DP doesn't want to buy an ex-council flat

[relpee]

There is a council estate near to where we currently live in Central London. It's nice enough and is literally 5 minutes from where we currently rent.

We live on 'posh street' where a one bedroom flat is about £600k.
On the council estate a two bedroom flat is about £550k.

I want to just get on the ladder. In a couple of years time we should be able to afford something more expensive/nicer. But I think if we buy something cheaper that we won't immediately outgrow, it will help 'ground us' so we don't feel beholden to our high stress (and high paying) city jobs.

But DP says he will not buy on a council estate. What will people think of him? He didn't go to Cambridge to only afford an ex-council flat.

He’s a snob
snobs waste money their whole lives

He’s right. DD thought exactly the same - unfortunately it’s how others live and the unkempt look of some of the flats. If you don’t need zone 1, go out to zone 2. You will easily get 2 beds for £550. There are plenty of decent areas. Ex council gets more space for your money but there are big negatives and possible buyers are fewer when you want to sell. And no, DD didn’t go to Cambridge, but she’s savvy!

This.

And good luck fighting the unreasonable service and maintenance charges as the non home owners will give zero fuck as someone else is picking up their share of the bill.

In a rising market it was an okay strategy.... now house prices are stagnant and falling it would be a terrible idea.

Move further out. I'm north london you can get a 3 bed semi for 600 or so...

If a 1 bed flat is too expensive where you’re looking, I’d recommend widening your search area instead. Take the nearest station(s) to your place of work and search along that tube or train line or bus route. A stop or two can make a big difference for only a slightly longer commute.

Well I was sympathetic to your man until he used the Cambridge line

Leave this man 🤢

Those ex council flats in Central london are gorgeous and well built. The only issue is that the lease hold costs are insane and its not worth the stress.

I judge your man - he went to Cambridge and can only afford 600k with a partner? Like most people? Wheres his millions since hes so great??

Ex council house no issues. Huge garden and rooms and often parking/drive

but a flat is different as have various expenses /repairs for whole building

i love my ex c house. Friends brought at same time as me but a Victorian 2 bed and was £2k more

she now regrets she didn’t buy ex c as I have a massive garden , 3 beds and parking for 4 cars

hers is a small garden ,2 beds, no owned parking and often parks down the road but sometimes lucky and outside her house but then doesn’t want to drive and move car to lose her space esp if raining /shopping in or bringing kids in

could you look further afield and get a house rather then flat but still ex c

Holy thread revival Batman.

I’m sure the OP has made a decision on her flat buying, since she started this thread 2 years ago.

lol - hadn’t spotted this 😂

Almost 2yrs to the day. How weird I didn’t notice it was old either

or that @relpee was a one and done reply lol