Cannot decide which flat to buy in London

ahfat41

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/119564309#/media?
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/85582425#/?channel=RES_BUY
My single son is still looking to buy in London and we cannot decide. Just would like some opinion pl. We like the first one, good location but we do not like the open plan living. He also knows Highgate as he is currently renting there. Any tips how to rearrange. No tv in situ. Busy road and on top of commercial property. The plus is balcony and location. 2 nd one seems ok but do not know much about East Finchley, no outdoor space. It seems to be in a residential area. Welcome some feedback pl. We have been searching for a very long time and have not been able to find something suitable.Location is important and within walking distant of transport. Thanks.

carefullycautious

I would prefer the first even though a lot of people will say do not buy above commercial properties. I would reinstate a half wall opposite where the sofa is, still leaving an opening to the kitchen for a TV to be placed. I would not contemplate the second flat it looks awful from outside. I must admit I am an older person so would feel safer in first for some reason even though I do not know the areas

Sootster2021

Hands up, I'm no expert as I'm a first time buyer and only looking at this from a basic viewpoint but...

Personally I would go with the first one as it's an area he knows.  He can change the inside if he wants to over time however you cannot change the outside / area !! 

gwynlas

First is purpose built above commercial property and from memory not all the terrace was well maintained and you would need to ensure properties either side in good visual state of repair,, not near hot food outlet with extractor fans. Archway tube zone 3. Second flat looks like conversion be aware of properties either side and accoustics, E Finchley/Fortis Green known to be residential good areas tube zone 3. Most flats open plan and no way to create seperate kitchens these days. There are a number of other purpose built properties in the N19 area which might also fit the bill. With any leasehold property be aware of service chrges and ground rents as they could be quite high.

Ksaver7

Lots of factors to consider:
- What is the lease situation on each one? 
- Would he use the outside space on the first one? A balcony is nice to have but if its looking out onto a main road (which this is) would he get much use?
- What is more important to him? Area or the flat itself?

Assuming he can get a mortgage on the first one (as mortgage lenders can be funny about commercial buildings) I would be tempted to go with that one. Looks like it would be fairly easy to reinstate the wall between the kitchen and the living room if that's what he wants (could always have glass doors to keep it light an airy) and Archway/Highgate is a more popular area than East Finchley. 

If he prefers the second flat then tell him to spend some time in East Finchley, meet a friend for dinner there, walk there in the morning and grab a coffee etc see it at different times of the day. Ultimately I imagine his commute would be almost exactly the same as E Finchley is only one stop further out and he'd be slightly closer to the station in that one.

Finally, if he wants more space/nicer place for his money give up on North London. I love North London and can see the appeal but you will generally get more for your money East/South. It really depends what his priorities are.

sourpuss2021

Twenty years ago I lived on Archway Road just down from the first flat, next to 'Suicide Bridge'.  There's a decent Indian restaurant called Bengal Berties nearby.   It's a short walk to Waterlow Park which is lovely.      Down at Archway there are cheap/plentiful Turkish greengrocers. There are easy buses into Highbury & Islington or Tottenham Court Road, and of course there's the tube.

But oh - since it's a main road into London - the traffic!

The estate agent must have camped out for hours to be able to take a photograph that showed it clear of cars.  There's a possible health risk from the air pollution.  Would also want to make sure it had decent double glazing.

I'd still pick it over the second place any day of the week.  Not a fan of conversions unless you've the lion's share of the property or the immediate location gives you everything on your doorstep.

Jaybee_16

I've no thoughts on which flat is better but my main consideration would be the traffic. The East Finchley flat is on a busy road looking East Finchley with Muswell Hill, whereas the second is on the A1 and expect big trucks trundling past 24/7. East Finchley is a nice place to live with a Budgens, Sainsbury Local and many cafes although I may be biased as I lived there for 38 years.

Archway Road flat is local to the Northern Line or buses into the City or West End. The East Finchley flat is close to the Northern Line but if there's problems the 102 bus stops on that road to get that to Bounds Green and the Piccadilly Line. Done that a few times.

hpsauce86

I lived in East Finchley and liked it, Highgates probably a bit busier, but there’s some great pubs and stuff in EF, I really loved it in my time there. 

Never lived in Highgate but used to frequent the boogaloo, but that’s for another day 😂

NameUnavailable

The outside space on the first one might look appealing but how noisy is it out there or even if you just had to balcony door/windows open?

As already pointed out some lenders won't lend on flats above commercial property and there can be other issues regarding service charges and when/if the shop changes (to an all night kebab shop for example).

The crucial thing though isn't mentioned - what's the lease, ground rent, service charges on each?