Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Property/DIY

Join our Property forum for renovation, DIY, and house selling advice.

Original poster

To live in London flat instead of a house?

40 replies

theyf · 23/03/2023 15:36

Due to career progression am hoping we can move back to London in the near future. Having been browsing for finance planning purposes and am quite depressed at the amount/ state of house we can get for our money, and unlike not-so-many-years-ago there doesn't even seem to be a significant difference between different suburban areas anymore. Max budget would be around 700k.

On the other hand, am seeing some decent 3 bed flats in areas close to work (Ealing), and in some trendy more-central areas. I'm seeing some around the 550-600 mark and reasonable service charges. This would be much more affordable and allow for more slack with work and would be able to actually enjoy the things we want to move back to London for. (Have a preference for older purpose-built flats).

But is this a terrible idea with young children? (I know my parents would not be happy!)

OP posts:
stevalnamechanger · 23/03/2023 23:47

I would never buy a flat again . Nightmare to sell - I felt lucky to have escaped

I bought a 3 bed house for 600 . Far better than a flat . PM me for location but SW .

blueshoes · 23/03/2023 23:49

Lots of people in other countries bring up children in flats where it is the norm. Make sure you have access to park and green space and storage.

Crikeyalmighty · 23/03/2023 23:52

Or this in Crouch End- share of freehold

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/131544155#/?channel=RES_BUY

Crikeyalmighty · 23/03/2023 23:55

This is lovely in hampton hill- (house) very nice family area too -lovely decor and great kerb appeal

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/131858459#/?channel=RES_BUY

dollypartin · 23/03/2023 23:56

theyf · 23/03/2023 15:47

@EggInANest I guess because parents helped for first house and like an opinion. They are big believers in putting everything you have into property and spending money on pretty much anything else (like the 'london lifestyle' we would like) is a waste.

I think this is changing a lot. Look up Eryn Schultz who has good finance tips and advice

mightymam · 24/03/2023 00:01

EggInANest · 23/03/2023 15:43

Pinner / Eastcote / Ruislip? You could get a semi for 700k there.

But in principle, I suspect that more people olive in flats than houses in London. As they do in big German cities, for example.

My cousins live in a lovely flat with 2 kids, a few mins walk from a fab park, and are relaxed and happy. You just need the flat in the right location that is right for you.

Not sure what it has to do with your parents.

You cannot get a decent house in Pinner for £700K!!! Unless you're after a rundown box of a house that's going to take £100k to do up 😂😂😂

MattDamon · 24/03/2023 09:54

Friends of ours live in a building with a pool and a gym. They love it. The dad set up his hours so he is home just before 5 PM so he can take the kids for a swim before dinner. Both parents are able to have 'me' time in the gym. They'd never be able to afford a house like that.

Original poster
theyf · 24/03/2023 10:30

@Crikeyalmighty

Oooh love your suggestions and love that one in Hampton Hill, if looking further out will def focus on SW, as not too bad for Ealing and I was raised/ have family there. I thought it would be far more expensive than anywhere else in the suburbs, but other areas I thought would be cheaper seem to be catching up!

OP posts:
Crikeyalmighty · 24/03/2023 11:22

@theyf I learnt a long time ago that the nice areas are well worth looking at as there can be very little price difference between the 'up and coming areas'. You have to be open minded and look on peripheries but as you will look at flats too that's a big help. The difference is the areas I picked those places will hold their money better in my opinion. Will have a look round at what else I think fits for you- is the Ealing thing a biggie? Is it every day?

Crikeyalmighty · 24/03/2023 11:33

Here's another 3 OP- good for Ealing

Chiswick , Brentford and Hanwell

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/132427676#/

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/132226823

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/127418906

Crikeyalmighty · 24/03/2023 11:43

Here's another bunch in Twickenham - another nice but slightly cheaper area- great for Richmond etc

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/131008526#/?channel=RES_BUY

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/129532553

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/132783443

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/130128716

Original poster
theyf · 24/03/2023 13:13

@Crikeyalmighty

Brilliant thanks!

OP posts:
Crikeyalmighty · 24/03/2023 15:24

@theyf Pleasure and good luck- I think it's good to see there is stuff out there in none too shabby areas and it's not all decrepit money pits

Crikeyalmighty · 24/03/2023 15:37

Missed this one which is a really spacious maisonette with own garden and share of freehold- in nice order Bedford Park/Acton

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/130421921#/?channel=RES_BUY

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread