FTB in London Dilemma: Locations and Croydon!

cashbackproblems

hi there I am in the exact same situation as you looking at areas like Croydon (ideally South), Bromley, Hither Green and most of SE London. Im looking for a 2 bed and a budget of 340k and finding it really difficult to find anything decent walking distance to the station.

Where I do find something around 300-340k it gets bidded up to above this!

However there are still plenty of options around Crystal Palace, Anerley and Penge , all which have excellent fast routes into London. At 270k I think you will struggle for a 2 bed, unless you don't mind some sort of major project. Prices have shot up in these areas the last few years.

ThemeOne

blues wrote: »

Can't believe anyone would describe it as a dead area.

I guess it just depends on your interests and lifestyle.

I always found the shops in the Crystal Palace triangle very limited, and even the main supermarket is not huge. The pubs always seemed a bit rough. There was always the bingo hall, but that wasn't really on my radar in those days.

The area has probably changed since I was there, but the triangle isn't a big area.

Brown_Eyed_Girl

I'd say if you're looking to make money on it as well, go for West Norwood. You'll get more than on CP and by the time you're looking to sell there should be a picture house cinema. I give it a few years until a waitrose follows

boliston

Just been looking at an article about ruskin square in croydon - looks quite good but not sure what sort of prices the units will go for

forgotten croydon has trams as well!
http://www.ruskinsquare.com/location/regional-map

marksoton

7sefton wrote: »

And last question: let's assume something within my budget came up within a more central location (say Vauxhall) which was a 1 bed... would it be generally wiser to get as near to the centre as possible (at the expense of bedrooms etc.)

Anecdotal evidence would suggest you can forget this option at that budget i'm afraid.

7sefton

marksoton wrote: »

Anecdotal evidence would suggest you can forget this option at that budget i'm afraid.

I know it's tight, but I've found 2 places already in Kennington, walkable to Vauxhall. Perhaps I'm just not fussy!

duchy

I lived in Streatham until I was six then we moved to Purley (just South of Croydon)

Croydon is having a lot of money injected into it with Westfield coming -with your budget I think I'd look further out along the tramline going towards Beckenham . I'd avoid West Croydon but would definitely consider South Croydon.

If I was moving back I don't think I'd even consider Streatham as transport links are poorer.

marksoton

7sefton wrote: »

I know it's tight, but I've found 2 places already in Kennington, walkable to Vauxhall. Perhaps I'm just not fussy!

Then go for it.

I'd also look at the Herne Hill/Brixton border. I lived there a couple of years ago and it was perfect for commuting. But i can't comment on the current market.