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Original poster

What would you do in our situation - property dilemma

115 replies

HolyParc · 11/09/2023 12:50

Don’t want to write a never ending post so will just summarise it all in a few bullet points:

  • First time buyers, almost 40yo
  • Jobs in London, currently live in SW London suburbs, renting a flat
  • Want to buy a property, only have 10% deposit and can afford around £500K-£520K max
  • Current area is lovely and fits our lifestyle vey well: great commute, many amenities, pretty, safe, nice schools etc but very £££, can only afford a flat or maisonette
  • We have 1 DC in pre school, not planning more although accidents can happen
  • If we moved further out, we might have a longer commute and less amenities but would be able to buy a house
  • We’d really love a garden and the idea of not having any outside space for the long term is a bit upsetting, however, I don’t know whether I am just being a bit extreme about it?
  • I don’t drive, am used to living somewhere with lots of amenities and be able to walk everywhere
  • House buying timelines would potentially be an issue in terms of school applications as even if we moved, we wouldn’t likely be able to be in the new house on time for school applications, which means we could potentially end in a not so great school or somewhere far from home (which would be an issue given the fact that we both commute and I don’t drive as I said)
  • Salaries will increase but given our age and jobs we are not going to be able to massively increase our mortgage in a few years so unlikely to be able to stay in current area and upgrade later on

I honestly don’t know what to do. I seem to want it all but our budget doesn’t allow us to ☹ Areas outside of London we are considering are Weybridge (very expensive), Walton on Thames (some houses are quite far from the station or the shops), Hersham (not a big fan of the area, seems a bit dull but cheaper).
Guildford is too far and commute too expensive, we considered Epsom but we don’t like it.

OP posts:
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6
Panicmode1 · 12/09/2023 22:55

@mirabai exactly my point...it's not on a par, nor will be with those more expensive areas, albeit I'm sure there are lovely options, and it is probably a bit smarter than when we were looking all those years ago. Back then, we couldn't afford Wimbledon, so people suggested NM or Surbiton or Worcester Park...exactly the same as now.

FlamboMango · 12/09/2023 22:57

What about the flat on in Penners Gardens? It has a balcony?
I also think you should look at the house on Britannia road. I recognise you from the last thread and you said you hated the road…. But it’s a great location very close to the station and the lovely shops near the library and if you take the cut through to the station you’ll be in the high street in under 10 mins? It’s surrounded by King Charles Crescent/Browns Road and within five years all the houses on Britannia will be owned by the same type of professional couple that own the houses on the surrounding roads. Also Fishponds on the doorstep and Alexandra Park. It’s probably also in the catchment for Tolworth Girls School.

Also have you considered Egham/Englefield Green/Byfleet/Pyrford? Similar vibes to Surbiton I’ve always thought.

Mirabai · 12/09/2023 23:02

Panicmode1 · 12/09/2023 22:55

@mirabai exactly my point...it's not on a par, nor will be with those more expensive areas, albeit I'm sure there are lovely options, and it is probably a bit smarter than when we were looking all those years ago. Back then, we couldn't afford Wimbledon, so people suggested NM or Surbiton or Worcester Park...exactly the same as now.

Your point was that it was still up and coming, which is true to some extent but due to the Edwardian housing stock many have been done up into naice family homes. There are plenty of houses in the 1-3 million range but you can still get an Edwardian semi with a big garden there for under a million. It also has smaller cheaper houses ideal for young families.

HolaPepper · 12/09/2023 23:29

What about this one?

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/137470139

HolaPepper · 12/09/2023 23:34

What have you found in new malden OP? I had a quick search but couldn't find any houses within your budget. I know New Malden well so happy to answer questions.

Lots of people in your position move down the train line or the A3 corridor.

So Thames Ditton, Hinchley Wood, Walton

Or Hersham, West Byfleet, Woking (it's not that bad! There are nice parts like Horsell), and Guildford.

DepartureLounge · 12/09/2023 23:37

HarrietJet · 12/09/2023 20:43

I'd stay in the area you like. The whole move out to the sticks so you can have a garden thing isn't for everyone. In fact it suits very few.

This is a very sweeping assertion! Is it based on anything at all?

HarrietJet · 12/09/2023 23:40

I just meant if you love city living, a garden doesn't really compensate for all the other things you'll have to compromise on.

CCTVcity · 12/09/2023 23:49

My area! Plenty of houses around with gardens for 550k in surbiton and slightly beyond.

