Mill Hill East, what do you know about it?

[srah21]

We've put in an offer in Mill Hill East. It looks like a really nice area. Do you know anything about the area and the schools? Which is the best primary school and which part of mill hill is nice?

Good area which has improved over the past 15 years since the Waitrose and the new estate on the old gas works was built. It was seen as the poor relation to the Broadway/village areas of Mill Hill but not so much now. If you're buying a new build, check the next developments as there is even more building planned.

However it has grown significantly and traffic can be a problem. The tube runs a restricted service at times so only goes as far as Finchley Central.

Schools are good. The CofE, RC (both on Ridgeway) and Jewish school by the park are good. I don't know the new school Millbrook and I can't comment on the one on Pursley Road.

Try to keep away from the huge new build estate. My friend bought a flat there and 6 years on is not able to sell it as devalued hugely. Also the service charges, which started small has risen hugely as they are uncapped.
Schools as mentioned above are pretty good. Some lovely cafes and restaurants on the Broadway.
Main line train from the Broadway is great.

Hello 20questions,

I was wondering if your friend managed to sell her flat?

I am buying a 2 bed flat in the phase 5 section (Joseph Homes) at the top of the hill near Panoramic Park through shared ownership and would really appreciate it if you could let me know how your friends sale went and which phase of the Millbrook Park area she was in?

Thank you!

Still not sold even though dropped price substantially. Anyone who has sold has lost a lot of money as overpriced to begin with and with hundreds of new flats being built, for the same price, obviously anyone buying will buy those. Be prepared for escalating service charges...
I would try and knock on a few doors to be honest and ask feedback from those on surrounding properties who have been there for a few years..

Oh dear that worries me ☹ which phase did she buy in if you dont mind me asking? Was it near the Millbrook Park School area?

The service charge rising does worry me.. its advertised at £200 a month

Good idea on asking the locals in that area i will do this

Not sure what phase but was about 6 years ago roughly.
Would definitely speak to some of the neighbours. £200 a month is a high starting point- would you be happy if it rose to £300 + within 2/3 years..

Friends sold their 3-bed new build town house at a loss after 4 years of occupancy. The house was at the top of the hill, near the old mess hall.

Frith Manor primary school is amazing - lovely facilities and staff. Too far for us (would have involved a car journey), but it was a close call!

Also if leasehold, check the terms of ground rent rises very carefully indeed. What does g/r start at? Does it increase by rpi? If so, in what intervals?
Get everything in writing - do not rely on the sales office's "assurances"! You are entitled to full transparency before committing.
I hope you have your own independent solicitor and NOT one if their "recommended" ones.

20questions- yes £200 a month is a high starting point and if both the monthly rent on the 75% we dont own and the annual ground rent were high too it would have been a no no but both are low, infact the lowest we can find anywhere in borough of harrow and barnet. Annual ground rent stands at £100 per annum but thank you so much those points you told me to look out definitely help and its so good to find someone whos willing to point out the 'traps' to you so thank you

Thenorthernluce- sorry to hear about your friends house thats definitely so disappointing as i would have thought investing in a house over a flat would provide more security.

I came to this area with little knowledge of it, privately rented and low looking to stay here as its been kind to us. Friendly people safe atmosphere. I don't know about Frith Manor personally but Millbrook Park CE School has been great so far