To think this house is worth it and London won't crash?

[Yazhi]

After searching for a long time we have found a house in an area that both DH and I like. DH thinks we should wait and see if the prices drop in London. Flats seem to have dropped and he's hoping houses follow. Who do you think is right?

Well they're both nice houses but that's it, they're nice.

For that money, I'd want something much more eye catching and private car parking would trump everything else.

Each to their own though!

It's absolutely lovely. So light!

Crikey, you could almost knock a 0 off that up here! (Slight exaggeration but still)

How much ? They’re nice houses but for 1.6 million I’d want something less mediocre . The gardens are tiny.

I would go for it. Have you seen both in person yet? Do that - then go for no1 if it’s still the right one.

If you can afford it, I wouldn’t delay. It’s your home, first and foremost, and if it feels like you’re home - go for it.

Yeah, they're ok, I 'spose

I love the feel of the first one, but the second one has much more of a spacious feel. Best thing would be to see both of them and go from there.

It's a lovely house but I think you'd find much nicer properties for the same price in Herts, Essex or Bucks. I think the journey time to London is similar, it doesn't feel so crowded and there are better local facilities (e.g parks, local restaurants, sports, schools etc). We used to spend a lot of time sitting in traffic jams and on the tube when we lived round there.

Great location. Good for local schools - catchments can be small but there is usually movement in primary if you are prepared to wait. The transport isn't as bad as people say- there is no tube station called Muswell Hill but you are an ok walk from AP - straight into Moorgate, change at fin park for Victoria/Piccadilly; at Highbury and Islington for (easy) change to Victoria or overground. Plus buses to Piccadilly line tubes. Prices generally hold up well. PM me if you would like more info.

OP may want to live in London. I know I do. OP might get a bigger house in Bucks or Herts - but they’re too far.

@Countrylane

I think London’s gone as low as it will. People are being summoned back to work, things will open up and people will remember why London is essentially the world’s capital.

The WORLDS capital? Come off it

The second (more expensive) house is much nicer. Museli Hill is not going to drop in price, houses there are sought after and the prices will only ever rise. Buy now.

You may be able to get nicer houses in Essex, Herts or Bucks but then you’d have to live in Essex, Herts or Bucks.

@DumpyDonkey

Muswell Hill is a nice area BUT transport links are dire !!

OP have a look further up the road to Friern Barnet or up into New or High Barnet.

I agree that the transport links seem ridiculous. 0.8 miles to the nearest tube? Never, sorry!

I wouldn’t want to commute from the shires - added stress. Both houses big enough.

But that’s why that house is only 1.6. If it were nearer a tube it would 2 million.

@DumpyDonkey

Muswell Hill is a nice area BUT transport links are dire !!

OP have a look further up the road to Friern Barnet or up into New or High Barnet.

Transport links are fine. It's a 15 minute walk from that house to Alexandra Palace station, or same to Bounds Green tube.

Very sought after primary and secondary school just down the road too.. (hence the house prices!)

The house is 15 minutes walk from us. That side of MH is lovely but a tad isolated in my opinion. There is not much on that side oand the tube is miles away! But it is quiet and peaceful and very beautiful!
Ok so this might sound crazy but our neighbor is selling a massive house in MH - not on the market - as he doesn’t like the agents. PM me if you want more info. Are you currently living in the area?

Flats haven’t gone down in value in my area of London. London is in its own bubble. It’s always just best to buy when you can.

I would go for it. Our neighbours house was sold in January and it has already increased in value by 9% ( according to zoopla). We are zone 6 London and have large gardens. These properties seem in high demand.

@LovePoppy where else do you think compares? I travel a lot (pre pandemic) and nowhere else comes close. New York is only one to touch it, and London is infinitely more varied and interesting in everything from architecture to culture to its history to the vast range of people it attracts. I don’t buy into British exceptionalism at all, but I do with London. And the number of people who try and do it down staggers me. What are they actually trying to achieve? The U.K. minus London loses its global position overnight.

@Camdenish

You may be able to get nicer houses in Essex, Herts or Bucks but then you’d have to live in Essex, Herts or Bucks.

Made me laugh out loud!

@Mbl1234 Oooh! That’s an exciting prospect! :) Hope OP looks into it.

Look at what house 2 sold for in 1997

300k

Shit

I would check if that house is in the catchment for Muswell Hill Primary. This year the catchment shrunk to 0.3 miles.
If you can wait I would suggest looking at Grand Avenue and the adjoining roads. Far better location and guaranteed to get into Tetherdown.

The various people saying omg that much money could buy you a mansion in Slough or Stevenage or whatever - but the OP wants to live in London. MH is pretty central, has excellent schools, lovely families, great community feel. If you want to stay in London, MH is a great choice.

To be honest £1.6m isn't even that shocking for a family home in MH. I know it must seem like a different world, and it's not really right that a decent family home should cost that much anywhere, but here we are. It's really pointless telling her what £1.6m can buy elsewhere.

And to add the flats have gone up in price in MH.