Is anyone else trying to buy a family house in London at the moment?

[levantine]

Prices seem to be just insane. Houses in catchment for primary schools seem to be going up and up.

Is anyone else finding that?

Aha

yes, my impression is that things are going on for really stupid prices in that area and then just not selling at all

Can I ask if you have boys or girls and what your thoughts are on secondaries?

But Levantine - buying in this climate - isn't it better to buy somewhere that is climbing / holding it's value?

Yep - have just bought one - see my "expensive mistake" thread!!!!
around where I am, prices are much higher than last year, and huge competition to get anything.

how about tooting? we moved her from streatham to get a bigger house. We love it here, a big young family community. We are walking distance from around 5 primary schools. Non outstanding but 2 well on their way. also you are near Furzedown which is an area that is always overlooked and has one of the best secondary school in south london. it's an outstanding school.

soniaweir - but the secondary school threads are saying that Furzedown is now too far away from Graveney? I think!

Sorry - I may have that completely wrong - I thought someone on one of the Secondary threads was saying that, but can't be sure.

Yes, that's a good way of thinking about it - better to buy somewhere that is holding its value

I thought the catchment around Graveney was pretty tiny, but my knowledge only comes from mumsnet natch

You are right it's a small catchment area but as for primary school penwortham in furzedown and Holbrook in tooting are getting funding to set up another class so the in take will be 90 instead of 60.

Houses Inbetween tooting broadway and colliers wood are pretty reasonable. You can get a 4 bed for around £450k. And selkincourt primary is in the area. It's a good school which is improving further

Or how about the other side of Mitcham lane to furzedown. Still in catchment area I think and some lovely houses!

I meant hillbrook.

I'm not quite sure how old your kids are OP, but I saw someone mention in-year transfers. Does that mean that you'll not be applying for a first reception place this year? If so....

Maybe, just maybe, there will be less pressure on family houses close to good schools after the january admission deadline for primary schools has passed? We are among a (seemingly huge) cohort of people round us who had to move by end January 2012 in order to be in time for the school admissions round.

Levaine - the seocndary I was meaning as accessible from Streatham Hill is Dunraven, which has been doing better and better. Classed 'good with outstanding features' and 'outstanding' for 6th form.

Blu, do you mind if I do PM you?

Looking at two houses, not sure whether they would be in catchment or not

tia