Would you buy a flat in Inner London now?

[ziplockchicken]

Dh and I are in the position to buy soon. We live in Zone 1 where it’s a lot cheaper to rent than buy. We can only afford a 1 or 2 bed flat in Zone 1-2. We aren’t interested in moving further out, or places that we like, are just as expensive. We’re very much looking to be YUPpies and DINKs.

Some buildings we’ve looked at have had prices stagnate since about 2016. We’re worried about negative equity, so thinking renting might be a better idea and then investing the difference between rent and a mortgage.

If it’s particular buildings, is it a cladding issue?

And do you think you want kids ever, and if so how far in the future?

I wouldn’t want to move twice (so expensive!), so if children are on your plan in the next 5 years or so I’d have them in mind.

If not, crack on with what suits you now. I’d buy for the security, and I totally get why you’d want to be on the thick of things. If this is a long term home don’t worry too much about fluctuating prices - this is a home not an ISA.