London first-time buyers: 'We had to cross the river to get on the property ladder'

For Londoners, your preferred cardinal direction was once a point of pride and territorial debate. Those who preferred South of the river would never dream of moving North. East Londoners would look askance at those who professed a preference for West.

But with the scramble onto the property ladder more precarious than ever, people can no longer be precious when it comes to their neighbourhood.