Which part of London should we buy? Need help!

[meganxz]

So we have a budget of 1.5 million. Cash buyer.
We are 26 & 28 and have a toddler. We won't be having any more children.
We both come from poor backgrounds but we are wealthy and self made so wouldn't want to move anywhere where it's all "old money and upper class"

However we do plan to send dd to private school.

We will be buying next year but we don't have a clue where to look. We both live in Twickenham and was thinking Hampton etc but also we have dreams of living more "central" but not central so maybe Chiswick? We are open to anywhere in London/surrounding areas but prefer the west/southwest

Anyways, enough of my rambling on... where would you move if you was in my position?

Just noticed my error in the title! Sorry

Have friends who live in Chiswick and are very happy there. Quite full of the yummy mummy brigade though. But I'd guess that Twickenham is too?

The bit of south London around Dulwich, Herne Hill, etc is really nice.

Or go proper central. £1.5m would get you a flat in the Barbican.

Chiswick lonely. Nice local schools. Don't go any further in.

Have a look at Wanstead, E11. You'd find a gorgeous house in your budget. Lovely green open spaces, brilliant schools state and private, strong community and well connected with the central line. It's a fantastic place to bring up children

Hermon Hill, Wanstead
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-86037845.html

I live in Chiswick. Your age and background would definitely set you apart around here, not necessarily in a bad way, just that most mums of babies are in their sons and many come from generational wealth.

I’d consider Richmond, Putney, Wimbledon, Wandsworth, Balham. Twickenham is more mixed than Chiswick and areas in between.

To be fair I think if you’re looking SW, there’s a nice mix as you have a lot of arty people, entrepreneurs etc amongst the old money. Chiswick and Barnes I would consider the more “Rah” areas.

I grew up this end of London and went to private school but come from a mixed raced family, working class parents. I have always felt comfortable with the diversity levels but not so when we briefly lived in the Home Counties.

I am working class and live in Dulwich Village and my DC go private. The local schools are fantastic as are the private schools. It’s like a little oasis in busy London with its local park, picture gallery , woods etc but also good train links to the city

I’d say Purley, and especially a house on the Webb estate if you can find one for the money. Some very affluent areas, massive houses and a few Bentleys around. The people are a mixture of old money but also quite a few footballers and it’s relatively diverse. Tons of well known private schools in the area too. I think it’s zone 5 but there are plenty of quick trains into central.

It’s probably vulgar but I have to ask... how did you make that much money in your 20s?

Crouch end.

@TreesRUs I doubt that's vulgar to ask as I suspect the OP is hoping for that question

I presume you both continue to work, and so your commute might be an important factor too?

I would have thought areas like Hampstead, Muswell Hill, Chiswick could be great for you without knowing too much about your key requirements.

You might find the SearchSmartly tool very helpful - you can add in your budget, commute constraints, importance of having a good private school nearby, being close to a lively high street, etc and it will help suggest areas/properties that are best for you. It should help with answering your original question!

Oops - typo - here's the correct link

@GreytExpectations I'm confused? Why would I be hoping for that question lol?

@TreesRUs
I set up a supply business for cosmetic fillers many years ago and the past year it's sky rocketed and going very well! (The industry has become huge recently so I guess I got lucky) My husband invested in stocks which have made him a pretty penny too.

Also the fact that we have been living in a tiny house for a decent rental price has helped us have very minimal outgoings etc
We just worked hard

@JoanLewis yes that's true from when I've visited.

I have to admit I have been keen on a central (ish) apartment but wants to stay zone 3 outwards

TreesRUs who knows, but I find it best to buy property in one corner, get all three locations and build on them all.

I'm surprised you'd rather live in a flat. Maybe choose somewhere quite international? People from many countries don't give a monkey's about the English class system. Why do you want to be in outer London and in a flat? Usually people in flats like the urban buzz and those that live further out prefer that quieter location and a large house with a fine,a room/gym, maybe a pool and a playground in the garden for the LO.

cinema room meant to say

We used to live in a flat at Queens Club Gardens in W14 and I loved it. Beautiful mansion flats built round a lovely communal garden with tennis courts. Prices have shot up since we moved out of London but I would love to move back there some day. Two tube stations nearby - West Kensington and Barons Court. Very diverse area. Prep school on the doorstep if you are going private. link here

I'd agree with most of the areas above, but I'd also consider Earlsfield and Clapham (particularly the area around Northcote Road) if you want to be able to access central London quickly and like a bit of a buzz.

Dulwich Village is beautiful and the schools are fantastic. If you want to stay in west London, Chiswick, Kew and Richmond are fab. Richmond has trains to Waterloo that take about 20minutes.