Navigating London’s property market can feel like an uphill battle, especially with the average price tag for first time buyers inching towards the half-a-million mark. However, those with a sharp eye and a strategic approach might just snag themselves a London pad for significantly less, debunking the myth that the capital’s housing market is entirely out of reach for the budget-conscious.
So, as we delve into Discover the best first-time buyer options across London with our detailed guide on what £300K can get you in each borough. From smart, industrial-feel flats near Barking Riverside to charming period conversions in Penge, our article reveals how to find affordable homes in the capital’s most desirable areas, finding your own slice of the city might just be within reach. Could your ideal London home be waiting just around the corner, ready to be discovered with a simple change of perspective?
Barking and Dagenham
Dagenham, £215,000 With Ramsey Moore
A newly renovated one-bedroom maisonette in Barking and Dagenham offering a spacious reception, modern kitchen with wood countertops, a cosy double bedroom, and a luxury bathroom with heated towel rail. Features include a garden for outdoor leisure, available parking, and proximity to public transport, schools, and amenities, ideal for families or couples.
Barnet
Colindale, £210,000 With Open Homes
A ground-floor studio apartment in Colindale, conveniently located near Colindale tube station, featuring a long lease of 964 years, allocated parking, chain-free, and ready for viewing. With low service charges and peppercorn ground rent, this is an ideal opportunity for immediate occupancy.
Bexley
Belvedere, £230,000 With Edward Ashdale
A chain-free, leasehold one-bedroom ground-floor flat in Belvedere’s Dowling House, Leymarsh Close, ideal for first-time buyers. Features include an open-plan kitchen and lounge, a bathroom with a new standalone shower, allocated parking, and proximity to local schools, amenities, and Belvedere station within 0.5 miles. Annual service charges are £1,440.
Bromley
Penge, £300,000 With Streets Ahead
A charming top-floor, leasehold one-bedroom apartment in Penge, set in a period conversion with access to communal gardens and no chain, offers in excess of £300,000. Features a refurbished kitchen, close proximity to Penge East and Anerley stations, and easy access to Crystal Palace Park and local amenities.
Camden
West Hampstead, £270,000 With Dexters
A bright, top-floor, chain-free one-bedroom apartment in West Hampstead, perfect for first-time buyers. Features include an open-plan living area, a double bedroom with large windows flooding the space with light, and a prime location near Finchley Road station, shops, dining options, and the cinema.
City Of London
Farringdon, £270,000 With Frank Harris & Co
A quaint, Grade II Listed studio flat in Farringdon with no onward chain, featuring a communal roof terrace, swimming pool, and Art Deco charm. Located on the first floor, this bijou space offers a studio room with storage, a kitchenette equipped with essentials, and a fully tiled bathroom. Florin Court, an iconic 1930s building, provides amenities such as a gym, sauna, and launderette, all within walking distance of Farringdon station and vibrant local bars and restaurants.
Croydon
Thornton Heath, £230,000 With Savills
A two-bedroom terraced house in Thornton Heath, requiring modernisation with potential to extend (subject to consents). Conveniently located near local amenities, offered vacant and set for auction sale on 19/03/2024.
Ealing
Southall, £300,000 With Brian Cox
A spacious, chain-free two-bedroom first-floor flat in Southall, ideal for first-time buyers or investors. Features include a generous lounge, kitchen, bathroom suite, two double bedrooms, communal garden, and allocated parking. Located within walking distance of local amenities, schools, and transport links. A must-view property offering great potential.
Enfield
Edmonton, £259,550 With Homelink Lettings & Estates
A ground-floor one-bedroom flat in Edmonton with share of freehold, perfect as an investment or first-time buyer. Key features include sole use of a private rear garden, double glazing, and gas central heating. Potential for layout optimization to enhance living space. Situated close to Edmonton Green’s shops, restaurants, and transport links, including a short walk to the Overground station. Benefits from over 975 years on the lease, no service charge or ground rent, and falls within Enfield C/Tax Band ‘B’, offered chain-free.
Greenwich
Eltham, £199,000 With Town & Country
A captivating two-bedroom maisonette in Eltham, nestled within a preserved Victorian building in the Lee neighbourhood, goes to public auction. This property, ideal for those valuing connectivity and local amenities, features an open-plan living area and kitchen, two generous double bedrooms, and a full bathroom. With a large communal garden, ample off-street parking, and a tenant in situ, it presents a valuable opportunity. Available at the online auction on 28th March. Leasehold with approximately 79 years remaining, no annual ground rent, and a service charge of £1,000 paid quarterly. Council tax band B and a current rental income of £1,300 per month.
Hackney
Stoke Newington, £230,000 With Oakwood
A beautifully presented studio flat in Stoke Newington, set on the first floor of a converted Victorian house, comes chain-free with a long lease. This meticulously maintained property features high ceilings, original sash windows, and new flooring. Situated on Manor Road, it’s a short stroll from vibrant independent shops, bars, and restaurants on the High Street and Church Street. With excellent transport links, including Stoke Newington Station nearby for direct access to London Liverpool Street and the Victoria Line, it offers an outstanding location for city commuters.
