First-time buyers have emerged as the biggest players in London’s housing market, as exclusive data from Hamptons found those buying their first home made up 45 per cent of new registrations at its branches.
It’s hardly sunshine and rainbows for the capital’s first timers, but a stuttering market has sparked cautious hope among some priced-out Londoners that a significant slide could put ownership within grasp.
Practical tips for first-time buyers include targeting future regeneration areas and factoring service charges into mortgage repayments, with aspiring homeowners also urged to think long-term.
We’ve found ten solid options for first-time buyers on the market now, starting from £350,000.
Muswell Hill, N10
£495,000
This bright one-bedroom flat occupies the top floor of a distinctive Edwardian house close to the green artery of the Parkland Walk, with both Alexandra Park and Highgate Wood within easy reach. It’s being sold with a share of the freehold.
Inigo, 020 3909 6732
Sydenham, SE6
£475,000
An airy double-aspect apartment with two bedrooms, part of a detached period house on the border with Penge. The main living area has an appealing Shaker-style kitchen and floor-to-ceiling windows which look out over a huge private garden. Off-street parking is included.
eXp, 03304 609968
Poplar, E14
£475,000
This split level apartment in a converted Victorian school is offered chain-free. There is almost 900 square feet of space, including a large L-shape living area and two small double bedrooms on a well-utilised mezzanine level.
Alex Neil, 020 3840 3888
Brockley, SE4
£400,000
A spacious top floor conversion flat within Brockley conservation area, near the station and Hilly Fields. Rooms are well proportioned and there’s a study room or single alongside the main bedroom. It’s being sold without a chain.
Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward, 020 3872 0011
Wimbledon, SW19
£350,000
This one-bedroom flat is within easy reach of the main station, plus local shops and restaurants near the centre of the village. It comes with a private garage and a share of the freehold, plus access to secluded communal gardens.
Ellisons, 020 3889 8386
Leytonstone, E11
£375,000
A well-maintained period conversion flat over two floors with an unusual layout – there’s officially one bedroom, but the converted loft includes an almost 200 square foot additional space, plus access to significant eaves storage.
The Stow Brothers, 020 3907 3713
Ealing, W13
£400,000
This two-bedroom apartment is on the top floor of a low-rise block minutes from two Elizabeth Line stations, as well as Walpole Park. Perks include parquet floors and a south-facing balcony overlooking the communal gardens.
Robertson Smith and Kempson, 020 8840 7677
Walworth, SE17
£475,000
A thoughtfully-decorated three-bedroom apartment in a Sixties block between Burgess and Kennington Parks. A sensible layout, typical of the era, includes a spacious central hallway, a U-shaped kitchen, an external store and a small balcony.
The Modern House, 020 3795 5920
Maida Vale, W9
£475,000
This neutral two-bedroom flat in a smart townhouse is close to Paddington Recreation Ground, with three Tube stations around a ten minute walk. Cosmetic updates could include a new kitchen.
Dexters, 020 7266 2020
Finsbury Park, N4
£375,000
Close – but not too close – to the heart of Finsbury Park, this one-bedroom flat is ideally located for the park and Tube, plus a Picturehouse cinema. Highlights include two storage cupboards in the hallway and a balcony overlooking a shared garden.
