I’ve ruined my life: can I ever move back to London?

[Spiralcircle6]

Sorry for the dramatic title but I’m currently in tears wondering why I ever made such a stupid decision.

2 years ago: I was in a vulnerable position, recently bereaved and struggling with trying to find an affordable house to buy in London (where I’m from) that met our requirements. We had a budget of £500k but everywhere we looked had structural issues, neighbour disputes etc. I was at a very low point and not really resilient enough to cope with it.

My other half persuaded me to look at properties in a town 5 hours away from London. Much much more affordable and much nicer properties for far less money . It all just seemed easier. I visited on a sunny day, stupidly agreed and now here we are with no family or friends nearby and it rains 95% of the time.

I am incredibly miserable here. We live in a really nice part of town but in the centre, there are huge social problems, and lots of substance abuse. It rains non stop and is always overcast and grim. I miss my old life in London so much, it hurts my heart. I miss having friends and family around, I miss the buzz, I miss it all.

The issue is we moved before interest rates went up and bought a house for about £450k. I know we’d never be able to afford a nice house in London for that price, nor could we afford 2x commuter season tickets in a suburb. Have I completely priced myself out? I already feel like a huge idiot, and wish I could turn back time and put my foot down. Really grateful for any advice.

Have you considered Brighton and Hove surrounding areas?

It's full of Londoners with families and super easy commuting distance from London, and maybe you can WFH part of the time.

Central Hove near the sea is very expensive, but more outward suburbs like Woodingdean, Ovingdean, Hollingdean and Bevingdean are large, mostly nice, green suburban areas with quite large detached and semi-detached homes with large gardens.

Also nearby there is Shoreham and Worthing too - much cheaper than Hove. I really think you have a lot to choose from here. And it doesn't rain 95% of the time!

Is it I or we? Are you coming back to London alone?
Or are you trying to persuade your dp? Do they want to return to London?

Why not buy a flat in a great part of London? My friend is selling one in Islington for that.

I agree!

There are plenty of areas in zone 6 (so fast and cheapish commute) where you'd get something decent for that price, assuming you don't need a massive house.

It has been the wettest winter in memory though.

Where do you live now?

What size of property could you make do with to come back? A flat? Kids sharing a room?

Where are your family?

what is your London budget?

There is something very special about London. I have inherited a flat in a sought after location outside London which needs work before it can be sold. The area is lovely, the people are nice…..but it’s not the same.

You can still sell, get your cash and start looking in London again.

Move to an area of Greater London! You can still afford a 2-3 bedroom house in some areas here - and those that are on, or within easy reach of the Elizabeth Line.

Get yourself on Right Move now and search by price, and persuade your other half!

We once lived around 1.5 hours away from London for a year, and neither of could stand it and it really affected us (I ended up with depression) so we moved back and rented a tiny studio flat just to be in Central London.

Is this a joint move, are you both equally on board? Even if it’s just you there is always something. You need resolution and as clear thinking as you can get about what it is you really want, going forward.