Buying in South East London - area advice

JeffMason

Hello,

I'm looking at buying a two bedroom property in South East London and wondered if anyone could advise on up and coming areas to search out. Somewhere where I might get a little more for my money but is improving (so could be a worthwhile investment also) and has reasoable connections - somewhere on the Overground Line is perfect.

I'm currently looking into Brockley, Honor Oak, Forest Hill, Crystal Palace, Sydenham, Norwood Junction. Am I looking in the right places or are there other areas that would also be worth considering?

Thank you.

JayRitchie

I think most of the areas on your list have 'up and come' already?

What is your budget? I think if it were me I would look around the Crystal Palace area (because I love it!).

bouicca21

What do you want in terms of facilities in the area? What sort of transport links? There is a world of difference between Norwood Junction and the other places you mention.

And what is your budget? What sort of property do you want?

JeffMason

I've got a maximum of 400k, but preferably closer to 300k. I don't need much to be on my doorstep particularly. I supermarket would be helpful but I don't need to be next door to bars and restaurants if that's what you mean.

Two bedrooms. Less than a mile from a train/tube transport link, preferably the overground.

Are there any areas left that haven't quite up and come yet?

bouicca21

Ok, overground makes sense of your list of places. Brockley, Honor Oak, Forest Hill, Crystal Palace, have all been on the up for ages. They are all different but nice in their own way.

Norwood Junction has excellent transport links, but you really need to go and explore to see if you like it. The whole area gets rammed when Crystal Palace is playing at home. To me it feels very different along the Portland Road from the area round South Norwood Hill across the railway line. You might want to gamble on it being on the up.

TBH with your budget I think I’d be looking at Penge - and even so it will be tight. Penge has a big Sainsbury’s, Lidl and an Aldi down the road. Close to Crystal Palace park and other green space.

JeffMason

bouicca21 wrote: »

Ok, overground makes sense of your list of places. Brockley, Honor Oak, Forest Hill, Crystal Palace, have all been on the up for ages. They are all different but nice in their own way.

Norwood Junction has excellent transport links, but you really need to go and explore to see if you like it. The whole area gets rammed when Crystal Palace is playing at home. To me it feels very different along the Portland Road from the area round South Norwood Hill across the railway line. You might want to gamble on it being on the up.

TBH with your budget I think I’d be looking at Penge - and even so it will be tight. Penge has a big Sainsbury’s, Lidl and an Aldi down the road. Close to Crystal Palace park and other green space.

Thanks. Very helpful. I've read abut the football crowds, but have also read that areas around the lakes are pretty nice and it seems to be on the up. Thornton Heath and closer to the football ground I'm avoiding.

I've seen more around in Anerley than Penge but they are close to each other, right?

There's also going as far as Croydon. Either top of East Croydon to be able to use Norwood Junction station when needed, or even West Croydon which is at the end of the Overground line. Croydon is very well connected to central London but I'm not sure if it'll ever transform like other areas of London have...

seradane

I used to live in South Croydon, which was actually pretty decent and affordable, but obviously not on the overground. West Croydon is a bit awful so I'd avoid that if you have the choice.

JeffMason

seradane wrote: »

I used to live in South Croydon, which was actually pretty decent and affordable, but obviously not on the overground. West Croydon is a bit awful so I'd avoid that if you have the choice.

South Croydon is a bit far out I think, but I'll check it out - thanks.

specialhat

I'm currently buying in Addiscombe - good transport links from East Croydon and South Norwood and a short drive to Crystal Palace.

JeffMason

specialhat wrote: »

I'm currently buying in Addiscombe - good transport links from East Croydon and South Norwood and a short drive to Crystal Palace.

Sounds good. Any advice on bits to check out and or avoid?

specialhat

JeffMason wrote: »

Sounds good. Any advice on bits to check out and or avoid?

It's a fairly small area and all seems quite good to me! With the caveat I have not lived there yet Lots of quiet residential streets and Edwardian terraces (plus some 1930s). Definitely worth a look.