your opinions on cheapish commute and reasonable housing locations

hazyjo

May scrape enough for a flat in Hornchurch. Decent area. Much nicer than Romford/Ilford.


Jx

elverson

Woolwich is a good idea if you can afford it - it's had some investment over the last few years.

For now you could get the DLR from Woolwich Arsenal (changing at Canning Town for Bond Street) and in the future the Crossrail from the new Woolwich station.

Rodders53

Perhaps consider looking at places along the Metropolitan Line from around Harrow to Uxbridge/Northwood areas...

Easy direct (now air conditioned) trains to Faringdon and SWMBO can walk from Baker Street or change onto the Jubilee Line at Finchley Road to Bond Street station if she's not claustrophobic. {An easy stroll from Baker Street, unless it's raining cats and dogs.}

Not sure of the best spots, as I lived in Watford / Croxley areas when I commuted to Central London and that was now 10 years ago.

Newbiebuyer2016

Grays is the last station on the C2C which currently is Oyster. Not a great area but lots of professionals for this reason.

Close to Lakeside or Basildon or Bluewater for shopping or going out. Further up the train line you have Southend/ Leigh etc

Lots of 2 bed flats for your budget in Grays or Chafford Hundred

Gorecki

always_sunny wrote: »

The bank maybe inclined to believe you'll leave on instant noodles... so go with a budget you're comfortable repaying cause ownership comes with obligation of upkeep :eek:

Big thumbs up to this.
I was shocked how much the bank was prepared to loan me when I went for my first mortgage, I would never have been happy taking on the risk of having that much debt.

Spend an evening working out the maximum you're happy to spend on interest and what you'd do in an emergency e.g. rates go up 2%, you and your girlfriend split BEFORE you go to the bank. Don't use them as a guideline, they are not your friend they're trying to sell you a loan.

I feel for you re. trying to escape rent in London.
Just if of interest, I had exactly the same quandary 2 years ago and decided to up-sticks and move to Worcester.
For under £200k I got a 3 bed semi with garden, cellar, shed/office in one of the best areas and found a job here for a similar salary. I now walk 15mins beside the river Severn to work instead of the District line at rush hour.

It's not in anyway London, and I do miss aspects of the city, but I wouldn't go back.