Opinions on this propert in Beckenham

[TurquoiseDress]

Myself & OH currently trying to move from zone 2 a bit further out and buy.

We've just started looking at Beckenham- seems a lovely place, bit cheaper than other areas further in to London but still £££!

Found this property online
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-31919655.html

It's really close to the train station to get to Central London, anyone know the surrounding roads well?

Just wanted some thoughts/opinions, will try to get a viewing within the next week once we're on annual leave & have some time to think.

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-31919655.html

Should work I hope!

I don't know the area but I would be put off by the fact that you're paying for a "private" garden (suspect it is actually shared) but don't have direct access to it. Also seems v expensive to me for a smallish flat in that area, which suggests it's a good road maybe.

I'd be a little worried about how open it is at the side (re: burglar access).

Just you two, no Dc's?

Do you get private use of the enclosed garden with the shed? How do you access it? Is it overlooked?

On the face of it it looks pretty good to me.

Oh, and it looks like it's been on the market since August so maybe you can get a good deal.. (although you have to ask why it's been on that long)

Why do they call in maisonette?

Is this too far from the station for you?
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-46856515.html

It"s a nice road and good for the station. Cafes, bars and restaurants aplenty too. It's becoming very trendy hence the prices locally. Looks good to me.

Thanks for all the comments!

It looks like it's all on one floor so I don't think it's quite a maisonette.

Not sure re garden access- I've emailed the agent asking lots of specific questions but they've replied saying let us know if you want to book a viewing.

Not really helpful from that point of view.

Wonder why it's been on the market for so long? (Aug 2014)
I imagine things in this area get snapped up v quickly

Lots of 2 bed flats on that price range so I can imagine sellers aren't pressed for time.

There is mention of share of the freehold which is interesting, want to find out more but the agent didn't give any details when I asked.

We might just have a look anyway, it's the only way to know.

I think it looks great op and it's the sort of thing I would get. Good thing with properties like this is the seperate kitchen

Only thing I would think about is - it's on the first floor, so to get to your garden you have to go downstairs and out. I would prefer a flat on the ground floor so you can have the kitchen door open during the Summer and be in and out easily

antimatter
That's a nice looking property, it's quite far away from Beckenham Junction station.

But it's close to another train station on a different line & also I think the tram line.

Olive
Yes good point about garden access. Having to go downstairs to get outside, it is much nicer to have direct access.

I do wonder how it's set up & whether it really has the private garden.

Nice to get other points of view, it's hard to know what you want/like until you've got out there to see a few

I think as far as distance to the station you should really look at the door to door duration of the journey. If you are on the train say only 15 min then 20 min walk is OK IMHO.

Start making notes and writing down all pros and cons.
Is living near park important to you? Is being able to wal to shops a priority etc.

I lived in flats pre kids and wanted to be in a house because being able to open the door to the garden and said garden becoming an extention of the house for few months in a year is a blessing. You can put then small slide and a swing and suddenly kids have a lot of fun!

Thanks for these comments, really helpful.

Forgot to say we have a LO who has just turned a year. Realistically we'd like a 3 bed but I don't think our budget will stretch.

A part of me thinks there is no point going for a 2 bed as we'd like another baby in the future.

Very quickly a 2 bed would not meet our needs.
But I think it's all we can afford.
I think this is the reality for many young families in London currently

You could get 3 bed for
Around 350 in Bromley, I like Bromley. Friend lives there and loves it.

Thanks
Have done a search of properties in a radius from Bromley South station- seems to be a lot more on the market and cheaper than Beckenham.

Looks like there is a real premium on Beckenham- why is this? (apart from the fact it is lovely!)

Are there better state schools compared to Bromley?
Sorry have no idea regarding these things!

Near Waitrose!

Maybe!
But then I think there's a Waitrose near Bromley South station too?
Maybe Beckenham is just more quaint & leafy green

It's in a handy location. You have Waitrose a stones throw away. Also the train/tram station. Gambados not far (if that is a good thing!). The leisure centre in Beckenham is quite pleasant with the library next door to it. Cinema too. Langley Park schools have a good reputation, but that's at second level (a bit off for you). You're also near Beckenham Place Park.

If the garden is shared, that may be an issue as you can't control who is going in. It is a pity you don't have an outside stairs down to it, because you do see this in 1st floor apartments sometimes. Can the loft or garage be developed? WRT space, one of the bedrooms has a set of bunk beds and a single bed in it , so bit roomy if you expand your family and don't want to move just yet. A gander would help you get a feel of it and also maybe some questions answered.