CRYSTAL PALACE

[goodinacrisis]

Hi All,

I’m looking for a flat, two bed, no kids so don’t need to worry about schools... I’m hoping to get advice on nice but not crazy priced areas. I’ve got a max of 400k to spend.

I’ve seen a flat in a block that’s big enough and a good price so I’m wondering what wrong with it!! Does anyone from Crystal Palace know Brooklyn House on Anerley Road and what do you think?

Thanks!

[JoJoSM2]

It’s a big social housing block. That’s considered less desirable and is therefore cheaper than private developments.

[Londonmummy66]

Does it have to be exactly in that area - there are reasonable train links to South Norwood where you'd probably manage a house in that area or West Norwood which is lovely area and you ought to get a much nicer flat.

We looked at a house on Annerley Road some time ago - there was a lot of traffic and it was quite noisy

[goodinacrisis]

I wasnt sure if it was social housing, it's very confusing as it's share of freehold and I didn't realise social housing could be!

[goodinacrisis]

No, doesn't have to be that area - although it works really well for travel with three overground stations (on two different lines) very close by and trains into victoria not far either.

The overground is very helpful for work, but if I can find the perfect place then there are other routes and I don't think I'm home working for a while yet anyway!

I've got a couple of south norwood places to see, not looked in west norwood though. Crystal Palace, Penge, Sydenham all seem really nice.. Londony but not too londony, if you know what I mean!

[JoJoSM2]

Sorry! I think I’m making stuff up as it looks and sounds like a social housing block but I’ve just checked on companies house and it does look like share of freehold with a ltd company (so not social housing).

Definitely worth a look then if the flat and location appeal. It’s just important to check the finances to see if there are any big expenses coming up. That often makes a Property cheaper if eg you need to spend a few k on a roof repair.

[goodinacrisis]

Haha. I'm not sure if you're wrong though, the lift and communal areas feel like a social housing block... so maybe it can be both..?

I don't really want to go down the ex social housing flat route, so how can I find out what the deal is with this place?

[JoJoSM2]

Hm... Interesting block.

In terms of other areas to consider, in SE London, Beckenham has a nice feel and is cheaper than Crystal Palace as far as I’m aware.

[DoingDiddlySquat]

You can find a share of freehold flat in Beckenham or Bromley for your budget with trains to Victoria.

[LBOCS2]

Sydenham has two stations (three really, as Penge East is walking distance from the high street; discount Sydenham hill as it's basically in Crystal Palace). It's worth a look as an alternative to Crystal Palace, more so than somewhere like Norwood or Penge.

[sarahb083]

OP where do you commute into? And what is important to you in terms of your neighbourhood?

[wowsaidtheowl]

My friend used to live in that block. It was a big, spacious and bright flat but the building was a bit grim. The lift smelt of wee, smoke from her neighbour below used to make its way up to the bedroom and I think the management of the building was a bit disorganised.

[AmateurHour]

Have you looked at Forest Hill?

[goodinacrisis]

I need to get to Stratford two days a week, but have friends and family in south London and into Kent so want to stay in this area. I think the Stratford area would be out a budget anyway.

I like both Forest Hill and Sydenham (Sydenham more I think) and als Honor Oak, I don't even mind Hither Green or Catford. And I don't mind Penge either, it's not far from Sydenham or Crystal Palace and right next to the park.

I've just not found anything that really works yet. I'm after two bedrooms, a bathroom with a window (it's a cupboard without if you ask me) and a living area big enough for sofa and dining table.

I can also perhaps get a house in parts of South Norwood, especially if I creep into Croydon...

[goodinacrisis]

@wowsaidtheowl

My friend used to live in that block. It was a big, spacious and bright flat but the building was a bit grim. The lift smelt of wee, smoke from her neighbour below used to make its way up to the bedroom and I think the management of the building was a bit disorganised.

Thank you! That's really helpful to know. I'm not sure it's the one for me to buy...

[goodinacrisis]

@sarahb083

OP where do you commute into? And what is important to you in terms of your neighbourhood?

Important? Transport as I don't have a car and don't plan on getting one. Not too grim, a sense of joy and pride for the local area, if that makes any sense. I don't need there to be loads of pubs or coffee shops though - I don't mind getting on the train to go somewhere to eat etc.

But the space inside is also important - enough of it! This is especially important now there's lots of working from home going on...

Is that any help?

[DavetheCat2001]

Check out West Norwood.. great community and housing stock.

[HotChoc10]

I would have thought you could afford a 2 bed in Stratford for 400k, then save money by walking to work? If not Stratford then certainly in Leyton next door.

[goodinacrisis]

@HotChoc10

I would have thought you could afford a 2 bed in Stratford for 400k, then save money by walking to work? If not Stratford then certainly in Leyton next door.

Most places I’ve seen in Leyton are over 400k and a good percentage of the places in Forest Hill, Honor Oak, Sydenham etc are 400k and over as well.

[InTheShadowOfTheMushroomCloud]

Forest hill/Sydenham is nice - especially as you go up opposite the horniman museum.

[Dougt]

Have you looked at the Lawrie Park area of Sydenham? There is a nice flat which fits your criteria on at the moment.

I’d have thought that as you don’t want a garden you’d be able to easily get somewhere for under 400k unless prices have gone crazy after the stamp duty change?!

[goodinacrisis]

@Dougt

Have you looked at the Lawrie Park area of Sydenham? There is a nice flat which fits your criteria on at the moment.

I’d have thought that as you don’t want a garden you’d be able to easily get somewhere for under 400k unless prices have gone crazy after the stamp duty change?!

I don't know. I've just been using right move etc and putting in Sydenham and then going to see things that fit the bill.

Don't need a garden, do need two bedrooms, a bathroom with a window and a living area big enough for dining table too.

Can you send me a link to the place you mention?

[JoJoSM2]

Are you keen on staying closer into London or open to being further out? Maybe Orpington could work? I think it’s only 15mins on a quick train to London Bridge for your commute and presumably quite convenient for friends and family? 400k would go a long way there and no need to drive as it has a town centre with all sorts of amenities.

[JoJoSM2]

Or compromise on the bathroom. A windowless one can be ok if well ventilated. My first flat had 2 windowless bathrooms and they were fine as purpose built appropriately.

[Smallgoon]

It think this may be the property that @Dougt was referring to...

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-95521262.html

It's fine if you're happy with a shoe box second bedroom.

[Dougt]

Hi,

This was the place I was referring to actually (sorry it was a bit difficult to do a link as I use the Rightmove app and I thought you would have seen it, afraid it’s leasehold but share of freehold has its own issues too!)

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/fullscreen/view-floorplan.html?propertyId=72211272

We sold a two bed flat near the Horniman a few weeks ago which would have fitted your criteria so I thought I was quite familiar with prices in the area (as was regularly checking the competition on Rightmove and speaking to many estate agents!) and 400k seemed to be the absolute max places were able to get if they didn’t have a garden, as most buyers were couples who wanted two beds and a garden.