Relocating to London - where to start??

[MickeyMouse2017]

Hi everyone,
Newbie post here. Having been away from London for 16yrs, and raising a family, I wanted to relocate back to find a better work-life balance for the family.
Our DD1 is 7yrs old, while DD2 is 5.5yrs old. We're keen to have them attend the same school.
With a budget of 450K, I'm hoping to secure a 3-bedroom semi detached, with a garden. DH would be working in Canary Wharf area. Key things that we'll also be hoping for a safe area for young girls, and good primary/secondary state schools.

Greatly appreciate all feedback on what places are worth considering and start focusing on our house hunting, so we can be within good school catchment areas!
Many thanks!
MM2017

If you put 450k into Rightmove, sadly there wont be much for you in zones 1-3. Certainly not a house.

See what areas are affordable to get your eye in. When we were looking, we had a list of criteria in order of importance for us (school, transport links,traffic levels, shopping) . The good news is, london schools have improved a lot on the last 5 years. There is no such thing as a "perfect" school. What you need is "good enough". Parenting makes the difference!

They'll be teens before you know it. Plan for secondaries and independent travel.

Just to add. What do you mean "safe for young girls"?
I dont think anywhere in London is particularly "unsafe" compared to the rest of the country where girls are concerned.

Our daughter was born and raised in east London. No harm has befallen her, or her friends! She loves this area, had a good state education and went to the university of her choice.

look around Plumstead and Woolwich, near the DLR for transport to Canary Warf, will be near cross rail when it opens, non grammar school area but near grammar schools if you decide you want your DC to apply there later. Cheap area, with a lot going for it.

If your budget is fixed, something else will need to give - commute time, house/flat, amenities. For Canary Wharf, check areas along the Jubilee Line and DLR. The latter has some (relative) bargains, but school situation will need careful assessment.

As safe and unsafe as anywhere else in London

I think your budget is too small for a 3-bed semi with garden, unless you are some distance out.

Start by looking at easy commuting routes for DH, and work out from there.

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/find.html?searchType=SALE&locationIdentifier=REGION%5E85326&insId=1&radius=0.0&minPrice=&maxPrice=450000&minBedrooms=3&maxBedrooms=&displayPropertyType=&maxDaysSinceAdded=&_includeSSTC=on&sortByPriceDescending=&primaryDisplayPropertyType=&secondaryDisplayPropertyType=&oldDisplayPropertyType=&oldPrimaryDisplayPropertyType=&newHome=&auction=false

27, 3 or 4 bed properties within your price range in Plumstead.

Sorry OP but your budget is lower than most two bed flats cost in London. Could you narrow it down a bit? Is you partner prepared to travel in from south or east which as a massive generalisation tend to be cheaper than north or west. Think your partner needs to work out his best travel route and then you can sit down and work out along that line with Tfl map and zoopla to guide you until you find something within price range.

Neither of these are lookers and they are in un-lovely Catford, but in budget and get your DH to work in 40 min (bus + DLR):

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-62355620.html

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-40140669.html

(And in catchment for 3-4 good or outstanding primary schools each.)

If they are using the money for down payment and take out a mortgage they can get a 3 bedroom in London. But they would def need a mortgage. Good luck w the schools. Not easy to move when you have two kids needing to get into good schools! Could take time for in year transfer to same school if you want an outstanding one. But it can happen, as my friend transferred her daughter first age 7 and six months later or son got a spot.

Have a look at Catford. My sister and BIL bought a 2 bedroom Victorian house there last year for 350 so you might be able to find something.

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-44050923.html

Good schools, plenty of green space and good transport links.