Hammersmith and Fulham
West Kensington, £285,000 With Dexters
A charming one-bedroom apartment on the ground floor of a red brick mansion in West Kensington, featuring a long leasehold and a private entrance, with no onward chain. Ideal as a first home or investment, located on Beaumont Avenue, it benefits from immediate proximity to West Kensington station, along with an array of shops, bars, restaurants, and cafés in West Kensington and Barons Court.
Haringey
Muswell Hill, £275,000 With Keats Estate
A bright studio flat with a separate sleeping area, located on a coveted road in the heart of Muswell Hill, near Fortis Green and the Broadway. Offered chain-free with a long lease, making it an excellent opportunity for first-time buyers or buy-to-let investors. Features include an open-plan studio room/kitchen, a niche for a single bed, and a contemporary shower room.
Harrow
Edgware, £275,000 With Andrews – Kingsbury
A spacious two-bedroom first-floor flat in Harrow, ideal for commuters with its proximity to Queensbury’s Jubilee Line station offering quick access to Central London. With an 80-year leasehold, this property features a reception room, a well-equipped kitchen with balcony access, two double bedrooms, a bathroom, communal grounds, and residents’ permit parking.
Havering
Rainham, £300,000 With Patterson Hawthorn
A meticulously redecorated two-bedroom ground floor maisonette in Rainham, offered with no onward chain and a share of the freehold, available for £300,000 – £325,000. This property, situated in a desirable cul-de-sac, features a 70′ rear garden, a garage, potential off-street parking, and new carpets throughout. Located close to essential shops, amenities, schools, and approximately one mile from Rainham C2C station, it offers excellent transport links including easy access to buses, A13, and M25. An ideal purchase for first-time buyers or those looking to downsize.
Hillingdon
Hayes, £215,000 With Stones Property
Discover a beautifully refurbished one-bedroom ground-floor flat in Hayes, nestled within a tranquil cul-de-sac with a remarkable 254-year lease. This property is an ideal investment opportunity, boasting allocated parking and access to communal gardens, presenting an environment of modern comfort meshed with timeless elegance. As you enter, the spacious lounge bathed in natural light offers a welcoming retreat, leading to a modern, fully-equipped kitchen perfect for culinary enthusiasts. The serene double bedroom promises restful slumber, complemented by a tastefully appointed bathroom. Recently refurbished and awaiting your personal touch, this flat also features a filtered ventilation system for enhanced living comfort.
Hounslow
Isleworth, £300,000 With Chase Buchanan
A spacious and modern one-bedroom apartment in Hounslow, featuring a private balcony and lift service, presented in excellent condition. Situated in a desirable London Road development, this apartment includes a large sitting/dining room filled with light, a contemporary kitchen, a modern bathroom, and ample storage. Key benefits include a long lease, low service charge, and convenient access to Osterley tube station, Hounslow town centre, and Isleworth’s amenities.
Islington
Tuffnel Park, £300,000 With Winkworth
A potential-rich property in Tufnell Park, needing modernisation, featuring a reception room, separate kitchen, rear bedroom, and a windowed bathroom. Located in Benson Court on Junction Road, it’s near Tufnell Park tube station, local bus services, and the vibrant shops, cafes, and restaurants of Fortess Road. A short walk from Parliament Hill Fields and the expanse of Hampstead Heath.
Kensington and Chelsea
Sloane Square, £275,000 With Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward
A fourth-floor studio apartment in Sloane Square, presenting a prime rental investment opportunity with no chain. Set in a central London location within a secure development, featuring concierge service, lift access, and close proximity to Sloane Square. Additional details include an EPC Rating of C, council tax band C, leasehold tenure with approximately 87 years remaining, an annual service charge of around £3,125, and a ground rent of approximately £66 per annum.
Kingston upon Thames
Kingston, £295,000 With Dexters
A stunning one-bedroom first-floor apartment in Kingston, set within the attractive Grove Lodge, a detached period home. Offered with no onward chain and a share of freehold, this property includes benefits such as residents’ parking and communal gardens. Located at the junction of Beaufort Road and Grove Lane, it’s ideally positioned less than half a mile from Kingston town centre and the River Thames, with Surbiton Station’s fast London connections also within easy reach.
Lambeth
West Dulwich, £300,000 With Conrad Fox
A charming ground-floor leasehold property in West Dulwich, featuring a reception room, double bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, complemented by a private rear garden. Located on Bowen Drive, it’s conveniently close to Sydenham Hill Station. This home benefits from gas central heating, double glazing, and exclusive access to its own outdoor space, offering a perfect blend of comfort and convenience.
Merton
Mitcham, £274,950 With Toomey Estate Agents
A spacious two-bedroom ground floor flat in Mitcham, with no onward chain. This well-maintained property boasts good-sized bedrooms, and modern amenities including gas central heating, double glazing, a secure entry phone system, and a contemporary shower room with a walk-in cubicle. Benefiting from an allocated parking space and situated in the sought-after cul-de-sac location of Kingsleigh Place, it offers convenience with easy access to the town centre, transport links, Mitcham Junction station, and Tramlink, along with local amenities and bus services right on the doorstep.
