Thinking of buying a flat in Notting Hill

[Augill]

Hello all

I was wondering if I could get some opinions please.

I have just started looking to buy a flat. I am single and in my mid 30’s and rather than wait to meet someone (which seems impossible in London) I want to get settled somewhere I could see myself happily living for several years.

I am not too familiar with London (I only moved last year) but have spent a fair bit of time in Notting Hill and love it, so am looking there. My budget is upto around £650,000 and I am looking for at least a one bed (in all reality, this is all I would get in this area).

I’ve seen flats I like on Talbot Road, Hereford Road and Chepstow Crescent. Links are:

www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/61602381/?search_identifier=d58a78a8e637347ab91942b99cd7c159

www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/60640982/?search_identifier=a7b386cdf7a7682f40d8e102d6c859f1

www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/61635077/?search_identifier=0bfbb7eaf6a2d3bec7b56a68c6e1a54d

None of the above are perfect - Hereford: the bedroom is very small and wardrobes are in the living room, rather than bedroom; Chepstow: needs fully renovating and Talbot: not much storage, no separate freezer (only small section in fridge) and no hallway.

Does anyone know what these streets are like?

When buying a flat, what things would you want to know before putting in an offer? (Other than title, ground rent/service charge fees).

What is the current market like for flat?

Any advice would be greatly welcomed.

Many thanks

I would avoid Leasehold and go for top floor as I am noise sensitive. Greenwich has a mainline station, the dlr and the boat service. I agree that Pimlico is better value and excellent transport.

What has Greenwich got to do with Notting Hill? Apples and oranges.

OP second post says she also looked at Greenwich but lack of tube line

I used to work in conveyancing (not a lawyer though) and also went pretty far down the process of buying a flat in the Notting Hill area before I pulled out (issue with the property - not the area).

All of those roads are roads I remember (wealthy) clients purchasing properties on regularly! So I have always thought that they are likely to be decent places to live.

All of the comments re leasehold properties in general are good points but I wouldnt worry too much about those as they are from the legal pov. You'll have a lawyer dealing with all of that about service charge, maintenance, lease length etc. Good to find out the basics asap from estate agent, but don't worry too much as any decent lawyer will explain it all to you very clearly in their report on title. (And I presume for the price you are paying for a property you are going to get a decent lawyer - expect to pay at least £2k in conveyancing fees minimum if you want a thorough job doing on the legal side.

I would be concerned with/check out - re noise from other flats, the area at different times of day, check the communal areas for cleanliness/rodents etc.

I'm surprised that the roof terrace is legal/has planning permission - be wary and check this out soon with your solicitor. It might be the case that it has not had permission and therefore might have to be taken down. Hopefully not the case.

oh also, just to say re top floor, if there is no lift, consider how you feel about going up and down all those stairs every day! It'll make you fit but also may deter other buyers.

Having said that, I would agree with PP who said to avoid basement or ground floor. Perhaps 1st or 2nd floor is best.

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/122561702#/?channel=RES_www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/122936123#/?channel=RES_BUYBUY
www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/120640916#/?channel=RES_BUY
www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/115379042#/?channel=RES_BUYwww.rightmove.co.uk/properties/123668126#/?channel=RES_BUY

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/123668126#/?channel=RES_BUY

I don't know why some got posted twice

Those flats are tiny. Are you sure you can cope with living somewhere so small?

Notting Hill is fine if you can afford the 10 million houses, but not worth cramming into a shoebox for.

Notting Hill or Greenwich seems a bit extreme.

Have you looked Hammersmith, West Ken, Earl’s Court, Baron’s Court, Fulham, Chiswick?

Much more space your money.

Or, go north from to Queen’s Park or Kilburn still near Ladbroke Grove.