Buy in Streatham or go bigger further out? Post Reply

[KDunc]

Just wanted to see what people's opinion was regarding buying in Streatham - seeing as there seem to be quite a few residents on here!

Currently we (my partner and our 10 month old) live near Clapham North, but we need more space and are looking to move further out. I like the idea of Streatham as we have friends near by and have found a nice period, 3 bed flat in our budget. My partner however is not a fan of the area and thinks we'd be much better off going further out and east where we will be able to afford a nice little terraced house with a garden.

Do people think that Streatham is a good investment and a nice place to be? Should we prioritise getting a house further out?

I'm really struggling as to what is the wise choice! Thanks

[papinian]

Streatham is enormous with a lot of different areas - Streatham Hill, Streatham Common, Streatham Vale, etc.

To be honest, Streatham prices have risen quite a bit and, apart from Streatham Vale, and comparable properties are not that much cheaper than Clapham etc., at least at the price point you seem to be looking at. So if you have found a period 3 bed flat that works for your budget that sounds promising.

Take a look at primary and secondary school availability. Streatham comprehensive Dunraven is incredibly well-thought of, but consequently has a relatively small catchment area. Some primary schools are very good - some only okay.

[tooposhtopush]

I've many friends in Streatham and they love it.

Tons of space and great schools.

Got for it, the extra space can be transformational and I think it'll be like Balham was in the nineties, started off as a poor cousin to Clapham but then the gap closed

[LP73]

Streatham Hill is beautiful with lots of stunning houses.

You are only going to do well buying somewhere there with properties going up quite a lot in that area. You won't do as well outside of London.

I guess you just need to look at the commute time, quality of life etc.

Good Luck

[NYE31]

Some previous posts about Streatham:

http://www.nappyvalleynet.com/mums/view ... am#p122426

http://www.nappyvalleynet.com/mums/view ... 89&t=32545

http://www.nappyvalleynet.com/mums/view ... 02&p=85529

http://www.nappyvalleynet.com/mums/view ... hp?t=30991

http://www.nappyvalleynet.com/mums/view ... 46&t=51097

[susansw11]

We moved to Streatham in Sept 2014, and I haven't looked back. Streatham is beautiful. Green, hilly, wider roads, and has good schools. Our kids go to Julians and are likely to be in catchment for Dunraven when the time comes.

[susansw11]

Sorry forgot to mention that we used to live in Clapham West Side, near NC Rd. We moved to the NW side of Streatham Common, and the gorgeous Rookery is a short walk away. Dunraven is rated Outstanding, and I would be willing to bet that Julian's is nearly there. Train lines to London Bridge and Victoria station in 20 minutes, and nearby Tooting Bec Common is also great!

I really enjoy it here.

[Bee@lifeafterlondon]

I can see lots of people are helping with the Streatham question which his great. Incase you want any help about the moving further out questions we have a website called Lifeafterlondon.com where you can ask questions from those who have 'gone before' so if you need any advice do pop by or drop me an email at bee@lifeafterlondon.com.

[venusmum]

Hi there

I have lived in Streatham for 10 years and have seen the changes , particularly in the last couple of years.

If you want to email me privately I can give you my opinion on the road/ area the flat is. I feel some bits are better than other.

As the others mention the schools are good, both primary and secondary.

If you really want to have a good idea of what goes on in Streatham join Streatham mums network on Facebook (warning: It is addictive !)

[kishi]

I've commented in more detail in other posts but I'd say go for it if you want to stay in London. We moved from SW11 nearly two years ago, to the big residential area between Streatham Hill and Tulse Hill. It's worked out brilliantly, we have lots more space indoor and outdoor now, fantastic neighbours, and we're much more relaxed. Elder child is at Hitherfield Primary which I couldn't rate more highly, it's been fantastic for her so far. Depending on where you work, the slightly longer commute is a pain especially if you live a bit of walk from the bus stop/station, but for us it's definitely been worth it.

Good luck whatever you decide to do.

[boonkoh]

Streatham Hill is a good area to explore. It's only 10 minutes by bus to Brixton for the Victoria Line (and there are like 8 bus lines running that route), and you can take the train to Balham one stop (for the Northern Line), Crystal Palace (for the Overground), or to London Bridge and Victoria direct.

Prices are definitely much cheaper than Clapham, but there are some nice residential roads around, especially between Balham and Streatham Hill. Plus there is the huge Tooting Bec Common. Not as big as Clapham Common, but does the job.

The icing on the cake is that although Streatham Hill high street currently looks a bit shabby, there is a huge regeneration project going on in the former Megabowl building and behind it, so there will be a new community theatre, new shops, and a much more friendly looking stretch of high street. Building has already started!

[Camille]

Hi there
Interesting post. Until a couple of months ago I would have agreed with the other posters but now I'm inclined to agree with your husband.
Two of our friends have bought in Peckham, off Queens Road, and New Cross Gate respectively during this period and both have bought absolutely fabulous period terraced houses with seriously large gardens, the later in a conservation area within the catchment area of a top school, for the price of an apartment in Lambeth or Wandsworth.
All our group thought they were being very brave at best but having visited them now on many occasions I must say they we all think they have struck gold. These areas have a great community feel and are the next "Brixton" in terms of night life, entrepreneurial restaurants/bakeries/bars, art galleries, etc, allied to a great young mum scene.
Transport links are great from both areas subject to where you work and don't forget to look at Brockley where another friend bought a huge 5 bed house several years ago and has never looked back although I think prices there are now at least Balham level.
Basically keep an open mind and if after checking out other areas you still prefer a smaller place in Streatham then Streatham it is but we can get a little blinkered around here and it could be enlightening for you to consider the exciting developments in other south London areas.
I envy you...south london is your oyster