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Movinghouseatlast · 14/08/2023 20:52

You clearly want to live in Surbiton.

But

You can get a whole house with a garden in a nice area of Epsom for 525 k

It's not far to Surbiton...

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Movinghouseatlast · 14/08/2023 20:52

But I would buy the one with outside space.

determinedtomakethiswork · 14/08/2023 20:56

No. 1 has a ridiculously short lease. I wouldn't touch that.

Original poster
HolyParc · 14/08/2023 21:01

@Movinghouseatlast I don't like Epsom, sorry

OP posts:
Original poster
HolyParc · 14/08/2023 21:02

@determinedtomakethiswork this is more hypothetical so without taking into consideration lease etc but just the type of property

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bobisbored · 14/08/2023 21:08

I like 2, but then I love Kingston. I like the big windows on 3 though.
Are you definitely wanting to be in Surbiton?

BewareTheBeardedDragon · 14/08/2023 21:09

My preference would be 4,3,2. I actually really like 2, it has proper separation between the bedrooms and living areas and masses of private outside space (for London).
But I do prefer period properties and I like big communal gardens because you get so much more space than you would privately (unless you're a multi millionaire). 4 has the most space and the loft space would be a real bonus as dc gets older.

Original poster
HolyParc · 14/08/2023 21:11

@BewareTheBeardedDragon I love 4 too, I just wonder if it's a pain as doesn't have a life I assume and it's top floor

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BewareTheBeardedDragon · 14/08/2023 21:15

Cheaper than a gym membership 😂

It would undoubtedly be a bit of a pain but as long as you're fit and able it would be workable.

Original poster
HolyParc · 14/08/2023 21:16

@bobisbored yes, why?

OP posts:
Busubaba · 14/08/2023 21:27

I don't like the first two. They look like ex rental properties.

The third one looks like a home.

Octosaurus · 14/08/2023 21:28

Freehold flats are a nightmare OP. Many of the freeholders won't live in their flats and will rent them out meaning in that they don't use the communal areas much and therefore don't care about them. They will end up raggedy and horribles and the freeholders won't want to fork out for somewhere they don't live. At least leasehold you can force them to pay up

SuperheroBirds · 14/08/2023 21:29

3 - Grove Road.
In the 2nd one the kitchen feels like the middle of the living room, with no separation at all. Although the 1st has a whole separate kitchen, the 2nd bathroom and bigger main bedroom are big selling points for Grove Road. I also love the look of the shared garden.

bobisbored · 14/08/2023 21:32

HolyParc · 14/08/2023 21:16

@bobisbored yes, why?

Just thinking of other areas nearby you could try. I'm not too familiar with Surbiton. We lived in Claygate for a while but that's ridiculously expensive now.

Original poster
HolyParc · 14/08/2023 21:33

@Octosaurus I didn't know that, assumed you'd be equally responsible? can't you also get leaseholders that don't live in the building and let it to others?

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bobisbored · 14/08/2023 21:34

I've just noticed 4 and it's my new favourite.

Wolfpa · 14/08/2023 21:40

They are all awful I would rather move away from the area for something with more space than live in any of them

ZeldaWillTellYourFortune · 14/08/2023 21:42

I can't seem to get the link to #2 to work.

I'd pick three; would much rather have a second bathroom than spacious kitchen, and love the building.

#1 bills itself as Art Deco but I didn't see any Art Deco touches, and the green in the kitchen was very off-putting. Seemed teeny, so did the balcony.

#4 seems pleasant enough. Would be my second choice. Distance to station a factor.

TheIsaacs · 14/08/2023 21:47

number 4. Flexible space with that extra loft area. Make it a 3rd bedroom or the lounge area

Mingomang · 14/08/2023 21:51

3 or 4. Prefer Grove road as a location, prefer 4 as a property although the Avenue is also perfectly nice.

HundredMilesAnHour · 14/08/2023 21:52

None of them. I think they're all too small for a family of 3 at those prices. You can get more space and better value elsewhere in London. I wouldn't make those compromises for Surbiton.

Mingomang · 14/08/2023 21:52

Is DC a boy or a girl @HolyParc ?

Original poster
HolyParc · 14/08/2023 22:33

@Wolfpa I wouldn’t say they are awful. Are you familiar wpith the area? Where do you live?

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BewareTheBeardedDragon · 14/08/2023 22:43

Flats in London are never truly freehold - you can Co-own the freehold of the building as well as owning the leasehold of your flat, or you can just own the leasehold, but either way there is a freeholder who is responsible for the upkeep of the fabric of the building and the common areas. Even when you co-own the freehold many choose to employ a management company to look after the upkeep stuff - to whom you pay the service charge for this.

I would choose a share of freehold, with a management company running things over any other option having had adverse experience of other set ups. If you don't fully understand how this all works I would strongly recommend learning so that whatever you buy you know what you are getting into. If it all goes wrong it can be very expensive and traumatic. The leasehold advisory service is a good place to start.

elifont · 15/08/2023 02:49

Wow! I almost commented before realising the area, 4-500 grand is a detached large house with a lot of land in the north, but can't compare to living in the London area at all, it's a complete different lifestyle. You go for the place that's best for your family