Somewhere like East Dulwich but more affordable?

[butterflycatcher]

Hi everyone,

Really looking for some inspiration. We currently live in a flat in East Dulwich and are in the position of needing more space to grow our family but unfortunately cannot afford to buy a house in the area.

Our extended families live in Kent and Surrey so we are looking at a move out into the home counties but are struggling to find a place that offers all of the things we have access to now within our budget. We love that we are currently within walking distance of two large parks to take our 1 year old to and the wonderful Lordship Lane for eating out, supermarkets and independent shopping. The area just has a great feel / atmosphere and is very family friendly.

Our budget is around 650k for 3/4 bed with good links into London. Is there somewhere similar out there that we can afford? We would also consider locations within the M25 but are finding this much less affordable for the space we are after.

Thanks very much!

Hither Green?

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/fullscreen/image-gallery.html?propertyId=61892412&photoIndex=0

Lots of lovely parks in this area and direct trains into central London.

Like east Dulwich? You’re not going to get that in the Home Counties!

How about Sydenham?

Charlton, specifically the charlton slopes area (eastcombe Ave, Mayhill, Sherington etc roads). Two great primary schools, walk to Greenwich Park, Blackheath standard shops 5 mins walk away and still walkable into blackheath or Greenwich. V family filled

www.rightmove.co.uk/s6p/57738921

www.rightmove.co.uk/s6p/60904188

You'll get more for your money elsewhere in charlton but further from Greenwich park

Honeyfield Mews, Forest Hill
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-62968566.html

Forest Hill?

Crystal Palace - these are both in great spots close to the triangle (apologies if links aren't clicks, you may have to cut n paste)
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-82188866.html
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-62992077.html
There's lots of houses in your price bracket around CP/Upper Norwood, close to good schools and all the indie stores, pubs, eateries you need. Lovely community vibe too.

Hurray! They came out clicky!

Unless you stay in zones 2-3, areas will feel different as you’re either in outer suburbs or out of London. But there are some lovely areas with good high streets, lots of greenery and great community feel.

Have you tried Beckenham? It has a nice high street and greenery. I think it’s zone 4?

Near me there’s Cheam (zone 5) - lovely little high street, fantastic parks and trains into London Bridge and Victoria.

There’s also Carshalton Village (zone 5) - very picturesque, great parks, fab pubs and it’s nappy valley central. The high street is ok and improving further. The trains go into Victoria + Thameslink + London Bridge trains from Carshalton Beeches.

You might also be able to just about find a 3 bed near Kingston. North Kingston is vey popular (near Richmond Park) and with fast trains from NOrbiton station. Or maybe Surbiton - lovely Maple Rd, the river and quick trains into central London but probably a long walk from an actual park.

West Norwood

That Stambourne Way one is also close to two parks (Westow and CP), South Norwood Lakes, and right by Stambourne woodland, as well as being close to transport. You could convert the ground floor for extra bedrooms/living space. Lots of people do with that style of house.

Thanks for the replies. Definitely food for thought as I hadn't considered some of those areas as being within our budget but will take a another look. It's such a big decision to make. Anyone have any experience of nurseries or primary schools in the mentioned areas?

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-82176965.html

This one is near Rockmount and Paxton primaries which are both sought after. Not used the nurseries but heard good things about - www.norburyhillcubs.co.uk/ and that house is also close to Gipsy Hill stn and nurseries in West Dulwich. Think there's a Teddies there in a converted church.

www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/find-a-school-in-england

That’s where you can find info on schools and compare schools in different areas.
Cheam has ridiculously good primary schools (matched only by being in the right bit of Richmond). Some of the other areas wil have some amazing schools but you need to watch out for catchments (eg Beckenham or Hither Green). Some of the areas mentioned have locally desirable schools but they’re way below anything you’d consider acceptable being in the ‘right’ area.

In terms of being within budget, it’s probably a case of whether you’d settle for a tight 3-bed terrace or you’d want a specious 4-bed with a sizeable garden.

Forest Hill/CP.

Beckenham! It's lovely. Great parks and excellent rail connections too.

Beckenham?

This is very nice.

@Tavannach I had my heart broken when I lost a house on that road as my buyers pulled out. OP - the West Oak one is down a very quiet road.

Excellent schools round WN..a vibrant community, lots of lovely parks, new picturehouse cinema, leisure centre, indie restaurants and cafes. It's pricier than it used to be but still not silly prices like some of the surrounding areas 👍

Hither Green for sure unless it's changed dramatically over the last ten years.

Beckenham would be my second choice,lovely area.

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/fullscreen/image-gallery.html?propertyId=63818676&photoIndex=2

Lovely links Tavannach and Dave. I think we will go and take a drive around those areas and get a bit more of a feel for the roads. Hither Green looks excellent for commuting!

@MyNameIsJane

I'm not surprised you were disappointed. It looks great, really peaceful, and the house is just what I like.

Stay in East Dulwich and get a house in village school catchment for your budget
See mine here. About to put on market
Deventer Crescent.
07929043948 to arrange viewing

photos.app.goo.gl/xB34E7p9PiSb6cnP7