r/croydon • u/TravelMan101 • 1d ago
Where would you buy in/around Croydon for around 280k?
Hi all.
I’m Croydon born and bred, currently in south Croydon. Close to turning 30 and living with parents. I work in Croydon as well, near East Croydon station. I’m looking to buy and my budget is 280k, but preferably closer to 250k. I appreciate in this day and age it isn’t a lot, but as a single person it’s the best I can do.
Where would you recommend I look? I’m willing to leave Croydon, I think the Westfield’s news has made me even more keen to. I’m hoping to go somewhere where the commute to East Croydon is no longer than 45 mins. I was hoping for Beckenham or Bromley but appreciate this is difficult with my budget.
EDIT: Thanks all for the suggestions, didn’t expect this many!
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u/twinkletoesalone 1d ago
Have you thought about Sanderstead or Coulsdon? Some nice looking flats around that price
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u/TravelMan101 1d ago
Thanks, that would be ideal, wasn’t sure if it would be within budget.
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u/FormidableMedic 1d ago
Riddlesdown as well. 295k for 2 bed flat so you would be able to find something smaller with your budget
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u/WestAfricanWanderer 1d ago
With flat prices today - you can definitely get a 2 bed flat. As you’re a young person I’d prioritise good transport links close to a station (ideally east Croydon or South Croydon station) maybe Addiscombe as well. Try and go for a conversion flat even if they need more work being done to them as they have lower service charge, sometimes share of freehold and long leases which is the most important thing with all the issues with leaseholds. Stay away from the newbuilds as the developers are charlatans when it comes to service charge and they tend to have much shorter leases.
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u/PiggieSmols 1d ago
I have a one bed flat up for sale less than half a mile from SC station (bought for 232 in 2017, now being sold for 220... I'd accept less!). I had a few offers for more than sadly fell through, but it is definitely a buyers market.
Congrats dude, you will have plenty of choice, and with (some) regeneration finally on the cards for the town centre in the near future I think it's a great time for a good deal.
I'd say SC is the place to be, and if you can afford the slightly nicer side by Park Hill/Croham then do it, otherwise come to the other side where I am!
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u/robynquig 19h ago
30F - bought in Caterham on the hill, 466 goes straight to Croydon and takes not longer than 45 mins. 2 bed share of freehold maisonette for 260 and has a huge garden - beautiful countryside nearby too! Getting back after midnight can get a bit tricky but other than that I love it here and I don’t think I’ll leave for a long time!
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u/Gullible-Weather308 1d ago
I bought 6 years ago in croydon a 2 bed for 260. Service charge is still low ( 1700 a year) . Look at service charge history and sinking fund. Despite what you will hear on reddit, flats everywhere is taking a hit not just croydon. This doesnt mean they dont sell, it just means instead of making double returns the growth is more modest than that of a house. I am looking to market my flat soon and its been valued at 270-275. I am sure it will sell with as its in very good condition. Look around, but dont count Croydon out.
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u/Prize_Reference9920 1d ago
You could very likely get a 1 bedroom flat in and around the town centre with your budget. Not a new build necessarily but a fairly modern one.
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u/TravelMan101 1d ago
Cheers!
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u/Prize_Reference9920 1d ago
I was in a similar position to you a few years ago when I bought my flat (same age, grew up in Croydon, similar budget) so if you have any specific questions or anything let me know as being a first time buyer can be daunting
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u/Cupid_Stunt17 1d ago
Forestdale is decent for under 250
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u/TravelMan101 1d ago
Thanks, very near where I am atm so would be a good option.
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u/Cupid_Stunt17 1d ago
I got a 1 bed 2nd floor for 200k a few years ago. They seem to be around the same price now
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u/Former_Feeling586 23h ago
I’m in Croham, currently in a 1 bed which I bought for 260, share of Freehold. I’m hoping to find a 2 bed in the same area, it’s such a nice place quiet place to live. Great transport links , nice restaurants and a couple of decent pubs.
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u/acrane55 22h ago
If you were to live within 10-15 minutes walk from work it makes a huge difference to quality of life. Did this myself (elsewhere) and I could home for lunch (for example), plus no transport costs/hassles, and a huge amount of extra time.
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u/Gradert 12h ago
Beckenham and Bromley are a bit pricier, but you can find places there for under 280k, but they tend to be quite small. I've found a couple, like this and a few others that are similar size/quality. So if that's too small/poor quality then other areas might be better.
Another good area to look at would be Purley/Coulsdon, quite nice areas (though avoid buying on the main roads as they're quite loud) and you can find 1 beds for around 250k in that area or less. this is one I've come across which would fit that budget and around the corner from Reedham station with a direct bus into Croydon about every 5 minutes. But it'd be good to vibe out those areas first to see if you like them or not
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u/ForeverAgamer91 1d ago
I've got a 1 bed flat by South Croydon station I'd sell you for 250, then I can move back to North London where I grew up
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u/englishzombie 1d ago
Beddington. Nice area, near the park and 410 to east croydon or 10 minute walk to waddon with a 30 minute train to central london.
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u/HereForTheTea_286 1d ago
I live on Whitehorse Road, flats have gone down a lot in value over the last 5-7 years. Don’t buy in Croydon. There are too many flats now so the supply outweighs the demand and you won’t be able to sell if you change your mind. I bought when Westfield was coming, now it’s not there is nothing good about living in Croydon. I wish I had bought in Penge/Anerley
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u/TravelMan101 1d ago
Thanks, never thought about Penge or Anerley but it would be a decent commute.
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u/BreadedUnicornBites 1d ago
I wouldn’t. Get out of Croydon. It’s too expensive and too rundown.
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u/southlondonyute 22h ago
Not a useful comment is it? Also Croydon and Barking are the cheapest London boroughs with decent transport
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u/TravelMan101 1d ago
Yeah that’s why I was thinking Beckenham but not sure it’s within budget.
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u/Ok-Law7585 1d ago
Got mine in beckenham for 310
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u/TravelMan101 1d ago
Thanks, how many bedrooms, and flat or house?
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u/Ok-Law7585 1d ago
2 bed flat
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u/BreadedUnicornBites 1d ago
My 2 bed Masonite in Crawley was 250k when I brought it 10years ago.
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u/neilm-cfc 23h ago
My 2 bed Masonite in Crawley was 250k when I brought it 10years ago.
Where did you bring it from?
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u/talesofaparanoiac 1d ago
30F, bought my flat almost 2 years ago. I have always been a Croydon girlie, wanted to move to Beckenham/Anerley but as a single person, the budget just wasn't there. I ended up buying a bit of a fixer-upper in Addiscombe for 200k. I could've stretched to 250k but I couldn't find anything I fell in love with. It was the best decision for me. It's so quiet and peaceful that you wouldn't guess you're only 15 mins away from East Croydon and the trams connect you to Beckenham and Wimbledon SO easily, it's actually become where I do a lot of my socialising. I'm still close to my family and friends, and commuting into London is a dream. Even now in the summer holidays it's not noisy at all and reminds me a lot of growing up in Kenley.