Buying a flat in london or a house outside London

eidand

half a million for a little box with no garden and no parking .... ouch

NinjaTune

eidand said:

half a million for a little box with no garden and no parking .... ouch

Well that's what you get with a period property in London!

I'm 100% biased because I love period properties and cosy cottages.  As has been said, period properties come with drawbacks so factor that in. 

I prefer the living room in the second one but the fact the upstairs WC looks like it's only accessible from one of the bedrooms would be a big 'no' from me.  Anyone in the second bedroom who needs a pee in the night either goes downstairs or tiptoes through the other bedroom  I'm also not keen on downstairs bathrooms that you have to access via the kitchen.  I think that would be very cold/draughty in the winter as it's next to the back door.  Outside space is basically a paved corridor, nothing much you can do with it

The loft space in the first one is useful for storage/home office but access via a loft ladder isn't that practical.  God only knows why they've put down a shiny black kitchen floor which is totally out of keeping with the cottage.  Upstairs layout seems a lot better with a Jack and Jill bathroom but as it's the only loo in the house your guests will have to access it through a bedroom.  Outside space is small but more usable than the other property.

[Deleted User]

If you will consider mainline trains anything on the highspeed rail line from St Pancras to Kent areas could be viable.  Unless you like pokey lol.

zagubov

I've lived in four different flats and four different houses in London and both of your houses require too many compromises. In London, it's acceptable for gardens to be small and practical rather than spacious, because it's usually inevitable and expected.
The benefit of a second bedroom is that you can take in a lodger to help make the crazy costs bearable, because living alone is ridiculously expensive.
This doesn't totally work in the houses you've found. The one with an upstairs bathroom needs a downstairs WC. The one with a downstairs bathroom needs an upstairs WC.
After spending half a million, that's not good enough. This search needs widening.

BarrySmart

I'd say you'd need to consider your current setup. If you are used to having availability to and use of a garden then sitting indoors in a flat in Zone 2 or 3 in London is not going to cut it with you.  After all, most transport in and around London these days is very good for those extra desirable things that London can offer.

RandomDan

I think we need some more info.  Where in London do you work?  What is your maximum commute time?  £475k or £400k would get you something massive in the commuter towns on the Portsmouth-Waterloo or Kent High Speed overground lines.

numbercruncher8

Yeah, more info is required. Also depends on your time horizons. I don't feel that those properties are much suitable for a family for instance. At this sort of budget a 3-bed house in many suburbs (even Harrow itself) can be had, depends where you need to get to. Often the rail lines are overlooked, but clearly the South East is not as attractive if you work North West.

Period stuff isn't my cup of tea (but my personal opinion is not that relevant). Clearly looking at prices there are lots of people who do value the advantages it brings. Depending on where in London the flat is, I think a house will be holding its value better than a 1-bed flat should the market turn bad.

I guess more than ever it is important not to overpay. There are a few comparables. The more expensive ones are a little better (more space or upstairs bathrooms). There is one SSTC at £469k (agreed price is probably less) which probably isn't decoratively as nice but then does come with the advantage of a garden (which neither of these properties seem to show). 

So given this and the current environment I think the prices are in the right ballpark but a tad too high, would not be surprised to see eventual prices around £450k especially for the first one.

rach_k

I love period houses, but with the examples you've shown I'd just go for a flat in London.  I don't think they're nice or big enough to warrant the extra cost.  As has been previously mentioned, if you like houses, broaden your search into South London.  There are some lovely places within walking distance of railway stations that are well-served by trains.  

cherry76

rach_k said:

I love period houses, but with the examples you've shown I'd just go for a flat in London.  I don't think they're nice or big enough to warrant the extra cost.  As has been previously mentioned, if you like houses, broaden your search into South London.  There are some lovely places within walking distance of railway stations that are well-served by trains.  

https://burghleys.com/property/1-bed-apartment-for-sale-in-tufnell-park-road-london/BUR1BUR1001898

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-80442625.html?utm_source=sendtofriend&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=buying

These are the flats I am interested.  Rather paid a bit more and buy a house even if it is small.  With flats there is service charge, lease and whether you will get on with people leaving below or above. A bit more infor about me. I work in zone 2 and am now renting a room in Highgate.  I am single and the houses will be big enough for me.  I know my circumstances might change later on. The courtyard garden is fine with me.I do not drive. 15mins walk to the station is ok.  Options to use chiltern railways or tubes appeal to me.  I can get bigger and nicer house with garden and parking in other parts of harrow but I want to be near harrow on the hill and you do not get much for your money.  Its either a one bed in london and a small house in that part of harrow.  I am not in a hurry and can wait a bit longer to see what is happening to the market.  I will not pay the guide price for these two properties only if the price is right.

Sistergold

Looks like you know what you want, so go for it. A house is best I think. With flats there is a 99% chance of having problems you can’t ignore with neighbours as you are right there with them. In a house a problem with a neighbor is better managed in a way.