Best areas of Central London for a first time flat?

[kkooddaakk]

City Lawyer and Doctor... Late 20s, budget £650kish
Ideally a 2 bed flat, but doubt that will happen so 1 bed. Not at all keen on 100 year leases etc, rather share of freehold or long long lease

But yeah, couple, late twenties, I wouldn't buy a 1 bed. You will outgrow it and have to pay a ginormous amount of stamp duty for a second time. At least get a 2 bed.

I'd second the comments about where you (and your partner?) work, and what you'd want in your ideal neighborhood. I recommend checking out this website if you're not sure which areas will suit you - it's easy to get addicted to! It'll take your commute/budget/lifestyle needs and score properties by how well they suit you!

My DD has bought in Kennington and this is within your budget for a 2 bed.

The 9 Elms area around the American Embassy is horrid. Soulless. Ditto Elephant and Castle where there are also loads of new flats. Good commute but no life! Other areas are much nicer with cafes, markets, independent shops and pubs as well as a handy supermarket.

One major factor for DD was commuting time to the office and to stations as she has a hugely mobile work base - Courts! However when people work long days, being fairly close to work really helps with recovery after a shift or a long day. So consider what area appeals and look at sold prices. Look at transport. DD had already discovered that trains into Blackfriars were full - all the time! Just not actually possible to get on one if you are not an early stop. So think about transport links very carefully. If walking is possible, consider that too!

I'd say an area where you can a 2-bed for that (and a good size one) - imo buying a 1-bed for 650K is madness especially now with all the uncertainty, unless you can afford to lose equity!

Pimlico if you can find anywhere for the price. Lovely market. Walk home from the theatre. Safe. Ex council is worth considering as large percentages are now in private hands (and they let extremely well should you decide to move on).

Kennington is largely gays and families. Fine if you are all work and no play or if you are interested in the gay nightlufe of Vauxhall. But dull, and a bit gritty, otherwise. And no shops to speak of. Nine Elms is a building site.

How pleasant of you Needmore. I guess you are homophobic. As if anywhere is full of gays. And if it is, so what? Your post is disgusting.

Report it then

All I was suggesting is that it is not really an area for young professionals. There is not much buzz. But plenty of pink pound and a thriving Vauxhall nightclub scene, and popular with families who like a quiet affordable part of central London.

For young professionals Pimlico is far nicer.

I would avoid Nine Elms altogether. Progress on developing the area is slowing down, and it will take years, if not decades to complete. Most flat seem to be bought as pied de terres, either by affluent people from the home counties or from Russia/Asia/Middle East. Rental is problematic and resale prices soft.

PS Calling other people homophobia is pretty unpleasant in itself.

I’d look at Pimlico and Kennington

Brixton would be perfect - zone 2 but very quick transport

Tons of young professionals in Kennington! If it feels quiet that’s because you can walk to the south bank in 10 minutes

It has some great pubs and cafes and lovely squares

Where are you commuting to? We’re in a similar position but bought a lovely 2 bed with a slightly smaller budget using help to buy just south from elephant and castle / walworth area. Great transport links for us to Canary Wharf and hospitals south of the river.

There are a lot of young civil servants in Kennington too, because of proximity to Westminster.

I don’t live there but I know it well.

True, not a high-street but close to a few hubs with shops and walkable to central stuff. Near the river, which is important to me!

And agree - when buying our first flat we were open to one or two bed. For us at least, one bed would have been a big mistake.