{"id":1464,"date":"2025-04-22T12:12:02","date_gmt":"2025-04-22T12:12:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/?p=1464"},"modified":"2025-04-27T08:06:18","modified_gmt":"2025-04-27T08:06:18","slug":"priced-out-of-the-area-of-your-dreams-try-these-more-affordable-postcodes-next-door","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/22\/priced-out-of-the-area-of-your-dreams-try-these-more-affordable-postcodes-next-door\/","title":{"rendered":"Priced out of the area of your dreams? Try these more affordable postcodes next door"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n\t\t\"Sold\t<\/div>
Just beyond those glossy neighbourhoods are up and coming areas at a fraction of the cost. (Picture: Getty Images\/iStockphoto)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dreaming of life in leafy Crouch End, buzzy Peckham or riverside Chiswick, but your budget says otherwise? You’re not alone. <\/p>\n

With property prices<\/a> sky high in London’s most sought after spots<\/a>, getting on the ladder in your ideal postcode<\/a> can feel impossible.<\/p>\n

But don\u2019t give up just yet. Just beyond those glossy neighbourhoods are up and coming areas<\/a> that share a lot of the same charm, and at a fraction of the cost. Whether it\u2019s artisan coffee<\/a>, independent shops, green spaces or great transport links you’re after, there’s often a more affordable alternative<\/a> that ticks the same boxes.<\/p>\n

These neighbourhoods offer serious lifestyle perks without the premium price tag. And thanks to shared ownership schemes, getting a foot on the property ladder<\/a> is more doable than you might think.<\/p>\n

So if you’re feeling priced out<\/a> of your dream area, it’s time to take a look next door. Here are some of the best value postcode swaps worth knowing about.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If not Walthamstow… try Tottenham Hale<\/h2>\n
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\n\t\t\t\tReady to start your homebuying journey?\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
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You can access completely fee-free mortgage advice with London & Country (L&C) Mortgages, a partner of Metro. Customers benefit from:<\/p>\n

\u2013 Award winning service from the UK\u2019s leading mortgage broker<\/p>\n

\u2013 Expert advisors on hand 7 days a week<\/p>\n

\u2013 Access to 1000s of mortgage deals from across the market<\/p>\n

Unlike many mortgage brokers, L&C won’t charge you a fee for their advice.<\/p>\n

Find out how much you could borrow online<\/a><\/p>\n

Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"Tottenham\t<\/div>
The only thing separating Tottenham Hale from Walthamstow is the country’s largest urban nature reserve (Credits: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Previously an industrial wasteland, Tottenham Hale is separated from Walthamstow by Walthamstow Wetlands, the country\u2019s largest urban nature reserve. <\/p>\n

Tottenham Hale shares the same fiercely independent streak as Walthamstow and its numerous microbreweries are more than a match for those on the latter\u2019s Blackhorse beer mile. And with an 11-minute Tube ride to King\u2019s Cross, the commute\u2019s faster from here. <\/p>\n

Using shared ownership, you can bag a home at Millstream Tower, N17, from \u00a390,625 for 25% of \u00a3362,500.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"1.\t<\/div>
Millstream Tower, Tottenham Hale<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

These are one and two-bedroom apartments in a sleek tower a stone\u2019s throw from Tottenham Hale station. All have underfloor heating, some incorporate a balcony or terrace, and a communal garden is on the seventh floor.<\/p>\n

Find out more information at Newlon Living<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If not Peckham… try South Bermondsey<\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"Aerial\t<\/div>
South Bermondsey’s planned regeneration ensures it’ll be just as buzzy as Peckham in no time (Credits: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This patch of south-east London<\/a> is destined for great things as regeneration sweeps across it. A new Overground station is being built and Millwall FC\u2019s stadium, The Den, is being redeveloped. Plans include a new sports complex and a public square with a community caf\u00e9, plus shops and creative spaces to give it a Peckham-like buzz.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"2.\t<\/div>
Argo House, South Bermondsey<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The first of four Southwark Living developments in and around the area, Argo House, SE15, launches this year and comprises one, two and three-bedroom flats with big balconies. They\u2019re ready to move into, and residents will soon have access to rooftop gardens. From \u00a3110,000 for a \u202830% share of \u00a3370,000.<\/p>\n

Find out more information at Southern Housing New Homes<\/a><\/p>\n

If not Crouch End… try Harringay<\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"Lockdown\t<\/div>
From Artisan coffee shops, great schools, green spaces Harringay has something for everyone (Credits: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Just like Crouch End, which is centred on The Broadway, Harringay has a lively high street of its own and some roads share the same postcode. <\/p>\n

The traditional Turkish grocers, patisseries, caf\u00e9s and restaurants along Green Lanes have been joined by artisan coffee shops and late-night bars, so there\u2019s something here for absolutely everyone. <\/p>\n

It scores highly for green spaces and schools, and there\u2019s a wider choice of public transport. <\/p>\n

L&Q has a range of studio, one and two-bedroom flats at Alexandra Gate N8, a 20-minute walk from Crouch End Broadway and ten minutes from Alexandra Park. <\/p>\n

Each is pet-friendly, move-in ready and has a terrace or balcony, From \u00a391,250 for 25% of \u00a3365,000.<\/p>\n

Find out more information at L&Q Homes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If not Chiswick… try Brentford<\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"Brentford\t<\/div>
Brentford has everything Chiswick has just on a smaller scale (Credits: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From boutiques and brunch spots to festivals and fine dining, Chiswick\u2019s USP is the sheer variety of things to do. Brentford offers more of the same but on a smaller scale, and has the bonus of being nearer Kew Gardens. It\u2019s also on the river, and Chiswick High Road and Strand on the Green\u2019s atmospheric pubs are in walking distance. <\/p>\n

