Could it be worth widening that Rightmove search zone just a little?
Much like the jobseeker with imposter syndrome, aspiring homeowners are prone to self select out of certain neighbourhoods due to the assumption that they’re hopelessly out of reach.
And while even the dinkiest pad in Knightsbridge or Belgravia is likely beyond an average budget, what about Bloomsbury, Pimlico or Belsize Park?
Council building programmes were once popular across London, meaning purpose-built (or just bijou) homes priced well below the area average could be hiding in the depths of the online portals.
We’ve hand-picked a broad crop of appealing flats under the magic number, avoiding any where prices are artificially low due to the dreaded short lease.
St John’s Wood, NW8
£485,000
A newly-refurbished flat in a low-rise block, handy for Marylebone station, Edgware Road and Regent’s Park. There are two almost equisized bedrooms, including one double aspect.
Chestertons, 020 3834 8061
Notting Hill, W11
£500,000
This generous two-bedroom apartment is a stone’s throw from Notting Hill’s garden crescents. Highlights include a bright corner reception, second WC and built-in storage.
Winkworth, 020 3872 2192
Chelsea, SW10
£480,000
A one-bedroom flat with high ceilings and a double aspect bedroom on the second floor of an appealing Victorian house. It’s in need of some cosmetic updates.
Foxtons, 020 3906 2897
Pimlico, SW1V
£500,000
A spacious flat on the top floor of a riverside block with sweeping views across to Battersea Power Station. There are two bedrooms, plus a small balcony off the reception room.
Winkworth, 020 3725 7827
Battersea, SW8
£475,000
A two-bedroom apartment in a smart period house in the Diamond conservation area. Perks include original fireplaces, a large roof terrace and no onward chain.
Dexters, 020 7483 6333
Belsize Park, NW3
£500,000
This well laid-out three-bedroom apartment comes with a balcony and off-road parking. It’s within walking distance of the Heath and four stations on the Northern line and Overground.
Dexters, 020 7433 0273
Marylebone, NW1
£490,950
Accessed by its own entrance, this one-bedroom flat offers extra privacy. The highlight has to be the landscaped rear garden, with its stepped deck and secluded feel.
Marsh & Parsons, 020 7935 1775
Highgate, N6
£350,000
Occupying the top floor of a characterful house, this unusual maisonette between Archway and Highgate stations has two receptions rooms and a bedroom in the eaves.
Chancellors, 020 3835 5286
Bloomsbury, WC1H
£450,000
A two-bedroom apartment with good storage on the third floor of a smart Art Deco block. You’re in the heart of the action here, with Brunswick Square one way and King’s Cross another.
Frank Harris & Co, 020 7405 4444
Hyde Park Estate, W2
£475,000
A compact but well-maintained one-bedroom apartment within an attractive mansion block moments from Hyde Park itself. It’s being sold with a share of the freehold.
Knight Frank, 020 3840 3825
Maida Vale, W9
£490,000
This thoughtfully decorated two-bedroom flat near Paddington Recreation Ground is packed with period features, including solid wood floors, cornicing and an original fireplace.
Marsh & Parsons, 020 7993 3050
Kew, TW9
£450,000
An almost 800 square foot three-bedroom flat within walking distance of village and Kew Gardens. Perks include a private entrance, balcony and no onward chain.
Featherstone Leigh, 020 3873 1599
West Kensington, W14
£300,000
A rare opportunity to completely overhaul a compact home on a cobbled mews between Shepherd’s Bush and Holland Park. Any buyer should plan for a swift extension of the 81 year lease.
Druce, 020 3376 6022
Muswell Hill, N10
£410,000
A smart starter flat on the ground floor of a distinctive Edwardian home in the heart of Muswell Hill. On without a chain, it’s got eaves storage and access to a huge communal garden.
Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward, 020 3856 3748
Barnes, SW13
£500,000
A split-level flat in villagey Barnes with more than 900 square feet of space, including two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large partitioned living room. Some modernisation required.
