Areas to buy a flat in London?

Question

I am thinking of buying an apartment in London (UK). Does anyone know what are the pros and cons of the areas listed below (crime rate, proximity to central London, investment, etc)?

- Bromley

- Lee

- Leytonstone

- East Ham

- E10 (Leyton)

- E13 (Plaistow)

- Manor Park

- Tooting

- Dulwich

- Lewisham

- Harrow

- Stamford Hill

- Barnes

- Chiswick

- Kingston

- Willeden

Which areas would you avoid to buy a flat to live? Which areas would you recommend? Are there any good areas that you would recommend to buy a flat?

( am looking for a nice, safe area, not so expensive)

Additionally, what should the minimum lease be of a flat to buy it? If the lease is 88 years should I go ahead and buy a flat?

Thanks!

Answer 1

i wouldnt say those areas are "nice and safe"

i wouldnt go to some of them after 6PM hehe. i dont like places close to tube stations though it is convinent like manor park for example.

stamford hill is probably the quietest due to the large jewish community. manor park is fast to central london as it has a tube station. i also agree with humpty with north london being the safest but most expensive.

Answer 2

barnes, kingston or chiswick.  the rest are awful !  agree with Humpty about going further north

Answer 3

I really suggest Barnet.

Its the cleanest and nicest looking borough I have seen in my 22 years of living in London.

You can't really expect to live in London without it been expensive, and I would stay well clear of South London as a general rule.

The further north the better :)