How far from London do I need to go to buy a flat for £160k

[Lillibetthecat]

Forgive me, just posting here for traffic.

Have a flat in London that's being currently rented. Tenant stopped paying, has wrecked it in the process too and I'm taking him to court next week. However I'm fed up with the stress of it all, whilst I'm paying my mortgage on the flat and bills.

So, after the tenant is evicted, I'm thinking of selling it and buying a property somewhere mortgage free, if I can. The equity would be about £160, possibly 5-10k more. How far do I need to go away from London to buy something for this price? I think I'd have to go further North rather than South? Somewhere that is well connected to London, would that be too much to ask?

I’d say about 50 years.

Norwich. 1hr48 mins into Stratford

Bit quirky, but church outside Salisbury? https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/161264582

Houses and plenty of flats within walking distance of the station in Rugby. Under an hour to London Euston. Lots more choice a bit further out.

Both Brighton and Hove have direct trains to London - about 1 hour - you could just abou t get a studio in your price range- there is a seafront one in Hove on at the moment within your price range. But be aware that most have a " no short term lets" clause in the lease.
There are very good bus and train services along the coast, Portslade, Lancing, Shoreham and Worthing are all cheaper in one direction, Saltdean and Rottingdean in the other.

I was going to say Folkestone surely. Not that expensive and commutable.

Not sure when you bought your flat but lots has changed in the btl market. You will also need to pay capital gains. Bigger stamp duty etc. I'd get some financial advice. Can you re let your flat via a council scheme?

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/160897046?utm_campaign=property-details&utm_content=buying&utm_medium=sharing&utm_source=copytoclipboard#/&channel=RES_BUY

Stations within a short car journey
trains to Bath and Paddington. We don’t much bother with London nowadays but it’s doable in a day for work meetings.

Yes, I’m in BOA, Hilperton is a good shout

For holiday home , consider norfolk
but I would wait 18 months, market is going down, you will get more for your money, bear in mind full council tax now on secondary homes ,
London/ Norwich train then short hop to
Wroxham , Cromer , sherringham etc
doable with your budget and imo a good investment