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Original poster

Living in London

105 replies

Yesnomaybeok · 25/09/2023 19:25

I'm considering a move to London. It would be a completely different area from the one I'm used to but I visit several times a year and love it. I love the bustle, the amount to do, the parks, the buildings. I feel like I need somewhere that challenges me more, better job opportunities, potential for a better social life, more to do, evening classes, learn a language etc. However, I'm in my 40s so is this crazy? I'd have a decent deposit for a house so wouldn't have a huge morgage but wouldn't have a huge wage. I'd be moving away from older parents and other family but there are no children of my own to consider and very few friends. Is this a stupid decision? Job wise I think I'd be ok finding one in my sector.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
11
vincettenoir · 25/09/2023 19:26

Doesn’t sound crazy to me. Go for it!

YouHoooo · 25/09/2023 19:28

London is fabulous. Come join the fun!

Hotsaucegal · 25/09/2023 19:29

Do it! Cease the day :)

IsThePopeCatholic · 25/09/2023 19:29

Great idea!

2weekstowait · 25/09/2023 19:30

It's not crazy if you can afford somewhere to live, which is the biggest problem for most people. You say you can, so go for it!

Fiddlesticks25 · 25/09/2023 19:31

If you can afford a house go for it! What areas are you looking at?

superninny101 · 25/09/2023 19:32

Do it! Think very carefully where you will live though - you might want to be more central and have a flat rather than a house.

Saschka · 25/09/2023 19:33

You can always move here then sell up in five years if you don’t like it! You’ll probably make money on the house purchase (maybe not silly money like you would if you’d bought in 2001, but likely a reasonable amount).

Go for it! You’ll regret not doing it more than you’ll regret doing it.

Original poster
Yesnomaybeok · 25/09/2023 20:25

Thank you everyone. I thought everyone would say I was being stupid! I've no idea where to start with this. Job hunting I suppose. I'd I'd come with about £150k deposit and maybe £40k wage but I'd be more than happy with somewhere basic and small. No idea about residential locations to look at. Pros and cons to North or South of river or East or West?

OP posts:
Almahart · 25/09/2023 20:29

Do it! Agree with pps, go as small as you can manage and as central as you can get. Don't move here and live in zone 5.

Original poster
Yesnomaybeok · 25/09/2023 20:30

Almahart · 25/09/2023 20:29

Do it! Agree with pps, go as small as you can manage and as central as you can get. Don't move here and live in zone 5.

Definitely happy with small and would love central

OP posts:
BranchGold · 25/09/2023 20:31

Would you be looking to get a mortgage alone? Have you looked around for properties of £350k in areas you’d be interested in?

Reugny · 25/09/2023 20:34

BranchGold · 25/09/2023 20:31

Would you be looking to get a mortgage alone? Have you looked around for properties of £350k in areas you’d be interested in?

Well with that amount it wouldn't be central London.

eatingpopcorn · 25/09/2023 20:35

Totally agree with this! We live on the Herne Hill / Brixton side and it's great. So quick to get to work, Sunday markets, great local foodie scene, our street has an annual street party and you can do all kinds of hobbies ...adult tap dancing / rollerskating for beginners / choir / salsa we have it all. Also Brockwell Park and the Lido are a joy to have. Come live round here it's fab :)

Almahart · 25/09/2023 20:39

This is nice and a pretty good location. (I lived on this road thirty years ago!)

All of the flats that I have found are leasehold and some have very short leases, that seems to be the catch for most of them.
1 bedroom flat for sale in Ferndale Road, Clapham, SW4 (rightmove.co.uk)

Check out this 1 bedroom flat for sale on Rightmove

1 bedroom flat for sale in Ferndale Road, Clapham, SW4 for £350,000. Marketed by eXp UK, London

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/137798120#/?channel=RES_BUY

Original poster
Yesnomaybeok · 25/09/2023 20:40

Reugny · 25/09/2023 20:34

Well with that amount it wouldn't be central London.

Show quote history

Really? Just for a tiny 1 bed flat? Surely I can get something for around 200k even if it needs doing up? I don't need anything fancy. It's just for me.

OP posts:
TedMullins · 25/09/2023 20:40

Do it! It’s great here. You haven’t a chance in hell of getting more than a two bed flat in a rough area for that budget though. Not that that’s a bad thing - plenty of people (like me!) live in the less desirable areas. South east London is the cheapest. My neighbourhood has a wonderful community, it’s the friendliest place I’ve ever lived including places outside of London, but it’s definitely what estate agents call “up and coming”

TedMullins · 25/09/2023 20:42

Yesnomaybeok · 25/09/2023 20:40

Really? Just for a tiny 1 bed flat? Surely I can get something for around 200k even if it needs doing up? I don't need anything fancy. It's just for me.

Show quote history

Maybe in zone 4, yes…

Almahart · 25/09/2023 20:43

I'm afraid you've no chance of being anywhere near the centre with £200k OP 🙁

BranchGold · 25/09/2023 20:45

Truly, you won’t get anything/much for 200k.

A lot of what comes up for £350k is going to have under 100 years on the lease, very large service charges, some form of shared ownership, insert other issues.

What it will depend on is your own interpretation of ‘central London’ as well, some people are strictly of the zone 1, other people think inner zone 2 can still count, particularly if you’re close to a tube line.

I don’t mean to be a fun sponge, but you do really need to research how much more expensive London is, especially as a single person.

Hayliebells · 25/09/2023 20:45

Hmmm, I don’t think you’re going to be in Zone 1. A small one bed in Zone 3 should be doable though, is that what you were thinking? I’m not sure you get the “London buildings” you’re after there though, unless your current area has a scarcity of Victorian terraces. Sorry OP, but I fear £40k, living on your own, isn’t going to get you much of the life you’re after.

loveyouradvice · 25/09/2023 20:47

My mother moved to London at your age and it was SO wonderful to see her blossom - definitely her city!

If it appeals, don't hesitate...

caramond · 25/09/2023 20:52

I don't think your budget is enough sadly. I live in zone 4 and even here you'd maybe just about get a 1 bed ex council flat for £200k. For flats in general the service charges are usually really high and if you live further out then public transport will cost you £55 per week to get into zone 1 five days a week.