Would you buy a flat in an area you adore or a house in an area you quite like?

[Nickname1980]

We're in a position where we can afford a decent flat (3 bedrooms and a garden, needs a bit of work but we could do it) in our preferred area. We're in London. But, if we move to a different spot of London that we quite like, we can afford a Victorian house.

I am totally confused. The spot we love is where we live right now. It has great schools, great childcare, and we have a lot of friends here (although some of them are starting to move to other parts of London because they want the house).

The spot we quite like - where we can afford a house - has pretty good schools and we know one or two people.

We have kids, so part of me wonders if I'm mad to even consider buying another flat rather than a family house.

What would you do???

Yes this thread has made me consider a third option of buying a total fixer-upper not far from my ideal location, here in Hackney. Interesting to hear you did a similar thing, mirtle! All the talk of price-drop or even levelling has made me think that I don't really want the stress of moving after this if I don't have to! And at least a fixer-upper can be invested in and improved... I'm not especially "handy" though and I know (as someone else already mentioned) that Victorian houses can be money-pits.

Secondary school options are a worry for walthamstow, thecat! Out of interest, where did you move to? Always love to hear where people went so I can get new ideas!

You're right, concert. I think that's very true! (Clinging onto London...)

We're in London (zone 1) and we have a flat here. We know we could get a house in other areas of London that are OK but not as central, but the location has been far more important for us. Our commutes are both really short (DH will be able to walk to work soon) and we make the most of things like the culture/restaurants here so it would make a real difference to our lifestyles if we moved further out I think. If it is just schools and childcare and even mum friends, you're likely to find them in any good area in London though.

I grew up in a flat myself and DH isn't from the UK so we just don't get the hankering for Victorian properties really. I do occasionally lust after huge detached houses in our budget on RM but that would mean living properly suburban and possibly without the tube .

Definitely glad we got a house! And yes I missed the old area. Probably was very close to where you are now so certainly understand why you love it. But we moved on fine and I'm sure you will too!