From Camden to Camberwell, Hackney Wick to Hammersmith, many of London’s best-loved neighbourhoods fall within Zone 2.
It used to be a second child that would send young families into the suburbs, but for many the more pressing need is a second home office.
The good news is that you may well be able to wangle a few extra years in your original patch with a savvy move that expertly balances location, budget and extra space.
We’ve rounded up 10 of the best three-bedroom homes on the market now, from a Camberwell end-of-terrace to a spacious apartment overlooking South Dock Marina – all priced under £600,000.
Battersea, SW11
£560,000
This well-maintained maisonette in a low-rise block near the river and high street, has a second WC and a Juliette balcony in the living room.
Lanigan Estates, 020 3909 6742
Chalk Farm, NW1
£575,000
A bright, chain-free flat on the third floor of an attractive block on the border with Camden. It’s within walking distance of three stations, plus Regents Park.
Olivers Town, 020 3879 5571
Surrey Quays, SE16
£500,000
Overlooking South Dock Marina, this generous apartment has more than 1,000 sq ft of living space, plus underground parking and a share of freehold.
Urban Patchwork, 020 3840 3593
Camberwell, SE5
£596,000
This recently refurbed Victorian house, close to the train line, has with two bathrooms, a garden and no onward chain. It’s ten minutes to Loughborough Junction.
Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward, 020 8131 2497
Barons Court, W14
£499,999
A ground floor apartment in a smart mansion block close to Baron’s Court station and The Queen’s Club. Note that it has 63 year lease and there is some modernisation needed.
Keller Williams, 020 3835 2573
Deptford, SE8
£550,000
This well-proportioned family home sits on a quiet cul-de-sac close to New Cross and Deptford stations. There is no onward chain but some cosmetic updates are required.
Strickland & Co, 020 3907 2956
Willesden Junction, NW10
£499,950
A spacious ground floor flat within a Victorian conversion that has an appealing walled garden. It’s handy for Tube and Overground connections from Willesden Junction.
Loporto Browne, 020 3657 3364
Kilburn, NW6
£530,000
This top floor flat sits within a period conversion behind Kilburn High Road, close to West Hampstead and Maida Vale. It has a separate kitchen and neutral interiors.
Foxtons, 020 3840 3570
Bow, E3
£575,000
This three-storey house has unrivalled access to green space at Victoria and Mile End parks, plus solid oak flooring throughout. It’s being sold without an onward chain.
Peach Properties, 020 3907 2613
Walworth, SE17
£475,000
A cheery apartment on the ground floor of a low-rise block sandwiched between Kennington and Burgess Parks. It has a separate kitchen, a balcony and a handy external store.