It is not easy being a first-time home buyer these days, especially if you are looking to purchase a property in the English capital. The residential real estate market in London is currently favouring sellers. As for the buyers, they are forced to face challenges such as sky-high prices and a rather limited property selection. But do not lose hope if you are a first-time house or flat buyer in the Big Smoke! If you are patient, attentive and persistent enough, you should be able to find the home of your dreams. To speed up that important process, do remember the following 3 tips:
- Target London districts that are friendly for first-time buyers, i.e. affordable and ones that have a promising future
- Consider the fare zone in which your district of choice is set
- Pick your movers very carefully
If you are already ahead in this game and you have successfully dealt with tips 1and 2, we recommend you to conquer the 3rd one by opting for Andy Removals’ cost-efficient removals in Little Ilford E12. If that is not the case for you, make sure you take your time reading our exhaustive London first-time buyers’ guide in its full form.
Which are the best London areas for first-time buyers?
A good district for first-time buyers in the UK capital needs to offer affordable home prices. An area can also get a few bonus points if it is predicted to witness a significant development or regeneration in the near future. Having access to a wide range of amenities is also a big plus. One London district that offers all of these things is East Ham. With an average home price of under £360,000, proximity to great schools and many housing projects underway, this neighbourhood is expected to become quite desirable in a few years. Croydon is another fantastic place. It offers excellent job opportunities, beautiful homes and is a short train ride from the heart of the city. Other districts you should consider moving to include:
- Northolt
- Harold Wood
- Walthamstow
- Hither Green
- Stratford
- Sutton
London fare zones and why they are important
When it comes to public transport, London’s territory is divided into 6 zones (the first being the closest to the central parts of the capital). Most property buyers want to live near the city’s key spots because that means better amenities and a shorter commute. But few first-time buyers usually cannot afford to live in Zones 1 and 2. Therefore, our advice is to aim at Zone 3 – it is neither too expensive nor too remote. Example Zone 3 districts are Upper Holloway, Acton and Colliers Wood.
How to find a good removals company in London?
Start by asking friends, work colleagues and relatives for a recommendation. If you don’t know someone who has recently moved, use the power of the internet to find quality domestic removals in London. Compare quotes from different companies and book only those that have a membership for NGRS or BAR. And do not even think about arranging and organising your house move by yourself. It is stressful enough being a first-time house buyer. Adding a home move to the equation will only overcomplicate things for you.