Buying a property near SouthWoodford ,woodford green,wanstead,Buckhurst hill,Chigwell

bumblebee20

Hello All,

New poster and FTB here, Just started house / flat search in london. My budget is Max 260k for 2 bed flat and 325k for house. I live in west london and dont know anything about East London.
Visited these areas and really impressed. With my budget it is very difficult in west london and planning to concentrate on these areas.I live with my wife and 2yr old son. We both working in central london.
In terms of transport these areas are ideal (20-30 mins to central london).Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance.

cattie

South Woodford is a very desirable area & my sister has lived there for many years. You won't find anything there for your budget I fear. My sisters house is your average Edwardian 3 bed eot & these are valued at around the £500k mark now.

I know a few years ago when I looked into moving out that way I quickly realised that I'd have to drastically downsize to be able to afford a property there.

I understand Woodford Green has an area of council/ex council properties that are said to be less than desirable, but couldn't name the place as it's only what I've picked up on in conversations.

The other areas you mention are all pretty decent.

hazyjo

Know them all pretty well.

Remember you'll hit a higher stamp duty bracket if you spend a penny over £250k.

My opinions:

South Woodford - nice, but quite busy at night in places. Younger vibe with some trendy bars, although plenty of families around. Waitrose, cinema, etc.

Woodford Green - a friend and my sis live there. Again, nice. Obviously some bits better than others. Would avoid on or off Broadmead Road.

Some roads off/near Chigwell Road also not as nice.

South of Woodford Station (train track) not so great.

Chigwell - always considered expensive and desirable. Bit of a 'Birds of a Feather' reputation and people used to always do that snooty thing where they touch the bottom of their noses and lift their fingers up when you say 'Chigwell' (I know, I grew up there and mum's still there!).

Wanstead - the London side of 'Essex'. Very desirable. Expensive. Love it.

Buckhurst Hill - again, very desirable. Not so hot towards Roding Valley.

Don't rule out North Chingford, E4 (near the station - try a virtual walk up Station Road). I'm there and LOVE it. Don't particularly like south Chingford (Chingford Mount/Hatch). Highams Park also E4, but not so desirable. LOVE the fact it's 25 mins on an overhead train to Liverpool Street. I can't begin to tell you how much I HATE tubes (expecially in summer!).

Loughton - another desirable place, bit young again/trendier at times like South Woodford. Didn't used to be so desirable, but now on par with the others.

Debden - not so nice generally.

Epping - my fave place out of all the others you and I have mentioned, but further out.

Theydon Bois also lovely - more family-ish, with a small compact village. Quiet. Spent most of my teenage years there as a friend lived there.

Might be worth adding Shenfield to the list. Much further out, but it's on a fab fast train route that stops at just Stratford then Liv St. Obviously fares are pricey.

Good luck. Shout if you have roads/when you have a specific area in mind.

I still have friends in most of those areas.

Jx