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Original poster

Where to buy a flat in London?

48 replies

Blossompink · 02/02/2024 20:18

Hi, we are looking to buy a flat in London but don't know which areas would be best to live in. Currently renting in East London in a not very safe area and would like to live somewhere nicer and safer. Budget is £550k and we would like to be within 10 min walk of the tube/ overground and not too far out so ideally zone 1/2. It would be good to be near some nice cafes/ restaurants too. We would prefer a 2 bed but would consider a 1 bed. WFH at present so no work location to consider. Would be very grateful for any suggestions or places not to buy.

OP posts:
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7
VeryQuaintIrene · 02/02/2024 20:25

Ealing? Zone 3 but well connected by the Elizabeth line.

Original poster
Blossompink · 02/02/2024 21:10

Thank you I'll have a look

OP posts:
HundredMilesAnHour · 02/02/2024 21:16

I'd look in E1, the northern part of it so close to Shoreditch/City. You've got multiple tube and train lines, buses, and more restaurants and bars within walking distance than you can shake a stick at.

This is just near Brick Lane:

Check out this 2 bedroom flat for sale on Rightmove

2 bedroom flat for sale in Deal Street, London, E1 for £550,000. Marketed by Hamptons, City

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/139245509#/?channel=RES_BUY

Saschka · 02/02/2024 21:25

Brixton/Camberwell? We’re 10-15 mins to Brixton tube, 2mins to Thameslink station, 15 mins in other direction to Denmark Hill overground. Zone 2. Nice period 2 bedroom garden flat will be around £500-550k.

Lots to do in Brixton, nice parks, good restaurants and bars, outstanding primary schools.

Nevermindtheteacaps · 02/02/2024 21:26

HundredMilesAnHour · 02/02/2024 21:17

More modern and spacious 2 bed, 2 bath (but very bland decor) 2 mins walk from Brick Lane:

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/142714028#/?channel=RES_BUY

5k service charge!!! For what?

Icepinkeskimo · 02/02/2024 21:38

Why don’t you just visit different areas and see how you feel about them. After all you live in London, you’re making it sound like you’ve never left east London.
Tbh there is no such thing as a “safe” area in central London.

HoHoHoliday · 02/02/2024 21:39

Where in east London are you trying to get away from? I have a 1-bed in Bethnal Green, feels very safe here. Plenty of cafes, social activities, facilities, green space, good public transport. I'm just starting to look for a 2-bed to upsize but will stay in the same place.

WindyDock · 02/02/2024 21:51

Loads of great flats in Pimlico for your budget. Zone 1. Walking distance to all of central London. On the Victoria line and a short hop to Victoria train station.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/143738315

Check out this 2 bedroom flat for sale on Rightmove

2 bedroom flat for sale in Sheraton House, Churchill Gardens, London SW1, SW1V for £550,000. Marketed by The Modern House, London

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/143738315

synad · 02/02/2024 22:30

WindyDock · 02/02/2024 21:51

Loads of great flats in Pimlico for your budget. Zone 1. Walking distance to all of central London. On the Victoria line and a short hop to Victoria train station.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/143738315

Central London is too big for anywhere to be walking distance to all of central London. It would take more than an hour to walk from Pimlico to Moorgate, for example.

Ametora · 02/02/2024 22:32

WindyDock · 02/02/2024 21:51

Loads of great flats in Pimlico for your budget. Zone 1. Walking distance to all of central London. On the Victoria line and a short hop to Victoria train station.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/143738315

I was going to say the same
Pimlico/Westminster SW1P- a hidden gem

Ametora · 02/02/2024 22:34

synad · 02/02/2024 22:30

Central London is too big for anywhere to be walking distance to all of central London. It would take more than an hour to walk from Pimlico to Moorgate, for example.

Show quote history

It takes about 45 minutes. DH used to do it regularly (fit ) but why wouldn't you cycle?
Moorgate isnt really central London?
Boat is quicker
It is a great walk though

5 mins walk to Victoria line. Less than 10 to Jubilee
25 mins walk to Covent Garden- 30 to John Lewis on Oxford Street

mondaytosunday · 02/02/2024 22:49

Watch the length of leases in flats mentioned above.
Frankly just put central London in Rightmove, make a shortlist and get on the tube to visit some areas.

TheYearOfSmallThings · 02/02/2024 22:58

WindyDock · 02/02/2024 21:51

Loads of great flats in Pimlico for your budget. Zone 1. Walking distance to all of central London. On the Victoria line and a short hop to Victoria train station.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/143738315

The lease on this one is down to 88 years. I like these flats though - wonderful location.

Ametora · 02/02/2024 23:03

TheYearOfSmallThings · 02/02/2024 22:58

The lease on this one is down to 88 years. I like these flats though - wonderful location.

Show quote history

It is Churchill Gardens though- so simple and cheap to extend the lease as ex LA

Original poster
Blossompink · 02/02/2024 23:12

Icepinkeskimo · 02/02/2024 21:38

Why don’t you just visit different areas and see how you feel about them. After all you live in London, you’re making it sound like you’ve never left east London.
Tbh there is no such thing as a “safe” area in central London.

I realise there is no "safe" area of London just want to get away from the unsafe area I am in at present.

We are looking around other areas but London is so big and there are so many areas I was just hoping for some suggestions as we obviously haven't visited everywhere.

OP posts:
Copperoliverbear · 02/02/2024 23:19

Primrose Hill.

Original poster
Blossompink · 02/02/2024 23:32

Copperoliverbear · 02/02/2024 23:19

Primrose Hill.

Primrose Hill is beautiful but surely out of our budget unless you know different?

OP posts:
Trisolaris · 02/02/2024 23:34

Greenwich

synad · 02/02/2024 23:44

Blossompink · 02/02/2024 23:32

Primrose Hill is beautiful but surely out of our budget unless you know different?

Show quote history

If you settled for 1 bed it would be an option. Mind you, there was a murder in the park at new year and the locals complain of anti-sicial behaviour there.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/142845179#/?channel=RES_BUY

This is more in Camden but a short walk to PH along the canal.
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/144254408#/?channel=RES_BUY

Check out this 1 bedroom flat for sale on Rightmove

1 bedroom flat for sale in Regents Park Rd, Primrose Hill, NW1 for £500,000. Marketed by Kinleigh Folkard and Hayward - Sales, Belsize Park

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/142845179#/?channel=RES_BUY

Flatleak · 02/02/2024 23:51

Stoke Newington? Can just about get a 2 bed for that

mummeeee · 03/02/2024 00:23

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/142835288

Used to live near here. Quiet area but just a few mins walk to South Wimbledon tube. House is freehold and you get a garden. Walkable to Wimbledon station for district and main line. V close to tram for Croydon/Gatwick. Restaurants bars etc in Wimbledon and Wimbledon village - from the village hop on a 93 bus to get home that goes right by the house.