Buying a flat in London

kmmr

While I am not sure about those flats in Canning town specifically (as people have already said you will struggle to get a mortgage on the high rise levels) but there are some cheaper flats in the area.

Must admit it's not an area I know at all, and for these very low London prices I assume there is some kind of significant compromise being made (presumably the area) but they could be interesting. In the end it does come down to looking at the area and making your own assessment.

If you want to move into that area I would seriously suggest you think about renting to get a feel for it. Then you can decide after a few months if you can cope with the east London 'grungyness' of it all or not.

hazyjo

Stretch to nearer the £140-150k mark (if they'll drop to that), and there would be some you could afford in okay areas.

I'd go for a minimum of 2 beds in London though. Firstly, you don't want to have to move in a couple of years, and secondly, it would rent much better if you had to rent it out, and you could always take in a lodger if circumstances changed.

I've looked in areas I've previously lived and would feel comfortable in still (Highams Park, E4 and Eltham/New Eltham, SE9):

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-32554610.html

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-32032307.html (pricier at the mo, but worth keeping an eye on - nobody takes much notice of 'offers over' here)

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-29644105.html

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-19429044.html

Alternatively, worth considering Walthamstow (E17) or Lewisham/Hither Green (SE11 - not sure if Hither Green's all SE11 or if it has its own postcode).

You won't get to live anywhere with the best reputation, but none of these are IMO ghettos or generally scary places. Eltham can bit a bit chavvy in that there's a big High Street, but it's not too bad. Some nice enough houses and people - I definitely never had a problem there and found everyone pretty decent. Easy enough journey to Canary Wharf. Lewisham would be great travel-wise.

Jx

kmmr

Interesting flats HazyJo. What is with the mirrors in the last one? Do you think they are trying the old 'mirrors make a place look bigger' trick... but lying them on the ground! Very odd!

As a central/west London buyer I am very jealous of how much house you get for your money not that far away!

hazyjo

Weird, innit! I thought it was some sort of glass viewing platform when I first saw it lol!

Ah, I'm out in deepest darkest Essex now where you don't get a lot of house for your buck so no need to be jealous!

Favourite place south of the river I lived was Westcombe Park. Unfortunately, a bit pricey in this instance, but worth setting alerts for in case some bargain around the £150k mark turned up.

Jx

Queen_of_the_Hive

I live in the east. Just moved from Isle of Dogs to Brockley and soon to move into my house in Forest Hill. Defo increase the budget if you can. I know Canning Town and it isnt that nice. The areas around Forest Hill, Brockley, Sydenham and Honor Oak are nice. Im even finding being on boarder of New Cross / Brockley not too bad for a slightly cheaper area. Again though depends on budget. In my opinion you should consider renting until you decide where you want to be.

RTaylor87

Thank you all very much for these responses; they're been very helpful indeed. I think I'm going to go for a fourth option. Sell the house in Leeds as it will be less hassle than trying to rent it and keeping it in check and rent a flat in London while I build up more of a deposit. Then, once I've sussed the areas, buy a 2 bedroom flat in a better area!

jamesjaimz

Crystal Palace is one of the most up & coming in London & is still quite reasonably priced. Great transport links to central and lots of fantastic parks!

19lottie82

RTaylor87 wrote: »

zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/14411522 - Although needs a lot of new fittings
rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-30614161.html
rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-30612631.html - Same block, different floor

Penthouse........ 23rd floor of a high-rise LOL

aless02

jamesjaimz wrote: »

Crystal Palace is one of the most up & coming in London & is still quite reasonably priced. Great transport links to central and lots of fantastic parks!

Big fat ditto. I love Crystal Palace