Help with locations

johnnydude84

Hi,

I currently own a house with my partner but we have decided to split. I now need to look for a house on my own with a lot lower amount to borrow. The maximum house price I'm going to be able to get is 350k.

There are a few stipulations in that I need to be relatively close to Croydon when my mum lives as I have to look after her and frequently need to visit. I also have some obligations in Bromley which I cannot change.

I also have to live in commutable distance to London bridge.

I suffer from anxiety and so I am almost unhealthily obsessed with crime and safety issues.

Ideally I would want a family home that I wouldn't move from for a while so schools are of interest although obviously not right now.

I have been looking but find it hard to know if it is a good fit for the price and what areas are nice. Hioeing to get advice from people who live in and around there.

I currently live in Edenbridge which is close enough to be near my mum and southern trains allowing, is ok for travel. Ideally I would like to be a bit more central to stuff as there 8snt much there.

At the moment I am very concerned that I won't be able to buy anything unless it is in murder street or in the middle of a gangland.

I hope you helpful people can help me like you do with others.

Thanks in advance

JD

Waterlily24

I searched on Rightmove for house within a 20 mile radius of Edenbridge for £350k and there seem to be plenty. I don't live there now but come from near there so know the area fairly well - worked in Bromley and lived in Biggin Hill and West Wickham. I don't think West Wickham would be affordable but a bit further out would be.

hazyjo

Is Tonbridge or Tunbridge Wells too far?

Very nearly bought in TW and really liked it. Felt safe and friendly.

Ms_Chocaholic

How big a property are you looking at?
There's quite a few in Edenbridge for sale within your price range.
Would you be happy staying in the same area?

hazyjo

Ms_Chocaholic wrote: »

How big a property are you looking at?
There's quite a few in Edenbridge for sale within your price range.
Would you be happy staying in the same area?

Great minds... literally typed the same thing, but deleted as realised he'd said there wasn't much there and he wanted to be more central. BUT... familiarity results in feeling safe so there really is a lot to be said for staying put. The area seems to tick all boxes. Plus, not far from big towns for shops or nights out.

johnnydude84

Thanks for the posts.

I like TW too but I think it may be too far out for mum and Bromley stuff.

I'm not tied to Edenbridge. Only been here a year. But if I could get a nice safe area closer it would be best if possible.

Ideally I don't want to keep moving so a 3 bed property would be best but not at the sacrifice if nice and safe so I could go to a 2 bed.

I did look at some maisonette and flats but read they can be a bit of a pain with leasehold and honestly I think a house is best anyways.

hazyjo

The closer to London and Croydon you get, it's likely the crime will increase and you may not feel so safe in any unfamiliar areas - especially as that sort of money won't buy you a 3 bed house in the nicer areas (actually, you'll struggle for a 2 bed in the smart areas). Without knowing you, it's hard to make suggestions in this case. It does sound like staying local would be a good idea unless your ex is nearby and you don't want to be that close, or move further out so you can feel safe in a nice area.

I would also want freehold over leasehold.

bouicca21

Your criteria and budget make this really difficult. The best I can suggest is somewhere near Clock House station - mainline to London Bridge, tram to Croydon, train or bus to Bromley from Beckenham Junction. Your budget would get you a 2 bed flat. Rightmove currently has a several flats at £350K that are about half way between Clock House and .Beckenham Junction.

MysteryMe

TBH not sure about prices but have you thought of Grove Park/ Lee Green? My sister lives in Lee and it's not bad an area. Easy to get to Bromley and 4 trains an hour to London Bridge. I believe a bus goes to Croydon as well.