To think it should be possible to buy a decent place to live in London for £750k?

[Socrates67]

We have been looking at the market for a while now and are ready to pay up to £750k for the right property, but there seems to be nothing available within that price range. Sorry to moan and I know that it's a first world problem, but the prices seem ridiculous.

We would like a 2 bedder in or near WC1/NW1/EC1/SE1, ideally if not in a period building then one that isn't a high rise and with a bit of character and a bit of outside space - balcony, small patio garden or whatever.

Am I being unrealistic? Who can afford these prices? Certainly not most people, I am guessing.

Anyway, rant over and I would be grateful for any advice as to where we might look where we can hopefully achieve what we are looking for without going too far out of the centre. In an ideal world, I would like to be walking distance of theatre land/the south bank. Maybe Bermondsey would be an option, but it seems a bit isolated. Also Lambeth North, but according to the press it is full of gangs.

There are no DC involved in the decision so schools irrelevant, not that I suppose that it makes it any easier......

www.hamiltonbrooks.co.uk/Property/Residential/for-sale/Barbican-EC2Y/Bunyan-Court/HAM262.aspx

I want this one. I think it's one of those that has moveable walls!

Have you tried Kennington but the Vauxhall/ Lambeth north side near the war museum? This is SE1/SE11 and zone 1. There are 2-3 bed small houses plus tiny patios for 600-800k.

I don't like the Barbican. I find it a bit bleak and soul destroying, although the flats are a good size and great for the Arts Centre. Thank you Kennington for suggesting Kennington, which sounds like a good idea, also Vauxhall/Lambeth.

Barbican was my fantasy when I first started working in the City. A (rich) friend subsequently bought there and tells me there are strict restrictions on what he can do to the place - so he's not allowed to change the original kitchen and bathroom which don't look vintage so much as v v tired. Not sure what listings quango enforces this.

Parchworkpatty please tell us where you live, sounds perfect and we are looking to sell out flat in zone 2 and move that way!

Zone 2 and 3 in the SE post codes would get you plenty of places for 750k. Most a short trainride to London Bridge or Blackfriars.

I live on Harleyford Rd - leave it alone! Yes it's hideously busy and infuriatingly full of roadworks, but we're getting a brand new cycle lane so the traffic will be just two lanes soon, and transport wise you couldn't be better. The house linked to above is set back from the traffic, though it is at the worst end of the street, very close to Vauxhall. Come closer to the cricket ground and it all gets much nicer. You can buy my 2 bed period conversion flat if you want, we have a lovely big garden

OP I don't think the river boat runs very late, Ive looked into as we also have a stop here at St George's Wharf. But it does run fairly frequently at commuter times, and maybe it runs a bit later going out east.

You'll find somewhere lovely for your budget if you're prepared to come out a bit. Kennington/Vauxhall has lots of lovely period properties, beautiful parks and it's so easy to get to anywhere in town.

I recently spoke to a local estate agent, who mainly has higher end properties, and he says they have plenty stock with not many inquiries as everyone wants to buy ex-local at the moment. So maybe you can get a bargain too, with lots of sellers keen to get moving. PM if you'd like the name of the agent as I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post it on here or if that's advertising.

Why do people keep suggesting zone 2/3/4/5/home counties/up north when op clearly wants to live in zone 1?

It's not like she doesn't realise property is cheaper out there.

Well, she didn't seem to realise how expensive it was where she is looking, did she ?

It's just like in 'Location, Location' Mintyy: we have to throw in some wildcards. The OP might decide she's happy in Zone 2 or Zone1/2 borders if she can get a bigger outside space. Or she might confirm that it's zone 1 all the way and decide to compromise on outdoor space. I agree she probably won't want to move further out than that, though, and with her budget she shouldn't need to.

I reckon if you compromise on the period charm you'll find something. Much more property stock in 'purpose built' and 'modern' blocks and if you pick a good one and be very decent. Our (rented) 'modern' block (actually like 12 years old modern not ex-local) is really nicely built with good sized rooms and good lay out and sound proofing.

You are sure to find what you're looking for further up on the northern line (Barnet branch) in N2, N3 and N12 although they aren't within walking distance of theateland

You should look at West Hampstead Nw6, really great transport links and you'd easily get a 2 bed garden flat for £750k - I know it's not zone 1 but it's only 1 stop away

Each to their own I suppose but I can't believe so many people are so dead set on living in zone 1 areas that 2 bed flat prices have been inflated to £750k! I like London but I'd much rather a nice characterful 4 bed detached character property in a Herts village 45 mins door to door from Central London.

If I didn't have kids I'd much rather have a cool two bed within walking distance from town than a 4-bed family home in the home counties. It's not that hard to get your head around really, wanting city location/socialising lifestyle over suburbs and beyond. Ideally I'd have both, family house and pied a terre on the river... and back into dreamland I go...

Glad you've got some inspiration OP. Good luck with the hunt!

I like London but I'd much rather a nice characterful 4 bed detached character property in a Herts village 45 mins door to door from Central London

One problem, I think, is it really 45 mins door to door (to work presumably) or 45 mins to victoria (or equivalent)? The major difference of course is that if you live in zone 1 (or 2) you are 45 mins from everything not just 45 mins to one station (or work).

I reckon if you compromise on the period charm you'll find something.

indeed. you might be able to get an ex-council place or new build that's significantly bigger for the same price.

Thanks everyone for the further ideas. I have looked at NW6 and also Camden, which feels quite central, probably because Z1 is spherical so places just north or south feel closer in than say Notting Hill Gate, if that makes sense. Clapham is somewhere else which seems to have relatively affordable properties with good transport links.

However, I have done the Home Counties thing, when the DC were younger, and now feel that I want to be in the centre, so would prefer not to compromise if possible, or maybe to compromise on the property rather than the location.

I have lived in Z2 and Z3 before moving out to Herts and, to be honest, it seemed almost as much of a faff to go back to outer London after a day/night out. You are still looking at relatively long tube journeys, which takes the edge off things IFYKWIM.

I know I am being a bit aspirational but I really do want to be able to walk home not use public transport, if possible, or to be able to just climb on a bus for a short journey (I prefer buses!) or grab a taxi and not have a huge fare.

I will persevere and if anybody has something suitable to sell, as one PP said,l please feel free to PM me!

You could get a very nice 3 bed house for that budget in great roads in Brixton. On the tube , some of the best bars and places to eat, a great cinema, Lido, very fashionable.

A much better bet than right on that bit of Harleyford Rd!

Seriously OP I would consider Kennington/Oval/Vauxhall. Ok so Harleyford road might be too busy but there are plenty of lovely streets and character properties. It's walkable from Southbank (along the river, takes a while but it's lovely) and bus links are great. I very rarely get a tube because I have young DC, and I can get direct buses to almost anywhere I need to go.

The only issue is there's lots of new high rise type buildings going up so if you look on right move there are pages and pages of new build 2beds in a big block. So contacting the agents definitely worthwhile if you want something more interesting. Mind you, would you compromise on high rishe for a place right by the river?

Z2 is not "outer London" though, is it?

Saying that, London prices are mad.

sometimes I even find it a faff getting home from one bit of zone 1 to another ;-)