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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Can I still buy in London?

94 replies

londonfirsttimebuyeragain · 06/08/2024 15:35

So this been done to death but here it goes. I have lived in South London since graduating from uni, renting but always wanting to buy. When I think I cobbled enought money for a deposit - the market runs away from me. I started in a house share in Fulham, then studio in Clapham, then one bed in Balham, then one bed in Tooting, getting priced out every few years on rent. I thought I could buy in Tooting but... I started looking a few months ago and I just want to cry. I was always hoping for a two bed but have to admit that it's a pipe dream altogether.

So with a budget of 500k (may be 550, big if) where in London could I buy. I have to commute to central London every day for work so has to be fairly commutable. Ideally tube rather than train (just because of how late and frequently it runs) but open to compromise. Otherwise the holy grail of nice(ish), safe (ish), green (ish), cafes/coffee shops, gym(s), pilates/yoga studio(s), park/common/green space(s), community feel. Childfree so schools not a consideration. Probably capped out my earning potential so not a step on the property ladder but rather a long-term thing so would need to get it right.

Please hit me with ideas! Or tell me if I am being delusional and I need to rethink completely...

OP posts:
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MotherOfRatios · 06/08/2024 22:20

londonfirsttimebuyeragain · 06/08/2024 21:34

Wow, some quite interesting options, feeling slightly overwhelmed but quite relieved…will start visiting areas. Quite intrigued by East London - never expected it be affordable…Some other lovely neighbourhoods that I never looked at… will be taking stock

power of MN 😍

It's possible I'm currently under offer on a two bed for £280k in Woolwich

Dinosaursdontgrowontrees · 06/08/2024 22:38

Come to Walthamstow it’s great!

SmileLady · 06/08/2024 22:39

Yes you cam
Purley/Croydon will get you a house.

Longhotsummers · 06/08/2024 22:42

Have a look in Southfields or Earlsfield. Both leafy, lovely and within budget.

HoHoHoliday · 06/08/2024 22:55

@londonfirsttimebuyeragain I'm happy to big up east London for you - I love it! Any questions, I'm sure I can answer.

Davros · 06/08/2024 23:19

I always suggest Hanwell on these threads. It's really nice, very green and has the canal running through it. Now it's on the Elizabeth line

Bemusedandconfusedagain · 06/08/2024 23:19

You could get a nice flat in Bow near Victoria Park for that, walking distance to the tube at Mile End.

Personally I'd suggest looking at Wanstead though for the lovely community, independent high street and green spaces. Also South Woodford.

JW13 · 06/08/2024 23:31

Herne Hill? You can get 2 beds for under 550k and still very central (10 mins to Victoria on the overground and 18 mins to Farringdon). Plus quite close to Brixton for the tube there and a lot of buses plus green space. Flats are still selling pretty well here.

This is small but very nice and good location:
www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/150935948#/?channel=RES_BUY

This is closer to Loughborough junction but a nice flat:
www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/150789479#/?channel=RES_BUY

This is under offer but lovely:
www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/150425681#/?channel=RES_BUY

blackcherryconserve · 06/08/2024 23:56

PhilipLarkinFan · 06/08/2024 18:29

I actually don’t understand why this Finchley Central flat with share of freehold and private garden is just £325k. I’ve seen plenty of 1.5 and 2-beds around there creeping up to £600k-£650k. There’s a Fierce Grace on Ballards Lane so you could your hot yoga fix too.

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/150993014#/?channel=RES_BUY

Because it's only one bedroom maybe?

blackcherryconserve · 07/08/2024 00:04

Campcritters · 06/08/2024 18:48

but when I lived in Fulham Tooting Bec was a no go zone

lol! What on earth made you think this?!

Everywhere south of the river is/was a no go area if you live(d) in Fulham! I grew up there and frankly can still not understand its attraction apart from reasonable distance into central London. Happy memories of being able to get cabs home in the early hours from clubs was one of the few positives if living there. Moved south years ago, best decision ever.

ColdButteredToast · 07/08/2024 00:10

Come to Leytonstone! Loads of 2 bed flats for that here. And it's very green!

Saschka · 07/08/2024 01:16

Brixton, Camberwell, Peckham. My downstairs neighbour just sold her two bedroom period conversion garden flat, 3 minutes walk from a Thameslink station and 15 mins to Brixton and Denmark Hill, for £500. Plenty of others on RM in that price range.

Ginmonkeyagain · 07/08/2024 07:45

Slighty further out and you can get get a house for that. My friend bought a lovely 3 bed house in Bromley - fast train in to Victoria in less than 15 mins.

Newusernameforthiss · 07/08/2024 08:04

Upper Sydenham
Forest Hill
Several bits of Penge
Nunhead (love nunhead)
Crystal Palace
East Dulwich (prob.too expensive now tho)

You have to let good the tube, the overground is getting better and better anyway

All of these are nicer than tooting/Clapham/black imho

Good luck!

Iwouldlikesomecake · 07/08/2024 08:17

South East London! The lines out to Hayes and Orpington and everything surrounding (Forest Hill, Crystal Palace, Sydenham etc). All full of theatre people as it’s an easy commute to the west end, so there’s some nice communities and you have access to green space everywhere.

plus the Bakerloo line is being tipped to join the Hayes SE Rail line and when that happens it’s going to be interesting and also a game changer for people in SE.

I used to live near West Wickham and could always get home even if every train line was broken as it’s possible to get buses all the way back 24/7 which is very handy.

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