Relocate; Eltham, Maidstone or up north?

[Ldavo92]

DH has just got a bit of inheritance so going to house hunt. Finally can cover the stamp duty / moving costs to buy a house.

He used to work in west London but he is now 100% working from home and his offices are closed, I work in city of London but only need to go into office 2 days a month now.
His family are in Kent but mine are in Manchester. We have three kids under 5 so schools important. I don’t really get on with in laws but they are good with kids. We don’t get any childcare or anything from them though so that’s not a consideration.

I was looking at south East London I.e Eltham as a friend recently moved there and I liked it when I visited …. or further into Kent like Maidstone way or …. take this opportunity to move closer to my family like Knutsford/ Altrincham/macclesfield? I miss my family in Manchester but leaving London feels scary as I’ve been here 14 years… And those being expensive areas in the North we don’t get any more house for our money anyway. DH says he doesn’t mind!

WWYD?

I come from Maidstone, have lived in Eltham and now live up north.

I say, UP NORTH!

I'm up north in Manchester, at least you're aware the nice areas are very expensive! Be aware how screwed the trains are between London and Manchester though; I can't say I'd relish travelling twice per month on them!

I’m in Eltham and love it. Really great commute to London and good area for my family. Lots of decent schools and lots to do socially.

Yep, thinking a move would take 6-12 months though and hopefully the Avanti situation can’t go on forever. When I first got London job did the commute for a few months (stayed in hotels during the week) and it was fine. But that was under virgin trains and obviously aware of all the problems with West coast mainline at the minute!

Think in laws would kill me for moving away but my sister and school pals all around the North still. Once we spend the money though that’s it. Couldn’t afford a second round of stamp duty/moving costs to come back!

What social things are there? One thing my friend said was that it was a bit quiet. Not that I can get up to much until DC’s a bit older!

Have a look around Plumstead Common - similarly accessible to Kent. We house hunted there and Eltham but preferred Plumstead Common. FWIW, my DH is also from Manchester but we were both agreed we wanted to be in London (even zone 4!) for the proximity to friends and general vibe. As between London and Manchester, I don't think you can make that decision based on practical considerations alone, only you and your DH can know where you'll be happiest.

Eltham has good schools, is close to Blackheath and Greenwich and easy trains to central London. Some lovely houses but it depends what your budget is. Some areas of the north are just as expensive.

Budget is about £650k which seems to get you extended 1930’s semis in those locations ish.

I would go and do an Airbnb for a few weeks in school holidays but we’ve been able to have 2 pet cats and it’s too long to leave them!!

We just don’t know where would feel like home and it’s one shot!

I'd second houseargh consider Plumstead Common. Given current housing market your budget will be ample. Eltham a good choice also and infinitely preferable to moving up north or Kent commuter towns.