London location recommendation - details inside

[hellotesting123123]

I'm 36, and want to buy my first property this year, preferably in the first half as I'm tired of throwing away £1600 a month! Would absolutely love some suggestions as I'm getting confused at the minute. Currently living in South East London, and looking at Catford, but worried it's a bit skanky and also might not fulfil its potential given the uncertainty around London property prices post-covid (I feel a large portion of people will move away now they don't need to be always in the office, as lots of companies are changing their policies around this).

Currently in a relationship which looks like it's heading towards family but it's early (6 months!) and don't want to hedge my bets. So I feel like I'm in an in between stage where I might have a family in the next few years but also (I hope not!) end up spending at least periods of time single.

I would consider having a baby alone also (I've frozen lots of eggs), so 2 beds minimum.

Budget £430k.Open to somewhere that needed some work.

I want somewhere with lots of green space that feels a bit wild preferably (I love Epping Forest for instance) and my own garden.

Would also love a strong community I can get involved with. I'm into things like sustainability, yoga, good food etc.

On the other hand really like the idea of a thriving high street with some independent shops and things to do like a cinema etc.

On the travel side, I'm freelance so don't need amazing connections into London, but my partner probably would. I know I shoulnd't buy for him, but I should assume that whoever I'm with in the future will need to get into central London regularly. But maybe this doesn't matter for me now?

Would like somewhere nice enough to enjoy living in now, but with some potential for price growth.

Any suggestions??

West Norwood.

Still just about affordable, great community and good housing stock. A local community market (pre-Covid), arthouse cinema and several good pubs and cafe's. Blackbird bakery, and the fantastic Victorian cemetery.

Excellent primary schools and a few good secondarys.

Zone 3, overground into either Victoria or London Bridge in 20-25 mins. Buses to Brixton tube (10-15 mins).

I have lived around here for over 20 years now and love it.

The Tube to Lewisham has just been approved which might mean Catford is a safer bet than you think. Obviously it won't be less skanky until they move the stinky ring road gyratory and I can't see that happening any time soon.

If you know Catford relatively well, consider Forest Hill. Under £430k will buy you a decent two bed flat with a small garden. Walking distance to Sydenham Hill woods and Beckenham Place Park which are wild and woody. Nice little mixed community, not the hugest range of amenities but also close to East Dulwich and Crystal Palace. Good travel links.

I think if you want to buy early this year then you have to shoulder the risk that nobody knows right now whether prices are likely to fall or rise in the near future. As long as this is somewhere you plan to live for several years then that shouldn’t be a problem but I don’t think anyone should be buying a property right now if it’s important for them to see price growth. Think of it as your home and focus on that.

I liked Catford but the bit closer to Ladywell Park, or Ladywell itself. Primary schools can be a bit hit and miss I think as catchments are small. Hither Green should get you more space but isn't as 'buzzy'.

If you want better tube links, Forest Hill or Honour Oak? There's plenty of parks in the vicinity.

I also have friends who've moved to Crystal Palace and love it - if that's not too far out. Beckenham is also lovely but feels more family oriented so not sure how you'll feel as a single.

Brockley over Catford if you can.

There really aren't many "wild" green areas in Zone 2/3 London but Blythe Hill, Ladywell Fields and Hilly Fields are all more about green open space than manicured fancy parks.

I’m looking at moving back towards London and currently looking at Kingston, Twickenam, Teddington sort of way, maybe that would be too far, do you need to be near a tube. I lived in Streatham for years and was happy there.

I also think you should buy assuming you'll be a single mum - so focus search on that. Unless your partner is contributing to purchase or you're getting married, you should not consider his needs yet. He can fit into your life when it gets to that stage. You don't know if it will work out or not and so don't want to end up somewhere that wouldn't suit you if you were single and raising a child I.e focus more on having a community around you and easy access to everything you'll need.

Thanks everyone! Some great suggestions here. @Chicchicchicchiclana brockley would be amazing but in my prize bracket there's v little. Maybe an ex local authority which isn't necessarily a no but just seems so much less than what I can afford elsewhere its a bit depressing!

Chislehurst has a lot of the things on your list. It’s zone 4 but if you live closer to the New Eltham side, you can be into London Bridge in 20 mins. Few houses in my area recently sold for around your budget (3 bed)

Chislehurst is lovely, feels very villagey, it’s very expensive though.

If you want something with a more London feel then you could have a look at Plumstead - there’s a lovely community vibe, and 430k would get you a 3 bed.

If you are keen on Catford, the Corbett estate has lovely houses.

Sydenham and Penge are worth looking at, they are cheaper than Forest Hill or Brockley and both have decent high streets. If you want greenery, they are both close to Crystal Palace Park. There's also South Norwood country park.