London areas

[AmbroseM]

As a non-Londoner and empty nester, looking to downsize and use some of the proceeds to buy DS a place in his name in the next 6-12 months in London that's safe (well relatively speaking), near the river and green spaces. Am thinking Putney, Wandsworth, Twickenham Teddington etc. No idea where he'll actually settle /end up working as he's still at uni so it might end up being a long term BTL
Investment (5 + years) if he decides to live/work elsewhere /go overseas but figured London would be a good bet for job prospects etc. Any recommendations on areas based on a budget of up to 750k (cash) (based on property being in good condition or 600k for a fixer upper) ? Prefer freehold terrace or semi but there are slim pickings for those within that budget (looking for 3 bed+) and I don't know adjacent areas well enough or whether prices are on the up or down and it's even a good time to buy. I've never bought leasehold so a bit wary and have no idea re: how much extending a lease would cost.

Honestly he's hardly interested in taking it seriously as he says he's not ready to fix on anything firm as yet by way of announcing his plans after uni though he did say if you I offered "I wouldn't say No" ...which leads me to think he doesn't quite get the value of money or how hard it is to get on the housing ladder. His view is it's entirely up to me to decide whether to do it or not. What can you do. I left uni decades ago with significant debts and had to rent in some truly shitty areas (won't say where as I don't want to offend anyone but let's say I didn't feel safe walking home in a suit from the tube) when I first started a job in London so I have a completely different outlook.

Have a look at Canada Water. Very well connected and reasonably priced.

TY will do. Like the while Shad Thames area but out of my budget.

AlecMills

Out of interest where did your son end up buying and does he like living there?

Finsbury Park, which I think ticks none of your boxes 😂

Ah I knew it well once.. good luck to your DS ..at least he has his foot on the ladder in the London property market. That's an achievement in itself.

I would look at SW19.
Southfields area
Flats are really nice there

Thank you ..will need to scope it out in person one day as I know of the area but have never been there personally.

Yuk.

No “at least” about it- Finsbury Park is v popular these days because it’s so well connected and you can be in town in 20 mins. It depends what your priorities are- if you want to be somewhere leafy near the river then I would go for Putney. Really wouldn’t look at Twickenham etc if you’re hoping to sell it to your son as London. But really the person to talk to is him- get a sense of his plans and try and give him a sense of what you are offering.

Sound advice AlecMills.. TY.