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Where to buy house for under 300K?

jay1804
jay1804 Posts: 462 Forumite
Sixth Anniversary 100 Posts Name Dropper
in House buying, renting & selling

Hey everyone!

I'm in my mid-20s and looking to buy a 2+ bedroom house or maisonette. Ideally, I’d like to find a place with a commute under 1 hour 20 minutes to Central London (Victoria Station). I’m not very familiar with the areas that offer an easy commute into London, so I’d really appreciate any recommendations on places that might be a good fit.

If you were in my shoes, where would you be looking to buy?

Thanks in advance!


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Comments

  • Flugelhorn
    Flugelhorn Posts: 7,230 Forumite
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    I don't live in that part of the country but gather quite a lot of people commute from Bicester to London
  • EssexHebridean
    EssexHebridean Posts: 24,302 Forumite
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    Bits of Essex and Herts fall well within those parameters. 
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  • gwynlas
    gwynlas Posts: 2,186 Forumite
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    There are quite a few properties in Hants that fit your criteria
  • Albermarle
    Albermarle Posts: 27,481 Forumite
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    If you are focused on direct trains to Victoria, then are you are mainly looking at South of London, or Kent.

    The former means mainly expensive areas in Surrey. The north part of Kent could be a possibility as plenty of cheaper housing  in Gravesend, Gillingham etc . Many 2 beds for around £300K, although probably not the most desirable of areas.
  • thegreenone
    thegreenone Posts: 1,180 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    What about Horsham, West Sussex?  Fast trains take about an hour into Victoria but will be busy at commuter times. 

    It's a lovely town but make sure you are an easy walk to the station.
  • FreeBear
    FreeBear Posts: 18,036 Forumite
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    thegreenone said:
    What about Horsham, West Sussex?  Fast trains take about an hour into Victoria but will be busy at commuter times.
    A season ticket will be expensive too. But that would be the same regardless of where the OP decides to live.
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  • jbrassy
    jbrassy Posts: 1,016 Forumite
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    There is a train which starts in Gravesend and terminates at Victoria which takes just over an hour. You can probably find something along that route which will fit your budget.


  • Albermarle
    Albermarle Posts: 27,481 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Seventh Anniversary Name Dropper
    jbrassy said:
    There is a train which starts in Gravesend and terminates at Victoria which takes just over an hour. You can probably find something along that route which will fit your budget.


    Probably the first three stops in North West Kent, then after that prices will start to go out of range.
  • thegreenone
    thegreenone Posts: 1,180 Forumite
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    FreeBear said:
    thegreenone said:
    What about Horsham, West Sussex?  Fast trains take about an hour into Victoria but will be busy at commuter times.
    A season ticket will be expensive too. But that would be the same regardless of where the OP decides to live.
    Agree.  Sadly that's the trade-off.  Potentially a cheaper mortgage but the difference eaten up with fares.  Worth a look though, particularly if some flexible WFH and a season ticket is not needed.
  • theartfullodger
    theartfullodger Posts: 15,652 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I sold three houses in the past 5 years in the highlands of scotland for between £105k & £120k. And paid CGT on all.  Views of sea lochs & munros. 
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