What do you think of this house?

[helpbuyingahouse]

Good morning

I have been looking for a house for a month or so. Ideally I wanted to live in Highgate/Kentish town, but the two areas are very expensive.

Just now I saw a house on rightmove in Finchley Central, which is bang in line with our budget (£1.2m). The house looks lovely, the location who knows? I have never even considered Finchley but I am now looking at areas further and further out to afford what I want.

How vibrant is the area? Shops, mix of people? What about the very immediate area around the house? I want to make an appointment to view the house, but prefer to do the research in advance.

Please see house below and thanks for your help!

Village Road, Finchley Garden Village, London, N3
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-58075220.html

Can you keep the flat and rent for a few years instead? It would give you a chance to try out a new area and schools. I grant you that rent is often more expensive than a mortgage. I certainly couldn't afford to pay the estimated rent on my own home in a month of Sundays. Really weird - when we first bought the rent would have been hundreds short of the mortgage.

I could do that, but being a landlord is a hassle. The voids, difficult tenants, repairs. I will need to think about it. I wish prices would go down a lot, I would gladly take a 20% hit on my flat to buy a house 20% cheaper and maybe I could afford my area. Schools are now sorted, one is in year 2 and the other one in year 7. All local schools, I think they are fine I don't really go with the school hysteria, whatever happens the children will be ok.

you could get something bigger in nw5 /highgate for the price bracket. it depends what you want - bigger detached house anywhere, or same area and compromise a little

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-39477558.html

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-52791151.html

finchley central is v different feel.

Cestlavie thanks I saw both of those. The one in Highgate actually needs a lot of work, I don't know how it appears so good in the photos. Garden is tiny and overlooked and the ceilings are so low that you feel claustrophobic. The one in Dartmouth park is nice but with two children too small. What about Muswell hill (Alexandra palace side) as a compromise? I don't really like the shopping too much there, I prefer crouch end but maybe Muswell hill is cheaper?

Stunning house, I've heard Finchley is a lovely area but like any area there's different parts so not sure which areas are the most sought after...good luck!