Relocating with teen - suggestions appreciated!!!

[silverjen]

Hiya lovely netmums and dads. I’m a single parent to 14 yr old dd. We live near Croydon at the moment but have to relocate as I can’t afford the mortgage here any more :(. Need to relocate - I should have about 120-140k to buy something outright (2 beds) but no idea where might be best. I’ve got a vague idea about Plymouth but I’m worried about schools and jobs - no idea what it’s like round there really, just need work and something for my daughter to do, good school, make friends etc. I’m open to any ideas - North, South, East or West of England, all possibilities. Suggestions and recommendations would be really, really appreciated! Thanks in advance xx

How about Lincoln?
Small city but the university is creating growth. There are no bad secondary schools, three outstanding and the rest are good and there is loads of countryside around it.

We came here when our eldest child was at the start of Yr 6, we used to live in inner London and it is so much quieter here.

I did a quick search and there are a few houses on right move that look good value for money.

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/find.html?locationIdentifier=REGION%5E804&minBedrooms=2&maxPrice=150000&minPrice=90000&radius=5.0&propertyTypes=bungalow%2Cdetached%2Csemi-detached%2Cterraced&mustHave=&dontShow=retirement%2CsharedOwnership&furnishTypes=&keywords=

www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/schools-by-type?step=default&table=schools&parliamentary=Lincoln&geographic=parliamentary&for=secondary&orderby=ks4prov.0.PTL2BASICS_95&orderdir=asc

Looks like there’s only one good secondary in Lincoln.

OP, I hope it’s possible to actually find somewhere that cheap and decent. However, is a mortgage on a 2-bed flat really too much? £300-400 a month? Purley, Kenley, Coulsdon aren’t that pricey. Or you could try in the borough of Sutton - lots of lovely schools.

That table doesn't include the schools that are in the surrounds of Lincoln and doesn't include the school my daughter goes to. If you don't know the area then you wouldn't know that there are no catchment areas and you can apply to any school.

www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/find-a-school-in-england?searchtype=search-by-location&keywords=Lincoln%2C%20Lincolnshire&page=1&LocationCoordinates=53.23486%2C-0.53844&schooltype=Academy&radius=10&schoollevel=IsSecondary

Thank you MrsPnut - haven’t looked at Lincoln! Those houses look good, I’ll look into that :)

JojoSM2 thanks - I was automatically assuming I won’t get another mortgage on my salary but perhaps it’s worth asking. I will have a nice fat deposit so yes, it’d take the mortgage down a lot. Will speak to the bank.

If you’re considering staying in the area, then it’s worth finding a good mortgage broker. A friend who’s a single mum was able to borrow about 4.5 times her salary. That was over 30 years but would vary depending on how long you’ve got till retirement age.

North Wilts. Swindon or surrounding area. Several good school in and around Swindon, and it's easy(ish) to get to London to see old friends.

Or if you’re already in a smaller/cheaper property but on a high interest rate, it could be possible to remortgage with the same lender without them going into your salary details. Lower interest rate over a longer period could make it more manageable. I thought I’d just mention in case you’re considering staying.

Folkestone? Moved here from London with teens a few years ago and they love it. 120-150 will get you a lovely and sizeable period two bed flat or a small Victorian terrace just on the outskirts of town in Cheriton. Plenty of scope to build up a support network as plenty of FB and WhatsApp groups for people moving down from London. Dover would see your money go even further, though isn’t as great...

Come to Huddersfield
You can work in Leeds, Manchester and lots of places in between. Good schools (mostly), countryside in easy reach plus we are very friendly
Property budget doable in some areas