Single @ 39 - where to buy in London?

MandyMcG

Hi all

I am recently (and unexpectedly) single at 39, and now need to start out on my own again.

I've taken a job in central London, and am currently renting in Putney.

I've got a budget of £200-230k, and am looking to get a 2 bed place somewhere that is safe, has a bit of atmosphere, and has good tube links anywhere in zones 1-3.

Does such a place exist? If so, where? I am aware I am asking for a lot with such a small budget.

Thanks and big hugs

Mandy
xx

kmmr

well, not in putney and not in zone one! you may not like the answer but I would say go east. plenty of two beds with garden for that price around stratford. or perhaps in the south east. east has the central line and plenty of investment, but can be pretty deprived in some areas.

beccad

You'll definitely get a flat for that money in East London or Wood Green (north, piccadilly line zone 3). I currently live in Wood Green and don't feel unsafe, although wouldn't go walking around on my own in the dark, but that's the same as anywhere really. I've never had any trouble, or really seen anything very much in the five years I've lived here. As for atmosphere, well it's definitely not Putney! It's very multicultural, it's got a town centre of sorts with some ok shops, Alexandra Palace/Highgate/Muswell Hill are nearby, or Tottenham in the other direction if that takes your fancy (!). Access into town is good. I work in Bloomsbury and it's a 40 minute journey door to door. You can change onto the Victoria line at Finsbury Park.

DH and I are selling up and moving out (hopefully) but we want out of London altogether...

nollag2006

How long do you want to live there? would you sell on or rent it out afterwards?

Some ideas:
Elephant and Castle should rise well with all the redevelopment monies being poured in
Parts of Kennington are nice (some less so)
Crystal Palace is another option that is nice and green - good rental potential in the City
West Ealing, at a pinch for 230, but that has already risen rapidly over the past 12 months, so might be a slow burner for a while

BitterAndTwisted

Parts of north London aren't as expensive as elsewhere but you really need to take a trip up here on the tube and investigate. Anywhere within striking distance of Muswell Hill, Highgate and Hornsey are out of reach on your budget but you might find somewhere like Holloway, Finsbury Park or Haringey suitable. There are some really nice spots in Walthamstow within a short walk of Walthamstow Central tube station on the Victoria line plus either Blackhorse Road and even at Tottenham Hale overlooking the River Lea.

Running_Horse

Do a Rightmove search for Finchley.

LandyAndy

Look for a job outside London?

kathyb1230

I've just spent the past 5 years in Vauxhall, and really enjoyed it. Loads of pubs, restaurants, Portugese tapas bars, and so convenient for transport links. I was in a 2 bed ex-council flat on the edge of the Wyvil Estate, and really couldn't say anything bad about it. I think currently prices on that estate are running at about £220k ish for a decent 2 bed or £240ish for a good 3 bed flat.

GDB2222

Running_Horse wrote: »

Do a Rightmove search for Finchley.

Yes, it's safe, and parts have some character - mostly zone 4, though. East Finchley is zone 3 and also quite nice. We live in the area and my daughter walks around at night without a second thought.

Crouch End is quite trendy, but I'm not so sure about the 'safe at night' bit.

AddictedMoneysaver

I live out in Essex currently in Grays (Thurrock borough) and am about to move to the Romford/Hornchurch area (London borough of Havering although on the address it is still Essex). Your budget would get you a nice place in a nice part of this area - try searching for 'Hornchurch, Essex' or 'Upminster, Essex',

As for commuting, you can get a fast train (overground) from Romford to Liverpool Street (via. Stratford and a couple of others), or from Upminster to Fenchurch Street (via. Rainham, Barking, West Ham and a couple of others. If you drive then the A13 runs out of central London through Poplar, then through Barking, then through Rainham, then through Thurrock and right up to Southend... or you've got the A12 which runs out through Hackney, then through Leytonstone, then through Gants Hill, then through Romford, then through Brentwood and out to Southend again.
I drive from Grays to Shoreditch every morning and it only takes me an hour or so. If I move to Rainham it'll take me 30-45 mins and if I move to Romford or Hornchurch it'll take a little bit longer via. the A13.

Hope all this helps!

RacyRed

Check out east London. Bow is good, as are Bethnal Green and Hackney just to the north of Victoria Park.

Many areas of London change in feel from street to street so it is best to go have a walk around and get a feel of the place.