locations in South London. There are many bars and restaurants, delicatessens, supermarkets (including a Waitrose, always a reflection of the area!). Properties range from ex-council properties to period conversions and houses with gardens.

Places of interest

http://www.balham.com/community/balhamhistory1.htm
http://www.ideal-homes.org.uk/lambeth/main/history-of-suburban-streatham-03.htm
http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/results.shtml?l=balham

Transport Links – Visit Transport for London for more information

Balham – Northern Line & Rail

Local Authority

Lambeth – http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/

Wandsworth – http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/

Council tax bands for 2007/2008

Please note you should always check the value of your property on the 1st April 1991 to ensure you are in the correct council tax band.

Council Tax band	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H
Property Values as of April 1991	Up to £40K	£40 to £52K	£52K to £68K	£68K to £88K	£88K to £120K	£120K to £160K	£160K to £320K	over £320K
Lambeth LA	£791.49	£923.40	£1,055.32	£1,187.23	£1,451.06	£1,714.89	£1,978.72	£2,374.46
Wandsworth LA*	£450.78	£525.90	£601.03	£676.16	£826.42	£976.68	£1,126.93	£1,352.32

* Higher rates for commons rates

Average Rental and Sale prices for Brixton (SW2)

	Postcode	Area	1 Bedrooms	2 Bedrooms	3 Bedrooms	Bigger
To Rent	SW12	Balham	£302 pw	£326 pw	£457 pw	£686 pw
For Sale	SW12	Balham	£325,000	£431,000	£603,000	£983,000

School League tables – Click here for School League Tables

For Primary Schools in Lambeth please click here
For Secondary Schools in Lambeth please click here
For colleges in Lambeth please click here

For Primary Schools in Wandsworth please click here
For Secondary Schools in Wandsworth please click here
For colleges in Wandsworth please click here

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