I don’t get the dilemma tbh.

There’s no way I would spend 550k on a 2 bed flat in surbiton with no outside space. Insanity.

caringcarer · 13/09/2023 01:27

I'd move further out and get a 2 bedroom house with a garden. If it will make you happy and content then do it. You could get your cat too. The point of working hard is to enjoy your life by having what makes you happy. It will just mean you commute a bit longer. I'm sure you'll get a school place for DC.

BethButton · 13/09/2023 04:06

New Malden borders Coombe too so area is patronised by all sorts, and the high street reflects it. Old Malden or the bit around Lady Hay, High Down etc, good, solid well built interwar houses with decent gardens, close to stations with a commute that allows you to do a bit of smart phone admin/comms or (who knew) read printed matter. Good schools. Thoroughly respectable, close to amenities and road networks...so people can get to you as you yourself don't drive. Traffic is a given in the south east. Do-er uppers are a good bet for a long term plan. Priortise/compromise further on what you need at your time of life and it will all work out. Good luck hunting.

Talltall · 13/09/2023 04:30

@HolyParc

when was the last time you were in Woking ?

miles better than hersham and WOT

Wzybridge has gone seriusoly downhill in last 15 years

Kay286 · 13/09/2023 04:38

What’s the priority city living close to amenities or outside space ?
I couldn’t be with outside space, I don’t live in the U.K. (although would feelthe same there ) but summers with kids i love the outdoors with a pool and bbq … walking across to a local park or outside is not the same. I would far prefer this than walking to a local restaurant. So if you can buy a house with this espec at your age (I’m also 40) I’d 💯 do that !
don’t have more babies and complicate things though.
is probably be willing to do around a 40 min commute to achieve it - I honestly couldn’t live in a flat without an outdoors area !

WhalePolo · 13/09/2023 05:05

@HolyParc

West Byfleet has a fast train to London (30mins). The town is currently being regenerated. Nearby Pyrford is pretty. Claygate is good.

memote · 13/09/2023 06:36

I don't think 525k will get you a house in New Malden/Worcester Park/Old Malden anymore. Maybe a complete doer upper but that's £££ now

lionsleepstonight · 13/09/2023 06:49

You seem to have enough restrictions without adding a non existing cat.

Don't buy a home to fit round a pet that does not exist.

Re do your list and search using it and then if its suitable for a cat it's a bonus.

Peachee · 13/09/2023 06:52

I feel like you need Phil and Kirstie !

Original poster
HolyParc · 13/09/2023 11:06

Thanks all for these comments. Writing one post to reply to some of the above points:

  • I have seen some (not many) 2 bed houses in New Malden for about £525K so doesn't seem so undoable?
  • Some of the areas mentioned like Worcester Park and others are areas we don't like, the proximity to electricity pylons also makes me uneasy (although I am not sure if it's the same in NM, need to check)
  • I really wouldn't say that Woking is better than Walton or Weybridge, although I guess it depends on personal taste

Will just need to look around these areas in the hope we can find a little house within budget and hope to get into a good nearby school if we end up moving outside the application timeframe

OP posts:
memote · 13/09/2023 11:31

I drive through these areas regularly, i've never seen a pylon?!

memote · 13/09/2023 11:34

I have seen some (not many) 2 bed houses in New Malden for about £525K so doesn't seem so undoable?

that aren't projects or closer to Berrylands as opposed to NM station? i'm surprised.

WP, NM and the bits in between have attracted lots of Hong Kongers relocating, attracted to the good schools. It's really pushed prices up.

memote · 13/09/2023 11:38

A colleague was trying to buy in WP last year & even going 40k over on properties she was outbid. Unfortunately now she seems priced out.

Original poster
HolyParc · 13/09/2023 13:20

@memote why would closeness to Berrylands mean they are cheaper? It's a beutiful area and practically in Surbiton, more desirable than NM

OP posts:
Original poster
HolyParc · 13/09/2023 13:20

@memote yes but last year's market was also very different than today's market

OP posts:
Original poster
HolyParc · 13/09/2023 13:22

@WhalePolo thank you. Not keen on the area and also these are close to not so good schools :(

OP posts:
WhalePolo · 13/09/2023 13:25

@HolyParc

Esher Church school has a very good reputation, and Hinchley Wood. Plus some of Surrey’s best prep schools…. I’d say there are some of the best schools in Surrey in that area!

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