Anyone here living in Surbiton/Kingston in a flat with DC?

[Iamabarbiegirl]

How do you find it? We are thinking of buying in the area as we love it but we can only afford a flat or a maisonette. I know there is plenty of young professionals and families living in flats around there but was wondering if it's also common for people with older DC to live in flats and maisonettes or if there is a tendency to move away or upgrade to big houses (for those who can afford it, as it's very £££ over there).
Reason why I am asking is that I feel a lot of "pressure" from society to provide my DC with a house and a garden etc but equally I also want to live in the area as we love it and it's so well connected with work. Would my DC be the "weird" kid growing up in a flat whilst everyone else lives in houses with DC?

I don’t live in the area but wanted to comment saying you should do what is best for you and Dc. If surbiton is well connected for work will Dc be happier with you getting home from work earlier and / or having more spare cash? Or do you think Dc would be happier with more space but maybe seeing you less? Only you will know what is best. I’m in east London and plenty in flats here.

No need to feel the pressure, especially as there are lots of flats with communal gardens or close to a playground in and around Surbiton. And most of the year it’s too cold or wet to play in the garden anyway!! Good luck with your search.

Does it have to be Surbiton or Kingston? They are both very expensive. We moved further out for the same reason.... to buy a house. Lots of people do! More affordable options could be Tolworth, Berrylands or Chessington. Further away would be Walton, Hersham, Cobham, Woking, Guildford.

But if it needs to be Surbiton / Kingston then it's a great area and great place to live! Are you buying? What's your budget?

@YawnyMcdawny I consider Berrylands as part of Surbiton, it’s equally expensive! But yes, we want to stay in the area as we love it so mych. Yes buying but FTB in our late 30s so not such a massive budget to get us a “classic” 3 bed semi