Longer Commute - Lower House Prices

CLS26

Interesting thread. OH and I are thinking about a slight slant on it.

OH is in Hampshire, me in London, currently both renting in separate locations (I spend 4 nights in London, 3 in Hampshire).

Intention is to buy in Hampshire, but for me to continue to rent current place in London (same 4 night/3 night split) for work.

The idea behind this plan is (a) to get on the property ladder together but (b) avoid lengthly commuting (e.g. on Monday morning I leave house in Hampshire at 6.40am and arrive at work circa 9am).

I figure what I pay in rent in London equates to the money and time spent on a travelcard for Hampshire.

The plan is sort of on hold though until we see how the property markets goes this year...:o

lostinrates

CLS26 wrote: »

Interesting thread. OH and I are thinking about a slight slant on it.

OH is in Hampshire, me in London, currently both renting in separate locations (I spend 4 nights in London, 3 in Hampshire).

Intention is to buy in Hampshire, but for me to continue to rent current place in London (same 4 night/3 night split) for work.

The idea behind this plan is (a) to get on the property ladder together but (b) avoid lengthly commuting (e.g. on Monday morning I leave house in Hampshire at 6.40am and arrive at work circa 9am).

I figure what I pay in rent in London equates to the money and time spent on a travelcard for Hampshire.

The plan is sort of on hold though until we see how the property markets goes this year...:o

This is pretty much our situation. DH lodges 4 nights a week. Monday mornings we get up at 5:30 ish.

CLS26

Glad to know we're not alone although 5.30am, eeek!

I observe chaps on the train on a Monday and I think to myself "I bet they do this every single weekday...".

The thought is quite depressing - do they actually get to spend any time in the lovely country house that their City salaries paid for? Based on that commute and the sorts of hours worked in the City, I doubt they'd be home before 10pm most weeknights...

Still, living in London during the week to avoid the commute also has its downsides (at least commuter guy sees his OH between 10pm and 5.30am!!!! )

CLS

lostinrates

CLS26 wrote: »

Glad to know we're not alone although 5.30am, eeek!

I observe chaps on the train on a Monday and I think to myself "I bet they do this every single weekday...".

The thought is quite depressing - do they actually get to spend any time in the lovely country house that their City salaries paid for? Based on that commute and the sorts of hours worked in the City, I doubt they'd be home before 10pm most weeknights...

Still, living in London during the week to avoid the commute also has its downsides (at least commuter guy sees his OH between 10pm and 5.30am!!!! )

CLS

Quite a few people round here do nearly everyday commuting. Yuk. DH works very long hours and so even if we wanted to its not a realistic option. early start because you can never just get out of bed and go. Animals need feeding, putting out, bringing back in again or putting in the car....I make DH a cup of coffee to have out of a thermos cup on the dive to the station and then we leave. DH sits in the silent carriage and if he has no work to do he can have a nap.

Although we din't get long together on the Monday morning it makes a big difference to us having that and Sunday night.

SpendCurber

I live just outside of London - Zone 6. My travel has increased by about £70 per month but I wouldnt have been able to buy the property I have within London, as I didnt want to stretch myself with such a huge mortgage.

My travel time is approx the same door to door....unless of course it snows, in which case add 3hrs.

TJ27

I used to live in Acton and work in Holborn. I would cycle to and from work, a distance of about 9 miles each way I think. It was hard work for the first week or two but quickly became very easy.

I now commute about 6 or 7 miles each way and much prefer the journey on my bike than in my car. However I know one chap who cycles 36 miles, each way, five days a week. Takes him a little over an hour and a half, which is extremely quick. Saves on trains/cars, saves on rent/mortgage, saves on gym membership too!