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Original poster

House hunting in London - very grateful for your thoughts please

78 replies

GoldOnyx · 04/09/2024 17:50

Hi all,

I’m a first-time buyer, looking to buy a house in the next year, and would be grateful for your advice please.

I live in London and would like to stay here for the foreseeable future. I work in London and also don’t drive, due to a medical condition, so would find it really difficult if I lived somewhere with fewer public transport options. I currently live in west London (Ealing), but don’t think I can afford it!!

More broadly, I’m looking for a house rather than a flat. That’s because I’d prefer to avoid the extra costs of ground rent and a lease and because I’d like somewhere that’s a decent size.

I’m looking for a 2-3 bed house, ideally, and am very open to buying a house that needs work, as long as I can live in it and do the work whilst I live in it (rather than buying a house that’s a full-on project). It would also be ideal if it was within walking distance of a train or tube station (ideally, up to 15 mins if possible).

I am very fortunate to have a budget of £700,000, partly due to a very generous family inheritance.

In terms of areas, I’ve been considering:

West London:

  • Hounslow
  • Park Royal

Northeast London:

  • South Woodford

South London:

  • Bromley
  • Crystal Palace

Southwest London/Surrey:

  • Kingston
  • New Malden
  • West Molesey
  • Hampton
  • Surbiton
  • Walton on Thames

I’d be very grateful to hear your thoughts on any of the above areas please and on any other areas not mentioned that I could consider. In terms of potential areas, I’m hoping to be able to arrange a few viewings in one area and then spend the day there to do the viewings and look around the area.

Also grateful to find out your thoughts on the best way to house hunt. So far, I’ve been using apps (Right Move and Zoopla). Is it a good idea maybe for me to go to auctions as well (although I work full time), or are the apps my best bet?

Thank you so much.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
8
TheSquareMile · 05/09/2024 18:55

@GoldOnyx

Richmond's nice, I like it there.

https://www.foxtons.co.uk/properties-for-sale/tw9/rich0069670

Papricat · 05/09/2024 20:18

Unlikely to get a decently connected 3 bed on that budget. Most likely a doer upper or a place without a garden. You should rather buy with a partner, or stick to flats.

OVienna · 05/09/2024 21:55

Papricat · 05/09/2024 20:18

Unlikely to get a decently connected 3 bed on that budget. Most likely a doer upper or a place without a garden. You should rather buy with a partner, or stick to flats.

Maybe the OP has a partner but wants economic independence? If not- she should magic one up? She can find something on that budget btw.

Alevelnamechange · 05/09/2024 21:59

I have some relatively unfounded opinions on most of these places... when I say 'unfounded' it's literally whether I personally like, or dislike them.

West London:

  • Hounslow - terrible.
  • Park Royal - no idea.

Northeast London:

  • South Woodford - terrible.

South London:

  • Bromley - some lovely streets but terrible centre.
  • Crystal Palace - some lovely streets but terrible centre.

Southwest London/Surrey:

  • Kingston - surprisingly good shopping, people say it's rough, I haven't noticed.
  • New Malden - excellent asian supermarkets, apparently has a nice high street, I've never been.
  • West Molesey - nearest station is Hampton Court, and it's not easily walkable.
  • Hampton - don't know, unless you mean Hampton Court, which is nice, but very busy in the summer.
  • Surbiton - I haven't been here for years.
  • Walton on Thames - JACKPOT, I've lived in Walton, easy commute into town, small and increasingly run down town centre, but nice streets, good schools, etc.
iwantabreakfastpantry · 05/09/2024 22:32

Sydenham, Penge, Beckenham
-stations: Sydenham/Penge East/Penge West/Kent House/Clock House/New Beckenham/Beckenham Junction
-between those areas you have trains to London Bridge, Charing X, Lewisham (for DLR), Victoria, Thameslink (during peak times) and the London Overground
-and trams

AnotherCunningPlan · 06/09/2024 00:27

Hi op
You mention a medical condition, bear in mind that Crystal Palace is built on top of a hill, some streets are very steep which might be of relevance to you if you have mobility issues.
I wouldn't call the centre of Crystal Palace terrible as another poster did. However it's not a big town centre. It's got a supermarket, pharmacy etc but other wise is mostly full of bars, restaurants, coffee shops and small independant shops. Some people like that, but you need to go elsewhere for the big chain shops.

