What would you do?

[Curly12345]

I need some advice please.

I’m selling a 1 bed leasehold flat in zone 5. Paid £310,000 for it in 2019 and have sold it for £300,000
It’s been a long process and it first went on the market in September but the buyer pulled out due to personal reasons.

I found another buyer in February who’s a FTB so no chain and is very keen. Got a mortgage pre iran war as well.
I am looking for a ground floor 2 bedroom with private outside space.
I looked at 30 places but I liked none until I found the one I’m in the process of buying.
It ticks all the boxes but it’s got no allocated parking.

It’s 0.3 miles from an underground station (end of the line) and my new street is actually a private close with permits but there isn’t space for everyone and every time I’ve driven past, they’re all taken.

The Main Street doesn’t have restricted parking and it’s busy but I’ve managed to find space everytime I’ve been there no more than a 3 minute walk to the flat. I don’t think it’s much of an issue at the moment.

However, TFL has just announced that they have been granted planning permission to get rid of the station car park and build 3 towers of flats with very limited parking.

I assume they’ll bring in controlled parking on the streets around the station when this happens.

The flat also comes with a garage en bloc which I could park in (I’d need to change my car to something smaller)

I guess I’m just nervous and not sure what to do.
If I pull out, that’s it. I doubt my buyer will stock around and it’s so hard to sell 1 bed leasehold flats in London.

Can I have your opinions?
What would you do?

Buy a smaller car and use the garage in a block.

Do you really really want to move?
Is the new flat in a great location?
How often are you using the car? Less than daily?
Would a smaller car actually fit in the garage (I’m amazed a how wide ‘small cars’ can be)?
If all those are a yes then I think it’s definitely doable.

You've looked at 30 other properties without finding something you like, I think you should stick with this one.

Unless there is a massive drip feed coming - get a smaller car! I live somewhere where the nearest station is 20 minutes away (by car) and there are no bus routes unless you walk 20 minutes to the nearest stop. I drive a small car (hatchback) and it suits me for my short journeys and also when we visit family further away (4 hours plus).

Why do you even need a car if you're going to be so close to a tube station? Sell it - if you find you really miss having one, you can just buy a small car that fits in the new place's garage

Get a smaller car (or like someone previously said, just get rid of it for now and see if you need one. It could even be cheaper to to rent for occasional weekends away than own).

It’s Cockfosters yet again isn’t it?

The loss of the car park is a ridiculous win for the cycling lobby. They don’t care about cars! You do need to get a car to fit the garage or can any green space in the street be utilized? It’s obviously controversial but quite a few Lizzy Line stations in Berkshire have no parking. You would have paid a lot to park there every day. Yes, there will be pressure on surrounding streets but I’d buy resident parking if it’s offered. Everyone will want to prevent cars parking in their roads which are displaced from the station. I’d try and find out what resident parking might be offered but stupid councils think everyone can bike everywhere!

Unfortunately yes. I’m in a one bed with a toddler and I use the car every day because I drive for work.
it’s in a great location. I love everything about it other than the parking situation.

i think I’d need a fiat 500 or something if I did go for small

Ah I wish I could. I don’t work in town, I drive for work a lot and I have a toddler so kind of need it. Maybe downsizing is the way forward

It is indeed.
I honestly don’t know what they’re thinking. It’s crazy. I think it makes sense in zones 1,2 and maybe 3 but if you live in Cockfosters etc. you usually need a car. They’re doing the same at High Barnet.

I think downsizing the car might be the only option because I don’t want to lose my buyer and I dont like anything else on the market

If it's Cockfosters or High Barnet would advise against it, parking is a nightmare and will only get worse!

Is a lovely family area though!

But she has a garage. She just needs to buy a car that fits & allows her to get the toddler out.

@Curly12345 you say it ticks all the boxes, it has private outside space, so I'd go for it IF you can get a small enough car to park
it in the garage & get your toddler out.

Quite. And you'd be in catchment for some good schools there.

Thanks all. Yes all other boxes ticked. Love the area and the schools are great. Close to my support network, love the property and has outside space which is private.

I guess I just need to sort the car out and I’ll be fine

OP, measure the garage internally and then account for doors opening & wrestling a tired toddler out.

With my current car, I can’t even get it in with the wing mirrors out haha

Yes most garages are quite narrow and our cars have got wider & wider, even small ones. Fingers crossed an average little car will fit and it all works out! Good luck 🤞🏼

Thank you

Just a thought, but if you don't work in town... Have you looked further out? What is tying you to London?
If this is the best location for you id go for it and get a smaller car.