Buying property in Luton/Bedford a good idea?

JohnDoe1

Hi guys,

I want to canvass some opinion on buying property in either Luton or Bedford.

My first choice would have been Milton Keynes but that has seen prices already rise into the more premium scale whereas Luton/Bedford are still relatively cheaper but still have good transport links into London.

What do you think? Good areas to live? Good areas for investment? Totally avoid?

Any opinions appreciated.
Thanks

lincroft1710

Although there are one or two nice residential areas in Luton, I don't think it's a particularly nice place to live. Bedford is probably better and house prices were slightly cheaper. Unless I had to, I wouldn't choose either of them as a place to live. The rush hour trains from and to both places are very congested, as is the M1.

Can't see house prices rising in either town in the near future.

JohnDoe1

Thanks.
Main reason for choosing those 2 areas was because of the relative cheap prices (guess they're cheap for a reason) and their close links to London. If not those, where can I get the same return on investment with 100k and still be a OK place to live? Guess everyone wants to know the answer to those questions!

jackyann

Hello! Have spent most of my life within 20 miles of Bedford, including 35 years in the Luton area.
I cannot possibly comment on investment, only on the quality of life.
Both have beautiful countryside very near.
As lincroft said, M1 gets congested. Both are on the Thameslink line which is useful because of all the stop-off points in London.

If you have children, you may want to consider schools: Luton very pressured but also has good comprehensives, Central Beds. (stations at Harlington & Flitwick) on the lower, middle, upper system (really suited our kids) Bedford has a large independent schools Trust that offers scholarships & does cream off a lot of bright pupils.

Luton has a lot going on, very good arts scene; some slightly dodgy areas, some pleasant.
Bedford (as I have posted on another thread) is one of the few towns I know that is both multi-cultural & feels like an old-fashioned market town; decent rugby club, markets & riverside walks.

lincroft1710

If you've only got £100K to play with, in Bedford you are limited to 1 possibly 2 bed flats or 2 bed Victorian terrace in less desirable areas.

If you go further north into Northamptonshire, both Kettering and Wellingborough are on main St Pancras line. Property prices cheaper, neither are "pretty" towns and were a bit down market, railfares will be more expensive and journey times probably longer.

hawk30

I personally wouldn't want to live in central Bedford (the villages are nice!) and you will be restricted to 1, maybe 2 bedroom flats. What kind of lifestyle are you looking for?

As someone has said, Kettering is cheaper, but v downmarket and unloved (imo).

JohnDoe1

I'm looking for a 2 bed house or flat which I think just about right for the money. I'm looking for an investment first and foremost. I will be living there for a year or 2 then either sell on or rent out. No kids so that's not an issue.

The 'attraction' of Luton and Bedford is the proximity and ease of access into London. Think Luton is £13 return to london on the train and Bedford is £19 and both are close to M1, hence I'm reluctant to look even further up north even though it is cheaper, the London factor is taken out.

J_i_m

Lol, "the attraction of Luton"

Both Bedford and Luton have some pretty rough areas, I personally wouldn't want to live in either. Have you considered Dunstable? That's near enough to the M1 and train station for links into London. And it's also slightly less offensive than Luton.

lincroft1710

If by "investment" you mean a way of making money, I can't see this working. If you had bought in 1995 then sold in 2000, you would have probably doubled your money, current economics mean house prices cannot rise (at least not significantly) for a few years.

phead

J_i_m wrote: »

Lol, "the attraction of Luton"

Both Bedford and Luton have some pretty rough areas, I personally wouldn't want to live in either. Have you considered Dunstable? That's near enough to the M1 and train station for links into London. And it's also slightly less offensive than Luton.

I guess you don't know the area, Dunstable is comparablevwith some of the more shady parts of luton, has terrible traffic problems, And the rail station closed 40 years ago.

Bedford isn't too bad, the op might want to consider leighton buzzard asvthat is on the main line, not too many properties in that price range though.

notisis

As someone with friends and family in both Luton and Dunstable (and surrounding areas), from what I've seen when visiting I'd avoid Luton and choose Dunstable (outer area seems nicer). I'd avoid central Milton Keynes but look to the outlying areas (more towards Bucks). I suppose what Luton has got going for it is the transport links. Take a look around and see what your gut feel is as everyone is different and budget plays a big part. For me I really couldn't stand Luton but could just about manage Dunstable or some of the villages around the outskirts of MK or towards Bucks/Oxon. But different strokes! Good luck!