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Original poster

Thoughts on this Balham flat?

47 replies

GoingDicey · 27/07/2019 15:45

Hi all — just looking for a second opinion on a flat we’re seriously considering and wanted to get views on pricing. It’s off a main road but the flat itself is entirely at the back of the house so very quiet. I’ve tried to run comps for similar flats but really tough to gauge pricing.

LINK EDITED OUT BY MNHQ AT OP'S REQUEST

OP posts:
MsJRMEsq · 27/07/2019 15:48

it is incredibly quiet and serene

'Id take this claim from the estate agent with an extremely large pinch of salt. What was it like when you looked round?

Pipandmum · 27/07/2019 15:50

Link?

Lozzy25 · 27/07/2019 15:51

I don't know much about property prices but the flat is beautiful Smile i love the look of the outside of the property aswell!

BuckingFrolics · 27/07/2019 15:52

Bloody hell more than half a million quid for a two bed flat? [Goes to lie down and count blessings]

TweenageAngst · 27/07/2019 15:52

I know exactly where the flat is. While Bedford Hill is a very busy road the road you back onto is very quiet, you are close to station and all the nice bits of Balham and a short walk to a lovely common. It is a really nice flat. Price wise that is about right for the area.

Sparklfairy · 27/07/2019 15:52

I used to live off Bedford Hill. It was pretty quiet and liked the area. Can't comment on price as I live there almost 10 years ago (but rents were extortionate even then!)

TweenageAngst · 27/07/2019 15:55

Having off street parking in Balham is a huge bonus.

Pipandmum · 27/07/2019 15:55

I like it! Just off main thoroughfare and nice houses nearby. Looks like comparable with other sold prices though hard to tell exactly as no pics with those.
My stepson lives in Balham really loves it.

MoreSlidingDoors · 27/07/2019 15:55

My sister lives very near there. (opposite the academy.). And yes, very quiet, even when the kids are there.

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 27/07/2019 15:56

The location is great but I would live a little further from the station and high street to gain a little more character and potential in a property. There’s nothing you can do to that to add value, and tbh the market is slowing dramatically in London so depends how long you want to live there as to whether it’s a worthwhile purchase from a financial standpoint

Pipandmum · 27/07/2019 15:56

Make sure you find out service charge.

daisypond · 27/07/2019 16:04

I know that area. It’s a nice flat and is on two levels, which is good. The back of the house will be quiet. It’s pricey but probably about OK, but negotiate hard. Prices are tumbling. It is on with Hamptons, which is one of the pricier agents. Wandsworth council tax, which is a huge plus. Very near two commons for outside space. Close to the station and tube. That’s a plus point for me as well. Share of freehold. It has a lot going for it. I’d have liked a garden.

daisypond · 27/07/2019 16:06

Probably won’t have a service charge, as it’s share of freehold.

Original poster
GoingDicey · 27/07/2019 16:07

Thanks for the quick replies everyone!

-Yes, we have viewed the flat so the claim re: quietness is actually mine rather than the agent’s.
-I’m not looking at making money on this property, I just want to be in position to sell it for what I bought it for in 5 years time.
-My main concern is the effect of the top floor being an attic conversion on price.

OP posts:
PseuDenim · 27/07/2019 16:10

It’s ok but a bit bland for my tastes plus if you’re going to be in zone 3, you could cast your net a bit further and get a freehold place with a garden for not far off that.

DerelictWreck · 27/07/2019 16:12

I’m not looking at making money on this property, I just want to be in position to sell it for what I bought it for in 5 years time

Bear in mind that means you'll loose about 25k in stamp duty, lawyers fees etc

yourestandingonmyneck · 27/07/2019 16:14

I really like it. Particularly like the fact that the bedrooms are upstairs away from sitting room and kitchen.

I can't comment on price, but I think it looks lovely.

daisypond · 27/07/2019 16:16

@MsJRMEsq Isn’t that a different flat?

I did wonder about the attic conversion. But the rooms look good. Do you know what the insulation is like? Those rooms might be boiling in summer.

Knitclubchatter · 27/07/2019 16:18

What about maintenance, the front wood trim in photo 6 needs refreshing.
What is being built next door?
And what do you see from the balcony?

31RueCambon · 27/07/2019 16:18

I like it. But id wish the kitchen living room was abit bigger.
Id compromise on a new kitchen for something a bit bigger. But if you are single and can afford it go for it.
I like that the balcony can be accessed from all rooms!

daisypond · 27/07/2019 16:21

The train station as well as a tube make Balham more desirable in some ways than somewhere closer in. But I suppose you have increased commuting costs if you’re going into central London.

milienhaus · 27/07/2019 16:22

I used to live very very near there and agree it is quiet, and the road feels safe late at night. Also very near to Tooting Common which is great, and good brunch options down Ritherdon Road. Love Balham and the flat looks great, snap it up!

fancynancyclancy · 27/07/2019 16:24

Know the area, price is a bit toppy for no garden but obviously close to the high street. Prices have stagnated in the area for a few years so I’d be careful what you pay if your going to move in 5 years.

daisypond · 27/07/2019 16:24

There is no wood trim and the balcony can’t be accessed off all rooms. Are people looking at the right link?