Searching to Buy First House in London

[ShivaniT]

Hello ladies

We are family of three, son is turning 3 in few months. We are looking to buy our first home in London, budget is around £500k. Been ready for a year now, but the property market is so hot, its so stressful. We both work in the city, so need to be in area to commute easily by public transport. Started looking at Orpington, Petts Wood, Beckenham, Shortlands. Now a colleague at work suggested to look at Bexley, Albany Park areas. We live in North West London but the only places in our budget to get a 3 bed decent house is in South East London. Any suggestions, recommendations on safe decent areas to live in for a family will be highly appreciated. Please advise

Many many thanks

Have you looked at Havering at all? Romford, Harold Wood and Gidea Park are in zone 6 on the Liverpool Street line, my DH gets to his office in the city in 45 mins door to door. You'd likely find something in budget here. Decent schools, beautiful parks, a newish leisure centre and we're absolutely spoilt for kids classes and activities.

Norwood Junction or Penge or Croydon might work for you! Particularly good transport from either East Croydon or NJ.

Penge? Close to beckenham if you like that but lots of nice family friendly places around there.

I would second Sidcup, Bexley areas and if your kids get through the 11 plus the grammar schools are excellent in that area. Chiselhurst and Shortlands also worth a look. I have friends very happy in Sidcup especially once kids come into the picture.You always get a seat on the train too.

Bit out of the way but what about Hillingdon, Uxbridge, West Drayton. Met/Piccadilly line into London.