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Original poster

Yet another where to buy in London thread

19 replies

ManusInMano · 16/08/2022 12:55

Dear all,

Long time lurker, new member here. We are an international couple and first time buyers looking to start a family in the near future and seek your help in finding the right area for us.

We have been renting in CW area for almost 10 years due to the proximity to work and great connections. Initially we considered buying a flat in South Quay but the combination of lease hold + high maintenance fees has put us off.

Requirements -
3-4 bed house (I love the edwardian/victorian houses)
Garden
Very safe location
Good state schools

Bonus -
Close to a cycling superhighway. I love CS3 which takes me from CW to Victoria (work)

Commute -
Victoria
City

Budget -
~1.4m (50% LTV)

Areas that we have looked at -
Kew Gardens - Love this area but so far haven't found anything in our budget
Love this one but out of budget - www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/125973815#/?channel=RES_BUY
Teddington - Love it as well but it is quite far to cycle from
Richmond - Out of budget
Wimbledon - Unsure which parts are nice?

Thanks!

OP posts:
LisaVanderpump1 · 16/08/2022 14:15

What kind of lifestyle do you have - homebodies or out and about a lot? Do you prefer lots of amenities on your doorstep or open space or a bit of both. How do you get around (except cycling) - public transport or Uber? How old are you? Are your friends spread around London or more in a pocket? It would be good to know so that people can make better recommendations. 🙂

TokyoSushi · 16/08/2022 14:31

I don't know anything at all about your area, but this house is lovely!

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/85092981#/?channel=RES_BUY

TokyoSushi · 16/08/2022 14:32

Was meant to quote @Eastangular2000 there!

YorkshireTeaCup · 16/08/2022 14:35

Why do you want to move away from CW? (Presuming Colliers Wood?) With that budget there are lots of places around that area (even up into Tooting) that would fit your criteria, so it might help to understand what you don't like about it?

Eastangular2000 · 16/08/2022 14:37

YorkshireTeaCup · 16/08/2022 14:35

Why do you want to move away from CW? (Presuming Colliers Wood?) With that budget there are lots of places around that area (even up into Tooting) that would fit your criteria, so it might help to understand what you don't like about it?

i am assuming Canary Wharf rather than Colliers Wood

YorkshireTeaCup · 16/08/2022 14:38

Eastangular2000 · 16/08/2022 14:37

i am assuming Canary Wharf rather than Colliers Wood

Show quote history

Aaaah! That would make more sense 🤦🏻‍♀️🤣

Original poster
ManusInMano · 16/08/2022 16:02

LisaVanderpump1 · 16/08/2022 14:15

What kind of lifestyle do you have - homebodies or out and about a lot? Do you prefer lots of amenities on your doorstep or open space or a bit of both. How do you get around (except cycling) - public transport or Uber? How old are you? Are your friends spread around London or more in a pocket? It would be good to know so that people can make better recommendations. 🙂

Mostly homebodies
Bit of both
Public transport - we don't own a car but would like to buy one in the future
Early 30s
Our friends are spread out

Thank you for all the replies. CW is indeed Canary Wharf.

OP posts:
Original poster
ManusInMano · 16/08/2022 16:05

Eastangular2000 · 16/08/2022 14:25

Thank you! We have walked outside most of these properties and it reminded me of an important requirement that I forgot to mention earlier.

My SO is terrified of living next to a cemetery which rules out a few of current available options around kew/mortlake area.

Also, we have looked around Fulham but found the area to be too busy and commercial. Parsons Green is lovely but seems to be out of our budget.

OP posts:
Eastangular2000 · 16/08/2022 16:17

ManusInMano · 16/08/2022 16:05

Thank you! We have walked outside most of these properties and it reminded me of an important requirement that I forgot to mention earlier.

My SO is terrified of living next to a cemetery which rules out a few of current available options around kew/mortlake area.

Also, we have looked around Fulham but found the area to be too busy and commercial. Parsons Green is lovely but seems to be out of our budget.

Show quote history

none of those are anywhere near cemeteries!

Turmerictolly · 16/08/2022 16:52

Blackheath would be a good choice - trains direct to Victoria, good cycle routes to the City and transport to the city via Lewisham.

Original poster
ManusInMano · 16/08/2022 16:54

Eastangular2000 · 16/08/2022 16:17

none of those are anywhere near cemeteries!

Show quote history

Thanks, it was meant to be more of a general condition. Is there a way to edit OP to add this? Also would like to add min area requirement of 1500 sq feet. Sorry - I should have mentioned both in the OP.

OP posts:
Turmerictolly · 16/08/2022 17:14

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/85821042

LisaVanderpump1 · 16/08/2022 18:24

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/120298094#/?channel=RES_BUY

How about this one? Very grand, decent transport links serving both Victoria and close to the City, lots going on in Crystal Palace (nice pubs and places to eat and antique shops), parks close-by, outdoor space and near-by schools are well rated. Crystal Palace was also recently voted the best place to live in London by The Times. I'd buy this tomorrow!

MrFirstTimeBuyer · 17/08/2022 15:19

We're currently moving to Beckenham, same requirements, slightly lower budget (1.2).

There are direct trains to Victoria from Beckenham Junction, and to London Bridge from Clock House/New Beckenham.

Heronwatcher · 17/08/2022 18:03

If you mean good state secondary schools, TBH I’d look for those and work backwards as they are more difficult to find than most of your other requirements. Do you have boys or girls? Any religious affiliation? And by good state schools, do you mean good as in safe, decent education with a range of kids from different backgrounds, or exceptionally amazing? If you’re probably going to move before then or go private then you’ll have more choice.

TabbyT · 18/08/2022 14:09

Putney sounds as if it will meet your criteria - lower West Putney near the river is lovely.

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