So we're in the process of buying our first house excited-but-also-terribly-anxious and have been looking at Raynes Park and Wimbledon areas. DS starts school next year so we're looking to move before Jan/Feb - and yes we understand we're taking on too much but we want to do it now when the interest rates are still low. We've noticed that the market is pretty much dead with not many properties coming on the market. We've liked a couple in Raynes Park but they're in a slightly meh street (read : not tree lined or very few nice houses). There have been a few in adjacent streets(read 'The Apostles') which are much prettier and more residential but definitely more than our budget compared to the ones that we can afford. We're unsure if we should invest in the property in the not-so-great street even though the house we've zeroed in on is quite nice or look elsewhere like Norbury Hill, Streatham Hill etc., where it seems like we can find something within our budget in a much nicer neighbourhood. Is Raynes Park/Merton nice enough? and should we settle for the not-so-nice streets if we're considering moving in a couple of years time? Or would you recommend buying in a nice tree lines street in Streatham Hill and staying put for a longer time? We really are looking to stay inside London as both DH and I work full-time and commute to Central London for work. Advice/Suggestions/Recommendations welcome.