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Original poster

If you had £1.2 million to spend...

113 replies

Sengah · 04/02/2018 19:16

On a house in London and two children 2 and under to be state schooled, where would you spend it? We've just been gazumped, and now the property market is so slow we are trying to be creative. Anyone with good advice to share?

OP posts:
Pradaqueen · 04/02/2018 19:19

Move to Brentwood/Shenfield. Even without Crossrail the transportation links are amazing. Plus literally not a bad state school either primary or secondary, the majority are outstanding, or Good

Original poster
Sengah · 04/02/2018 19:38

Wow just having a look on Right Move that area is serious mansion city! I am a bit gobsmacked. But I worry I would feel isolated esp with two little ones. I have really valued being able to get around on foot while they've been small.

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byronicheroine · 04/02/2018 19:40

Stoke Newington!

NapYearStudent · 04/02/2018 19:42

Muswell Hill. It's primary school nirvana. Rhodes avenue gets the best academic results but it is the pushiest. Muswell Hill lacks outdoor space but has a very relaxed vibe. The best, in my opinion, is Coldfall. But really you can't go wrong. The secondaries are APS and Fortismere. Both outstanding.

Pradaqueen · 04/02/2018 19:47

Sengah. Very inclusive and a high population of SAHM /D's. You can walk everywhere there Wink

Pradaqueen · 04/02/2018 19:50

Sengah. Even without crossrail Shenfield to l'pool st is around 23 mins. Non stop. To Stratford is around 18mins. A train to London every 7 mins or so. Go and have a look, they are nice low-crime areas with tons of parks, loads of stuff to do with kids and also it's in grammar catchment.

Original poster
Sengah · 04/02/2018 19:53

Oh NapYear - you break my heart, that is where we were gazumped and we've given up trying to find anything we think is worth it for the space etc 😔

Stoke Newington - added to my list.

Prada I will investigate some. DH is definitely up for commuting for more space although I am reluctant.

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Original poster
Sengah · 04/02/2018 19:54

Every 7 mins is pretty good - may as well be on the tube.

OP posts:
lemonsandlimes123 · 04/02/2018 19:58

richmond or kew

Purplerain101 · 04/02/2018 19:58

Loughton. It’s on the central line and has a fantastic high street with lovely restaurants, cafes, deli’s, boutiques etc. Can be in the centre of London within 30 mins max

austenozzy · 04/02/2018 19:58

Dulwich?

DustOffYourHighestHopes · 04/02/2018 20:02

Head for SE London? If you can let go of the tube, some stations have v regular trains (Hither Green, Lewisham, Blackheath). Some outstanding state primaries.

RicStar · 04/02/2018 20:02

Herne Hill / Dulwich. But I know very little about North London and dislike the tube at peak time.

Original poster
Sengah · 04/02/2018 20:03

I have been keeping an eye out in Richmond & Dulwich seem out of budget if we want a 4 bed with garden (or 3 with scope to extend. Unfortunately.

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NapYearStudent · 04/02/2018 20:03

Crikey, sorry. Which bits of MH? Over by coldfall you'd get something. Things are slowing down. Are you set on a period house? Honestly I'd bide my time and wait for the spring market.

NapYearStudent · 04/02/2018 20:04

If it's Muswell Hill your after I'm not sure Essex is going to work...Clapham? Between the commons?

tenbob · 04/02/2018 20:10

The 'between the commons' bit of Battersea/Clapham

The area is known as 'nappy valley' and has 2 excellent primaries - Honeywell, Belleville - and great secondaries

Prices have come down in the last 6 months so you could get a 4 bed

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-49019691.html

Original poster
Sengah · 04/02/2018 20:12

NapYear In theory I feel quite open minded about the area - so e.g. I don't know why Essex wouldn't work if I liked muswell hill? I don't know anything about a spring market - is ot meant to pick up? In the autumn we were told to wait for a January bonanza and...nada... Hearts aren't set on period property (although it would be nice). Out of interest why do you like coldfall so?

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poddige · 04/02/2018 20:12

Slightly over, but this is spacious.

Albion Road, Newington Green, N16
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-63457765.html

This is a nice distraction from my current (slooow moving) sale/purchase up north.

Original poster
Sengah · 04/02/2018 20:14

Really appreciating all the suggestions for me to investigate. I have been stuck in a rut hitting refresh on the same three areas so it it great to get a bit of inspiration.

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RicStar · 04/02/2018 20:17

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-51920178 something like this. I am quite jealous such lovely houses in lovely areas op. Must be hard to narrow it down.

Original poster
Sengah · 04/02/2018 20:19

Poddige £50k is not 'slightly'! 1.2 is absolutely our upper limit or I would have to sell one of the children. I guess this is related to how flexible the market is though - i have been wondering if it is worth looking at properties priced higher and doing cheeky offering. Btw I know I sound fussy but I would rather not do a courtyard garden - I've been looking at areas where gardens seem to be a bit bigger for our budget.

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Original poster
Sengah · 04/02/2018 20:20

Link didn't work Ricstar would you mind please sharing again?

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HumpHumpWhale · 04/02/2018 20:21

Brixton/herne hill. Love it here (although we are the other side of Brixton) & Brockwell park is just gorgeous. Your budget is more than ours and you could get something great. Gardens tend to be small but if you're this close to the park, that might be ok?
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-61844971.html

Pradaqueen · 04/02/2018 20:24

Sengah - where does your DH need to commute to?

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