Offering on a property in a semi gritty area

[lboogy]

I've seen a property which is next to an outstanding school

It's opposite a lovely park
Has a huge garden
Blank canvas so we can improve it

Hope I don't get flamed

Downsides - neighbourhood isn't the most salubrious. I sat in the car and watched who was living in the neighbourhood and from what I can gather they are not working professionals. I know I'm being judgy but the house is the best part of 3/4 of a million so I don't want to pay that sort of money to not live around like minded people
We are moving from our current house partly because the neighbourhood went downhill shortly after we moved in. Lots of homes turned into multi occupancy with basically lots of men hanging out drinking in the street

Would you offer on the house if you were in the same situation? Do I sacrifice the outstanding school for a good school so I can live with other young families like ours ?

Location, location, location. That's my top priority. You can make most houses to your liking, but you can't change the location. I would definitely compromise on the property to be where I want to be. It's irrelevant it someone agrees with your reasons, thinking behind it. Your the one living there xx

It depends rather.

Most of my neighbours have unusual work patterns, or indeed don’t work, which might make you think that they weren’t (shock) working professionals.
However they are on the most part lovely and we’ve never had a problem.

However if they are hanging around drinking outside their house at 10am and there are many shared houses I would very much think twice.

I’d choose the nicer area!

But why would you want to move to an area where the neighbours are beneath you

In all honesty for that sort of money i wouldn't want ANY neighbours.

Thanks. Appreciate the responses. DH loves the house and is ignoring the neighbourhood. I'm going to work on him to move elsewhere

IF it's a great house with potential, in the catchment of an outstanding school, then it's probable that property values and social mix will change very rapidly once others spot the opportunity. You should move quickly, and shape your own choices rather than waiting for the world to validate your instincts. Getting in early is likely to result in the best rise in property value for you to capitalise on later.

Look on the police website and look to see how many incidents have been reported recently.
Look out for anti social behaviour.
Also search the website of your local paper for that street name.

How recently has the school become outstanding?
You may find that the people follow the school. If only a recent Ofsted inspection you can be sure that other parents will follow to be in the right school catchment, so you wouldn't be alone for long, an improved school can quickly improve an area.

@ariela thank you. I've decided against the property

Use a site called Streetcheck. It’s great as tells you everything about any street in the U.K., from crime rates to the type of people who live there, ie semi skilled, professionals, unemployed etc.