Newstrawberries · 06/09/2024 00:41

Someone mentioned Whitton. Very good investment - the whole area continues to improve. Defo worth a look.

patchworkbear · 06/09/2024 00:55

Harrow- parks aplenty, you have your choice of tube stations that'll get you to central London in 25-31 mins depending where you are and if you're thinking of staring a family, there are outstanding primary and secondary schools everywhere. Pinner, West Harrow and Stanmore and the Hill are where to look. You may be able to get a decent place on that budget.

MumonabikeE5 · 06/09/2024 08:07

Alevelnamechange · 05/09/2024 21:59

I have some relatively unfounded opinions on most of these places... when I say 'unfounded' it's literally whether I personally like, or dislike them.

West London:

  • Hounslow - terrible.
  • Park Royal - no idea.

Northeast London:

  • South Woodford - terrible.

South London:

  • Bromley - some lovely streets but terrible centre.
  • Crystal Palace - some lovely streets but terrible centre.

Southwest London/Surrey:

  • Kingston - surprisingly good shopping, people say it's rough, I haven't noticed.
  • New Malden - excellent asian supermarkets, apparently has a nice high street, I've never been.
  • West Molesey - nearest station is Hampton Court, and it's not easily walkable.
  • Hampton - don't know, unless you mean Hampton Court, which is nice, but very busy in the summer.
  • Surbiton - I haven't been here for years.
  • Walton on Thames - JACKPOT, I've lived in Walton, easy commute into town, small and increasingly run down town centre, but nice streets, good schools, etc.

Wow this is so insightful.

Dermadirj · 06/09/2024 08:29

You'll find 3 bed semis in Uxbridge for that money, tube in to central if that's where you work, high street isn't too bad but schools aren't great unless you're planning to send kids to grammars in Berkshire.

Shesshinysheila · 06/09/2024 09:07

Alevelnamechange · 05/09/2024 21:59

I have some relatively unfounded opinions on most of these places... when I say 'unfounded' it's literally whether I personally like, or dislike them.

West London:

  • Hounslow - terrible.
  • Park Royal - no idea.

Northeast London:

  • South Woodford - terrible.

South London:

  • Bromley - some lovely streets but terrible centre.
  • Crystal Palace - some lovely streets but terrible centre.

Southwest London/Surrey:

  • Kingston - surprisingly good shopping, people say it's rough, I haven't noticed.
  • New Malden - excellent asian supermarkets, apparently has a nice high street, I've never been.
  • West Molesey - nearest station is Hampton Court, and it's not easily walkable.
  • Hampton - don't know, unless you mean Hampton Court, which is nice, but very busy in the summer.
  • Surbiton - I haven't been here for years.
  • Walton on Thames - JACKPOT, I've lived in Walton, easy commute into town, small and increasingly run down town centre, but nice streets, good schools, etc.

I'm not sure what you consider terrible about the centre of Crystal Palace. I love it. Full of restaurants and independent shops. Also has a cool cinema with a bar and restaurant. You can order food to your seat. Seriously. What are you actually looking for in a town centre?

MugPlate · 06/09/2024 09:20

Things to consider:
Aircraft noise (Richmond/SW
Council tax (Wandsworth considerably cheaper)
Terrain - are you able to walk and down hills OK? If not, hilly areas like Crystal P might not work.

