London first time buyer - which areas to look at and house v flat?

Albermarle

thegreenone said:

What about Colliers Wood?  Northern Line to Embankment, then change or walk.

The daughter of a friend bought a house there last year and loves it.  Apparently, the old factories (where my step-dad worked) have been turned into lovely shops, restaurants, cafes etc.  My friend and her husband are going there for Christmas but staying in the Premier Inn for £50 for Christmas Day night!  Bargain.

When I used to drive through there it did not look that great, but that was many years ago, so sounds like it has changed.
Also you can use the Northern Line going North to hop up to Balham and Clapham Common for an evening out/change of scenery, or South to Wimbledon.

bex2012

If you are considering upminster, what about Brentwood? Its on the Elizabeth line, and plenty of green space around it.  Upminster is very nice, the high street is lovely. I wouldn't touch Barking with a bargepole, far nicer areas to consider.

EssexHebridean

Brentwood is definitely not London though - and if that’s the feeling the OP is after it won’t tick the boxes. If the Liz Line was suitable transport wise though there are plenty of options within budget further in than that. 

LL_USS

I am searching to buy in London too, one place to share between siblings (my two children - one will own the place). We are still thinking of inner London so the place could be kept within the family as "a place in the city" for work and to have easy access to a more vibrant living environment. If buying too far out, it doesn't feel like London any more. Buying a house in the areas we want is completely out of our reach (our budget will be about 600K max). Definitely it is rare to see a flat with a commonhold status (it tends to be a converted flat or small building), so we have a tall order there.

We plan one thing and it may turn out to be something else in reality. I would look at both options (flat with not too much complication where you really want to live, AND house further out).

I wouldn't just cross out the possibility of having a lodger either. I've had different lodgers in our house for the best part of a decade now, and we have been lucky to have great experience, plus tax-free rents (perhaps the only way I know where I can get any extra money without paying 40% out for tax). So you may not think of having a lodger any time soon but it's still an option to fall back to if you need money. Inner city or outer, it's good to have an extra room (which can be used as an office).

silvercar

if you want two siblings to share, you need a decent size second bedroom. This may limit your choices.

LL_USS

silvercar said:

if you want two siblings to share, you need a decent size second bedroom. This may limit your choices.

Yes that's true. When i thought of a lower budget (without selling the house here) I was looking at 1 bed room flat but with separate kitchen so one kid would have to use the living room. That would be quite limited. I have not looked at two bedroom flats in real life to be honest with you. Worth to note and check, thank you.