Newham
Forest Gate, £250,000 With Savills
A ground-floor flat in Forest Gate, featuring two bedrooms and a rear garden, presents a prime opportunity for modernisation. Located ideally for Forest Gate station, this property is set for auction on 19/03/2024 and is currently vacant, waiting for the right touch to unleash its full potential. The flat includes a reception room, two bedrooms, a shower room/WC, and a kitchen, all on the ground floor. This flat offers a remarkable chance to create a bespoke home or investment in a sought-after London location.
Redbridge
Ilford, £240,000 With Reeds Rains
A modern, chain-free one-bedroom apartment in Ilford, positioned on an upper floor, presents a fantastic opportunity for first-time buyers or future landlords. Boasting a modern design, central heating, and spacious living areas, this leasehold property is ideally located close to King George Hospital and offers excellent transport links, with bus routes leading to Elizabeth Line stations. With an EPC rating of C, it combines efficiency with style.
Richmond Upon Thames
Hampton, £270,000 WIth Chase Buchanan
A newly converted, spacious studio apartment in Hampton’s popular Garrick House, boasting a high standard finish and prime high street location opposite Royal Bushy Park. Available chain-free, this ground floor studio promises an ideal buy for first-time buyers or investors, with a potential rental yield of approximately 4.3%. Situated within a sought-after development, it features lift service and is nestled amongst desirable boutiques, shops, bars, and restaurants. Opposite Hampton Hill Theatre, it offers tranquility near Royal Bushy Park and convenient access to Fulwell Station, ensuring easy commutes to Waterloo.
Southwark
Camberwell, £285,000 With Winkworth
A light-filled studio apartment in Camberwell, boasting large windows overlooking central communal gardens, wooden floors, and extensive built-in storage. The kitchen offers generous counter space, ample cupboards, and potential for additional utilities, complemented by a bright window. The bathroom includes a bath with overhead shower, with a separate WC across. Enjoy private outdoor moments on the decked patio, ideal for alfresco dining, alongside a communal laundry room for convenience.
Sutton
Wallington, £275,000 With Andrews
A ground floor period conversion flat in Wallington, offering generous living spaces and a share of freehold. Features include a 22’3″ x 17′ rear garden, a central location near shops and Wallington Mainline Station, and beautifully presented interiors. The home features a spacious living room with an adjoining dining area, a dual aspect bedroom, a well-equipped kitchen, and a bathroom, plus a basement for storage/utility. The south-facing garden makes it an ideal retreat for relaxation or entertaining.
Tower Hamlets
Whitechapel, £249,995 With City Fox
A spacious one-bedroom flat in Whitechapel, E1, featuring a separate living room, a fitted kitchen, and a three-piece bathroom. Positioned within Colverson House on Lindley Street, the property is conveniently located near Stepney Green and Whitechapel Stations, offering excellent transport links via the Hammersmith & City, District Line, and Overground. Local amenities, schools, and restaurants are within easy walking distance. Additionally, its proximity to The Royal London Hospital, Mile End Hospital, and Queen Mary College, University of London, makes it an ideal choice for commuters, a couple, or a single person seeking a vibrant East London lifestyle.
Waltham Forest
Walthamstow, £285,000 With Central Estate Agents
A charming one-bedroom ground floor flat in Walthamstow, boasting approximately 465 sq. ft. of living space, highlighted by a large bay window and a 40ft sole-use rear garden. This peaceful residential location is ideally close to Lloyd Park’s expansive greenery. The property features a spacious lounge, a fitted kitchen with garden access, and a double bedroom, offered with no onward chain for a swift move. Situated near Wood Street’s vibrant amenities and excellent transport links, as well as the natural beauty of Epping Forest, and just a short walk from Walthamstow Central’s extensive shopping and leisure facilities, this home combines convenience with tranquil urban living.
Wandsworth
Streatham, £225,000 With Jacksons
A contemporary, newly converted first-floor studio flat showcasing a luxurious finish, located on Lewin Road – a picturesque tree-lined street at the heart of Streatham. This modern apartment benefits from access to a communal rear garden and secure bicycle storage, epitomizing urban convenience. Nestled moments away from the natural beauty of Streatham Common and the Rookery Gardens, the property enjoys excellent transport connections to Central London via nearby Streatham or Streatham Common Stations.
Westminster
Pimlico, £300,000 With The London Broker
A stylish, contemporary studio apartment located on the second floor of a grand white stucco-fronted building in the sought-after area of Pimlico. This modern pied-à-terre offers smart design with great ceiling height, a mezzanine level for sleeping, and a well-arranged living area complete with a fully fitted kitchen and contemporary bathroom. An excellent investment opportunity, the property boasts a lease of 103 years, with an annual service charge of £1,400 and ground rent of £100. Perfectly positioned on Belgrave Road, it’s just a short 3-minute stroll to Pimlico Underground Station, an 8-minute walk to Victoria Station, and moments from the tranquil St George’s Square gardens.