Personally I would look within Wandsworth borough: Putney, Southfields, Earlsfield, Tooting/Balham

DappledThings · 06/09/2024 09:23

Shesshinysheila · 06/09/2024 09:07

I'm not sure what you consider terrible about the centre of Crystal Palace. I love it. Full of restaurants and independent shops. Also has a cool cinema with a bar and restaurant. You can order food to your seat. Seriously. What are you actually looking for in a town centre?

Show quote history

I was going to ask that. I left 6 years ago but still visit. The Triangle, which is the centre is fab. So many lovely cafes and restaurants, loads of antique places for furnishing your new place too!

NorthantsNewbie · 06/09/2024 09:29

Papricat · 05/09/2024 20:18

Unlikely to get a decently connected 3 bed on that budget. Most likely a doer upper or a place without a garden. You should rather buy with a partner, or stick to flats.

…but people have literally posted links to properties that are fairly well connected, and within budget?

I suppose it depends on your definition of well connected, perhaps.

OP, for what it’s worth, your budget would have got our 3 bed house in Lee, with a garden. DH’s commute to Liverpool St was less than 40 minutes door to door if he timed his train well.

OVienna · 06/09/2024 09:35

South Woodford - "Terrible." Lol.

InfradeadToUltraviolent · 06/09/2024 09:36

I'd be really wary of doer-uppers in the current climate, unless you/a partner/a London-based relative are a builder. Getting work done at full market rates can be ruinous.

Somewhere that's only got tired decor and a shit back garden, or with a general poor state of cleanliness and lacking kerb appeal that you could handle yourself would be fine.

Startingagainandagain · 06/09/2024 09:44

If you are looking at North East London I would look at Wanstead and Woodford Green as well as South Woodford. Both are on the Central line.

In the South Beckenham is nice. Trains to Victoria.

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 06/09/2024 09:47

I'm pleasantly surprised to find it's possible to buy a house on your budget in quite a wide swathe of inner South-East London. Transport round here has improved enormously recently. We have the Overground, the DLR, main line to London Bridge, Cannon Street, Charing Cross, Blackfriars or Victoria, and easy connections to the Jubilee and Elizabeth lines from the Overground. Lots of buses too. If you live near enough in, buses can be really useful when there are problems on the tube or rail networks.

Shesshinysheila · 06/09/2024 09:53

DappledThings · 06/09/2024 09:23

I was going to ask that. I left 6 years ago but still visit. The Triangle, which is the centre is fab. So many lovely cafes and restaurants, loads of antique places for furnishing your new place too!

Show quote history

It's one of my favourite parts of south London. Id live here in a heartbeat (wish I still did if I'm honest) although I agree it IS hilly so not great for people with limited mobility.

DappledThings · 06/09/2024 09:54

Shesshinysheila · 06/09/2024 09:53

It's one of my favourite parts of south London. Id live here in a heartbeat (wish I still did if I'm honest) although I agree it IS hilly so not great for people with limited mobility.

Show quote history

There is the hilly aspect I grant you. Always felt like I'd done a workout and deserved some cake once I'd pushed the buggy up though!

ScribblingPixie · 06/09/2024 09:57

InfradeadToUltraviolent · 06/09/2024 09:36

I'd be really wary of doer-uppers in the current climate, unless you/a partner/a London-based relative are a builder. Getting work done at full market rates can be ruinous.

Somewhere that's only got tired decor and a shit back garden, or with a general poor state of cleanliness and lacking kerb appeal that you could handle yourself would be fine.

Totally agree with this. I would definitely be looking for a poorly kept garden if I moved. With the help of a gardener we transformed ours for a few hundred quid.

Osco · 06/09/2024 09:59

Not Hounslow or Park Royal!!!
What about Ruislip or Eastcote/Ickenham? Great transport links with Met/Pic/Central, lots of supermarkets, buses, connections to Heathrow etc and cheaper than Ealing. You’d get something nice for 700k with parking.

I’d give Harrow a wide berth as have lived there and horrible town centre. Uxbridge is better but wouldn’t be my first choice.