Does this flat exist? SE London

[GalaxyMiniEggs]

I’m looking to buy a flat on my own, early 30s single woman.

I’m looking at Forest Hill/ Nunhead / Peckham area. Budget 300k but could maybe stretch to 325k.

My ideal:

• 2 bed flat
• outside space (pref roof terrace rather than communal garden)
• period conversion
• near a train station

It’s not going to be possible, is it?

Feeling pretty downhearted.

maybe give up on the requirement for period conversation. there can be some very nice modern houses that work very well inside.

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/84836836#/

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/102640901#/

That's a nice one.

Try Catford and Hither Green. My neck of the woods. Ours is currently on for 325k but no garden I'm afraid.

I like that first one @korawick12345. I actually went for a viewing on that second one but it’s in a building with a private freeholder and there is a lot of work needed in the communal areas so that put me off - I’ve had really bad experiences with private freeholders before.

Also @korawick12345 that first link seems disconcertingly good value - do you think there might be something wrong with it?!

It's not disconcerting I don't think - flats in London have nose dived price wise. I would know

They are both small flats hence the lower price point. can't see anything immediately wrong with it

The first one is also share of freehold, so you could do a loft conversion in the future if you wanted.

I like the first one.

I'd add SOF or decent leasehold to your list and flex on both period and outdoor space. If you live near a decent park (2-4mins walk) you really don't need it

We had exactly that between FH and HOP but sold it a few years ago. It's recently gone up for sale again but at 425, we sold for 407 I think. Prices seem to have gone down a little in the area so you may get a one bed for that but probably not a decent 2 bed.

Dartmouth Road is a very busy road, that's all I can think of.

Oh just seen the first one. That DOES look good value.

Why period conversion? I've rented several and they always needed significant maintenance (that the landlord would try and scoop my deposit for 😂)

Not all new builds are small or have low ceilings etc, I'm in one in North London that's solidly built with a nice airy vibe.

Re the first one above, its location is right next to a section of the south circular (Stansted Road) that gets incredibly busy for about four hours daily. Really bad air quality/noise.

I'm not saying those have to be deal breakers, but that's why the low price.

@GalaxyMiniEggs

Also *@korawick12345* that first link seems disconcertingly good value - do you think there might be something wrong with it?!

The flat in the first link is under a treatment plan for Japanese knotweed nearby - not all mortgage lenders will lend on it. If that weren’t the case, it would likely be marketed around the £425k mark.

I think you need to compromise on some of your wants. £325k around here would get you two beds with outside space at a push, but not a period conversion, and you’d be looking at places more towards Catford and Sydenham rather than FH proper or Nunhead. Our friends just went under offer for £330k - two beds, small private garden, but a somewhat ugly ’60s block and towards the Catford end of FH.

Have you considered heading a bit further out, towards Penge / SE20?

I don’t think you’ll get 2 beds, charming, space, location and transport for that. You have to pick which you would be willing to sacrifice. Do you need the second bedroom? Is outdoor space essential?

Bought my 2bed victorian converted flat (+ loft to convert) around the Corbett estate in Catford for less than £295k 6 month ago.
No outside space though (that was my trade-off, I'm very close to a big park and my non-negotiable was natural light over anything else)

The location is more important to me than a period property. Period property was just an ideal.

I suppose I could compromise on the 2nd bedroom if the living space was big enough. Same for outside space, although I would really love something - even just a Juliet balcony.

Also wow @ComtesseDeSpair - good spot on the Japanese knotweed!

Period conversions are the worst for noise travelling between flats, especially if everyone has exposed floorboards. Purpose-built much better in this regard.

Out of interest, how did you know about the Japanese Knotwood @ComtesseDeSpair?

I saw there was a garage out the back on the map and just assumed it would be that!

It states it on the brochure, no psychic powers But I suspect the garage next door and the wasteland (which is where the knotweed probably is, making treating it more difficult) behind the property for sale will also be an issue for lenders. I actually ran past the property earlier today, it’s on my running route and the garage next door is very active.

Do you particularly need or want to be on the Overground, OP? If not then as FastFood mentioned, the Corbett Estate part of Catford and over towards Hither Green, Grove Park and Lee are nice and also good value and you’d likely find something close to what you’re looking for there. Trains run into Cannon Street, I believe.

As Homer would say, doh! Thanks @ComtesseDeSpair. :)

buy a 1 bed that has scope to convert to two bed

Hi @ComtesseDeSpair it’s not so much Overground, more that I’d like to be walking distance from East Dulwich/ Peckham as I have friends and family there. Being on my own, I don’t want to feel too isolated and far out.

I also want a good coffee shop a few steps away from my front door and a bakery selling sourdough bread round the corner!