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.

Bromley has God schools, especially around shortlands.

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-49705772.html?premiumA=true

This is nice, 2 bed but both doubles. Tbh, I'd go for a house over a flat any day. It's oiro £300k but has been up since Xmas.

Or a 3 bed?
www.alandemaid.co.uk/buy/property/3-bedroom-terraced-house-in-london,se25-ref-3261263/

www.alandemaid.co.uk/buy/property/3-bedroom-terraced-house-in-london,se25-ref-3261263/
Oops, broken link

What about Orpington
Fab train station to Central London and lovely property with big garden and is a three bed.

Why is there a premium on Beckenham?

Village feel - indpendent shops, coffee shops etc on the high street (independent fishmonger, sausages shop, very nice independent coffee shops and delis, two independent toy shops, home shops)

Nice parks - the rec on Croydon road is lovely, with a huge paddling pool for kids in summer, Kelsey Park is really lovely, Beckenham Place park is good for walks

Transport links cover the whole of Beckenham, with different routes into London, and the tram too

Schools are generally very good. Balgowan is outstanding (tiny catchment though, despitye being three form entry), and other excellent schools (I don't know about secondary)

Supermarkets - Waitrose, M&S food and Sainsburys

Beckenham Spa is the local leisure centre which has kids pool and really good swimming pool with gallery, gym facilities and soft play too.

Library is nect to the Spa and is very good

Gambados has excellent soft play

Local cricket club, tennis and lots of other sports going on competitvely and for leisure

Beckenham is large, and there will be housing stock in every price bracket

( I don't live there btw! I used to, and loved it.)

There are no rail links wihin a mile of the Orpington property, btw.

I lived in a similar 2 bed maisonettes for 11 yrs in East London. It had a private garden but accessed only from the front door and then through a locked gate and down the side of the property. It was a lovely garden but such a pain to get to that we just didn't use it that much.

With a child I would def avoid a property without direct garden access if possible. You want to know they're safe and within shouting distance if you suddenly need to pop inside for something like a drink etc.

WellTidy
I think you've nicely summed up all the positive points about Beckenham that I couldn't quite gather my thoughts on!

I definitely feel like there are more flexible transport options compared to Bromley (despite Bromley South having the fast train to Victoria).

hiccupgirl
Thanks for that- it's making me realise that there's no point having a garden unless there is easy access.

It all sounds like a pain coming out front door, through a locked gate.
We'll definitely take a look at this maisonette with all the points in mind.

I also think its got a community feel to it, which is lovely when you have small children. Also masses of choice in the mother and baby/toddler/young child things going on like classes, drop in playgroups

Happy home hunting!