South West London

[mothergeese]

We are starting to plan a move to South West London (currently in Scotland) to be nearer to family and friends and, ultimately, better career options for us both. We’ve both lived in London but East. We are really hoping to find somewhere that fits our budget and criteria in South West as it is so much better for grandparent help.

Budget is 900 max.

The biggest consideration is state schools - we have zero knowledge of any London schools and desperately don’t want to get it wrong! Another big consideration is a place where we can build a nice community.

Property wise 4 beds would be brilliant but 3 is ok. We are happy with a decent flat (very used to tenements) but with some outdoor space.

Finally, we’d ideally like to avoid significant plane noise!

Can anyone who knows the area advise? We’d be grateful for any pointers, the more specific the better.

Twickenham is nice and has very good state schools. Not under flight path.
This one might fit the bill

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/154437407

It’s literally under many flight paths?!

www.heathrow.com/company/local-community/noise/what-you-can-do/track-flights-on-maps

apologies I've only been there once visiting a friend and didn't hear the noise
lovely area with good schools

Concentrate on secondaries as that’s the tricky bit in London, boroughs like Kingston, Sutton & Richmond.

Tooting? Gets you the sought after Graveney, no planes!

You’re right, the river area is very nice and good schools.

OP my suggestion is New Malden.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/153003779

Raynes Park or parts of Wimbledon would get you a flat in that price range .

I'd avoid Kew, Richmond , Brentford due to flight noise.

That would happen easily because it's on the flight path only occasionally - depending on the weather. It can be a couple of weeks with none, then on for a few days running. That does make it bearable though.

Where are re grandparents?

Tooting? Gets you the sought after Graveney, no planes!

catchment is tiny though so you will need to be very close.

Not Wandsworth. State secondaries are generally poor.

I wouldn't get hung up on the flight at h thing. Loads of people live under it and are surprised how quickly they get used to it.

If you are Catholic it would be a lot easier

I'd also vote for Raynes Park. The three beds there are within your budget and the Blau house can be converted with a loft room to four bed quite easily. Schools good.

• Blay houses

Wont Raynes Park only give you single sex options with the best ones being Catholic?

Yes agree if you are catholic it helps in many areas. Otherwise New Malden looks like best bet.

I wouldn’t totally dismiss the plane noise as you very quickly get used to it.

Best schools in New Malden are Catholic

My advice, find the school then look for the house!

I have friends in the area who have gone to Graveney (Tooting), St Cecelia’s (Southfields), Ashcroft (Southfields/ Putney borders), Ricards Lodge. I also know people with kids at state schools in Herne Hill/ Dulwich which seem good- JAGS and the Charter School. That’s not SW London but very close. I’ve also heard good things about schooling in some of the outer boroughs. Each school has different requirements though so you need to do your research and if you are religious, or have kids who are likely to do well in entrance exams other options open up too (like the tiffin schools in Kingston). I’d say all of those places are also really nice places to live, but bear in mind that in some you’ll be looking at a flat (like the upper floors or lower floors of a larger house) or smaller modern property for 900k.

If you’re desperate for a decent sized house TBH I’d consider moving outside London but commutable like around Guildford, Dorking, Bromley, Beckenham etc.

Oh and I think schools in Sutton also have a good reputation but I don’t know the specifics and it’s a bit more affordable.

Pretty sure the government intend to do a big review of all the flight paths as they haven't changed for many many years. So no guarantee that flight paths free now will mean flight paths free in the future.

JAGS is a private school

SW London covers a huge area, where are the grandparents? Travel can be tricky if you need to go east west, so the grandparents location would help.

Twickenham is right under the flight path.

New Malden and the Kingston area has the grammar school system which is fine if your kids get in, not so much if they don't