Some of the one, two and three-bedroom apartments at Peabody\u2019s KEWB, on the Brentford\/Chiswick border in TW8, will enjoy views towards Kew Gardens. They are due \u2028to hit the market later in the spring \u2028and should be ready for buyers to move in this autumn, with prices to be announced.<\/p>\n

Find out more information at Peabody New Homes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If not Stoke Newington… try Finsbury Park<\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"Finsbury\t<\/div>
You won’t be wanting for green spaces in Finsbury Park (Credits: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although it can\u2019t quite compete with Stokey in terms of hipster hangouts, Finsbury Park certainly gives it a run for its money when it comes to community spirit and open spaces. <\/p>\n

A friendly and diverse neighbourhood, it boasts a similar Victorian Green Flag park, a nature reserve at Woodberry Wetlands and sailing, canoeing and open water swimming on the West Reservoir Centre.<\/p>\n

Manor House\u2019s Zone 2 station and the nature reserve are under five minutes\u2019 walk from Gadwall Quarter in N4, a collection of one and two-bedroom flats, part of the large-scale Woodberry Down development. All include private outside space. From \u00a3118,750 for 25% of \u00a3475,000.<\/p>\n

Find out more information at NHG Homes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If not Canary Wharf… try North Woolwich<\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"North\t<\/div>
You get strong Canary Wharf vibes here… at an average of \u00a3180,000 less (Credits: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The new buildings aren\u2019t as high and the facilities not as plentiful, but parts of North Woolwich look and feel like Canary Wharf before it was fully developed \u2013 and the average flat costs \u00a3180,000 less. <\/p>\n

On the eastern edge of Royal Docks, this waterside district is served by the DLR and super-convenient for London City Airport, the newly opened Silvertown Tunnel and the Woolwich Ferry, and you can walk under the Thames into Greenwich.<\/p>\n

Put your name on the mailing list now and you could be one of the first people to move into soon-to-launch Stories Wharf in E16. <\/p>\n

These one, two and three-bedroom flats come with outside space, communal terraces and river views, with prices yet to be announced.<\/p>\n

Find out more information at Hyde New Homes<\/a>. <\/p>\n

If not Islington… try City Road<\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"Upper\t<\/div>
You’re within walking distance of Islington’s premier restaurant street (Credits: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It has been said that you could eat out on Islington\u2019s Upper Street every day for a year without going to the same place twice and while City Road can\u2019t match such claims, it is within walking distance. <\/p>\n

Shoreditch and Hoxton are also nearby and it\u2019s one \u2028of the very few locations in Zone 1 where you can find a shared ownership home.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"7.\t<\/div>
City Angel, City Road<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Only studio flats \u2013 all with underfloor heating and balconies \u2013 are left at City Angel, a central scheme within Berkeley\u2019s 250 City Road development in EC1. The luxurious on-site amenities include a gym, lounge, games room, yoga studio, a screening\/karaoke room, pool and spa. From \u00a3115,000 for 25% of \u00a3460,000.<\/p>\n

Find out more information at: Peabody New Homes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n

\n\t\t\t\t'Shared ownership meant I was able to buy in Zone 1' \t\t\t<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n\t\t\"Case\t<\/div>
Osman setted down in City Road, at City Angel (Credits: Christopher Andreou)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n

After 15 years renting in west London with unpredictable and sometimes long commutes, Osman Siddiqui is thrilled to have found the perfect home at City Angel, on the edge of Islington. <\/p>\n

Early in 2023 Osman, 40, a digital designer started his current job in Liverpool Street and was keen to move much closer to work. Using money he\u2019d saved over ten years and help from his family, he put down a 30% deposit on a one-bedroom flat, which he moved into in April last year.<\/p>\n

His journey to home ownership began with a conversation with a friend. \u2018The commute was killing me but I never even considered buying in London before \u2013 it just didn\u2019t seem feasible with how expensive it is,\u2019 he says.<\/p>\n

\u2018But when my friend told me about his experience with shared ownership in Elephant & Castle, I decided to do my research. Initially, I was sceptical. I thought it was going to be tiny, but I was wrong. It\u2019s twice the size of my old place and the facilities are incredible.\u2019
The location also satisfies Osman\u2019s love of art. \u2018Farringdon,
a hub of creativity, is filled with design studios and galleries,\u2019 he says. \u2018I love exploring them in my spare time. Living here means I have a ten-minute commute to the office and easy access to the places that truly inspire me.<\/p>\n

\u2018Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine owning such an incredible property in such a perfect location, but here I am. Discovering shared ownership was honestly life-changing.\u2019<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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\n\t\t\t\tInterested in shared ownership?\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
\n

Head to the London Home Show<\/a> to learn all about shared ownership and explore other home-buying options.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll be able to explore the latest developments and talk to property experts, mortgage brokers and solicitors. You can get tailored financial and legal advice and have all your questions answered. <\/p>\n

The show takes place at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre, Westminster, SW1P 3EE, on Saturday April 26, 10am- 5pm. Register in advance for a free ticket here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Do you have a story to share?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Just beyond those glossy neighbourhoods are up and coming areas at a fraction of the cost. (Picture: Getty Images\/iStockphoto) Dreaming of life in leafy Crouch […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1466,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1464","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-property"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1464","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1464"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1464\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1479,"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1464\/revisions\/1479"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1466"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1464"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1464"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1464"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}