South East London

[Haplesssquirrel]

Hello, I am looking to buy a 2 bed in London with some outdoor space. Budget is around 300k, could be pushed a bit higher.

Quite a few places coming up in my budget are in areas like Thornton Heath, Selhurst, South Norwood, Grove Park and Mottingham. I do know SE London well, but not these areas.

Does anyone have advice on these areas? I’ve read Thornton Heath is a bit rough, but is that outdated information?

Any other advice on which areas SE London to look?

Thanks!

That Whitehorse Lane one is a busy road and close to the stadium and huge sainsbury's so not a delightful spot, but not too bad. The roads further up the hill and to the north of the park are nicer for being further from Thornton Heath, or across the other side of South Norwood Hill is nicer too, but it's all relative. That spot is much nicer than being further down White Horse Lane in the direction of TH/Croydon. It looks like a decent flat and garden to have as your base. The walk back from the station could be a bit tasty at night but you could say the same of places in Peckham, and you can always get a bus up the hill instead.

You're right, @JimDixon. When we moved here in the mid 80s there were several greengrocers, traditional bakers and various butchers. Most of them closed down within the next few years after a big Tesco opened in Lewisham and then a big Sainsbury's in New Cross. To be honest, the ones that went failed to adapt to the changed conditions, although that would have been a big ask. One of the greengrocer's was really good, but it was a family business and they wanted to retire. The other one was in that difficult spot where there wasn't enough custom to justify going to the market every day, but that meant the stock wasn't very fresh. Why would you go to a local greengrocer to buy wizened apples and over-ripe bananas for the same price as a supermarket where the produce was fresh? Why go to Dewhurst the butcher on the high street if you're going to the supermarket for everything else?

Brockley Market has been a big success in recent years selling some of the things you mention, but it's only there for a few hours on a Saturday. The area is definitely ready for a good fishmonger/greengrocer now. There are good butcher's shops in Crofton Park and Ladywell and an artisan breadmaker whose sourdough can be found in several local shops.

Just to say that the flat posted on Baring Road, would be quite noisy... I flat shared in one of them a few years back before moving over to the other side of the South Circular and it is on a route often used by the emergency services. Further up towards Grove Park would be better on Baring Road. Have to say access to stations, buses and parks is excellent around here.

I moved to Eltham just under a year ago, and liking it so far. It's a bit "rogue" ie. not trendy, but it feels safe, the high street has the kind of conveniences you need and a couple of decent pubs and places to eat. I feel like it's got potential to glow up over the next few years. Only on a train line, but there are two stations with trains about every 5 minutes serving several central London stations. I also have a dog so got a place with a garden, and she LOVES being close to so many different parks and nice walking routes too. Shout if you have any q's!

Would recommend Penge if you can find somewhere affordable. Nice mix of useful shops (Wilkos, Sainsburys, Turkish delis, Homebase, etc) along with good niche ones (guitar shop, record shop, etc). Lots of good pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants too.

There are a few places coming up really very close to Selhurst Park, on way from Norwood Junction. How terrible is it in those spots - or is it just a case of getting through it when the matches are on? I don't have a car, nor plan to drive much if relevant.

Thanks all for the continued advice!

Thanks! Trying to get some viewings in Eltham next week

It’s fine. Most fans get the train and walk to the match rather than drive so there’s crowds on foot but they’ve not been fighty or aggressive, they come out of the game and straight to the local pubs!

Agree with @TedMullins - it's fine, there'll be match day crowds, but easily avoided and as soon as you're off the main road it gets nicer. Like everywhere in London, it can vary street to street, but generally I'd say that side of Thornton Heath is preferable to the parts closer to the 'Pond' (roundabout).

Ok I am getting somewhere with my hunt! If you had to pick between:

• South Norwood/Selhurst with private section of garden, directly accessed from lounge area OR
• Catford, ground floor, but with only communal garden, shared by small block of flats, with only side access round building by exiting the building. Slightly nicer space than the above, as high ceilings make space seem airy. However, the above actually has more square footage.

First one around 10-15 mins from Norwood Junction, second around 5-10 minutes to Catford Bridge.

What would you pick? I think for me the Catford location is better, given more going on, but I am erring towards the first due to the garden, as I know I would love having my own little space outside to drink my coffee etc.

Yes Catford! Better transport links & more going on. If its a nicer indoor space too i think thats worth compromise on the gardsn

Norwood Junction transport links are hard to beat. Private garden always trumps communal in my opinion.

If outdoor space is important then a private garden is a winner. Especially in London.