Good and cheap to live South East

[gymgoals2024]

Where is cheap and good to live in the South East? 1hr 30 max to Central Londom by train. 2 bed house for 265k max. Ideally would have coffee shops, good sized park, gym/pool/classes.

Southsea or north of Portsmouth - Clanfield / Cowplain / Waterlooville / Havant - would fit the bill.

Ideally freehold. Currently in a leasehold flat.

Can you, how ?

Littlehampton? 1hr 40 to Clapham. Sea and South Downs, lots of new builds being built in surrounding area.

You’ve got a hovercraft, if that floats your boat.

Eastleigh. SO50 postcode. I have family there. It's been great for them, with a 2 day a week London commuter.

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 I can second this. I was born in Maydie (Mayday) Hospital.

@gymgoals2024 yes it has many sea swimming friendly groups - from casual dips and coffee all year around to more serious sea swimming. I've found it a friendly & happy place to live. It's like a village by the sea with the amenities of a city.

After my divorce I had to downsize from Seaford East Sussex as I couldn't afford to live there any more.
The only places I could afford were Bexhill and Hasting. I wasn't keen on either.
So I relocated to Somerset. Now I have a big three bedroom cottage in the countryside.

Another vote for Faversham. Lots of independent shops, lovely pool, good schools and a train station.

Sorry if I am repeating as I haven't read through the whole thread, but as I'm sure has been said there won't be much "cheap" SE, but you can definitely get homes well within your budget within 1.5 hrs of central London if you look at the train routes going up to the midlands.

I’d look at the cheapest places in the nicest towns:
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/146869769#/?channel=RES_BUY

Hastings is lovely but a total pain to get to London. Don't attempt. It is too far away.

Another vote for Southsea. Moved here for Wandsworth quite a few years ago and love it. Lots of independent shops/cafes/restaurants and a lovely beach to walk along whenever you want. Lots of history with the historic dockyard and green spaces with the common- love it here!

Occasionally 2 bed houses come on the market in this price bracket in Petersfield.