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Where to be in se23?

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se23 fan
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Posted on Thursday, 16 September, 2004 - 02:05 pm:   

Thinking of buying in forest hill (as close to stn as poss) and would prefer a flat in a purpose made block rather than a conversion. Any advice on good blocks would be greatly appreciated - superficially they all look fine but a lot depends on current residents and management.
Advice please???
Scott
Joined N/A
Posted on Thursday, 16 September, 2004 - 02:46 pm:   

Paxton Road, off Perry Rise, is a really good development and I haven't come across anything better since living in SE23. I've lived there for four years and have never regretted buying. The development is really well maintained, quiet, no nutcase residents blasting music out at all hours and there's also a communal swimming pool. However, they're probably not as close to FH station as some would like (about a 10/15 minute walk).

You might have trouble getting a flat there, though, as I often receive letters from estate agents telling me that they have long waiting lists of people wanting to buy there.
se23 fan
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Posted on Thursday, 16 September, 2004 - 03:24 pm:   

Hmmmm, that's what I thought - used to know someone who lived in there and I would often journey down from camberwell to use the pool but did seem a little far out.
Also, no offence scott and thanks and everything but I'm no big fan of early 90's architecture.
God, that sounds awful doesn't it?
Scott
Joined N/A
Posted on Thursday, 16 September, 2004 - 03:52 pm:   

No problem - think you might have to be a bit less fussy though if you do want to buy in FH. I can't think of too many properties that meet your requirements in the area.
Cathy
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Posted on Thursday, 16 September, 2004 - 07:57 pm:   

Well if you like nice architecture you might consider Taymount Grange at the top of Taymount Rise. It's a well kept art deco block that used to be a hotel. It's a short walk to the station from there too.
I nearly bought a flat there. Only thing is the service charges are a bit higher there but that does include heating.
Hilltop General
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Posted on Friday, 17 September, 2004 - 10:55 am:   

There are a few more quite nice looking blocks up there too, aren't there?

The block I really wanted a flat in was Frobisher Court on Sydenham Rise - great views and looks really well maintained (being part of the Dulwich Estate helps of course). It's a bit more expensive than the average. Architectural taste varies of course but I don't think it's too bad looking.

There are also some reasonable looking blocks on Devonshire (mansion-type) and some more modern ones on Honor Oak Road - Lewisham Heights is a good block with amazing views from the balconies at the back.
B
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Posted on Friday, 17 September, 2004 - 11:42 am:   

How about Vale Lodge? It is less than five minutes to the station.
Live on the hill young man
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Posted on Friday, 17 September, 2004 - 11:43 am:   

Always seems cheap...or is that "reasonably priced"? - Never quite sure why?
B
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Posted on Friday, 17 September, 2004 - 11:46 am:   

I think it is cheaper because it is purpose built, rather than a Victorian conversion. The second bedrooms aren't huge, so that might have something to do with it.
B
Joined N/A
Posted on Friday, 17 September, 2004 - 02:17 pm:   

Re Vale Lodge Beware of Freeholder. He has redcently put in an exorbitant car parking charge for residents consequently all park on Dacres Road.
What might he try next
Mr Monkey
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Posted on Friday, 17 September, 2004 - 02:23 pm:   

Dunno - something crazy like charging you for living there, perhaps...
Bosco
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Posted on Friday, 17 September, 2004 - 03:14 pm:   

Is excessive car parking fee enforceable? Presumably it comes under your service charge - my knowledge in this area is relatively limited but I have a (very vague) recollection that there is a means of challenging/witholding the service charge under Landlord and tenant legislation - if you know any property lawyers, may be worth having a word.
sara
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Posted on Friday, 17 September, 2004 - 06:23 pm:   

Horniman Grange on London road, the're conversions but in a managed block, really nice victorian flats, very close to the station and very sought after!
Cathy
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Posted on Saturday, 18 September, 2004 - 12:40 pm:   

I've learnt the hard way about what to look out for when buying flats. Without wishing to name where I live, my block is very badly managed, we're being ripped off and we're currently in dispute with the freeholders.
I'm also looking to move elsewhere so it's good to have a bit of insider knowledge about the good and bad places in Forest Hill ie the things the Estate Agents are never likely to tell you!
se23fan
Joined N/A
Posted on Thursday, 07 October, 2004 - 03:54 pm:   

Cathy, do tell! Or are you secretly hopeing that I'll buy your flat - te he! A coded reference to where it is would suffice!
Thanks for all your advice everyone - any more advice strongly welcomed - it sounds a bit of a mine field!

ps: has anyone heard about commonhold? It's a new (effective from 27th sept) form of tenure (similar to condominium in the US) where the occupants of a block of flats have a freehold of their bit of the block and collectively own the communal parts thru a limited company - thereby cutting out any freeholder involvement and allowing the block to be run for the benefit of the occupants - if you're dissatisfied with the freeholder it may be worth looking into. you can't force him to go but if everyone is up for taking it on he might just want to take the money and run!
philjunebride
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Posted on Saturday, 09 October, 2004 - 06:12 pm:   

The flats in the Dorrell Estate (almost opposite Sainsburys) on London Road are very good. Big rooms, loads of original features etc. (they were converted into flats in the early 20th century).

Another good thing is that the freeholder is Lewisham Counsil - so very long leases and low charges etc.
just lookin
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Posted on Thursday, 04 November, 2004 - 12:32 pm:   

Does anyone know anything good or bad about Katherine Court? Its on Honor Oak Rd.
KC resident
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Posted on Monday, 08 November, 2004 - 01:19 pm:   

I live in Katherine Court. It's a 1960s block, and consequently is very solid. Good thick walls, so even if the neighbours were noisy (they're not) the sound would be pretty muffled. We own the freehold and run the management company, so the maintenance is reasonable and we know where it goes. Not sure about the studios, but the other flats have good size rooms.
just lookin
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Posted on Wednesday, 17 November, 2004 - 04:09 pm:   

Sounds good KC! Is there much disagreement about maintenance or does a spirit of bonhomie prevail!

How often do places come up for sale in there then?

ps: do you still have that sunshine band??
Hilltop General
Joined N/A
Posted on Wednesday, 17 November, 2004 - 05:00 pm:   

Not the best block on the road though... Looked round a few when I was buying and they are a bit variable. Things that struck me;
Balcony or not
"Second" bedroom a sensible size, and not looking out onto a brick wall 4 ft away as is the case with the flats in one block?
Common parts scruffy?
Gas heating?
Katherine Ct, Angela Ct and Clarence Ct usually seem to have something for sale on a regualr basis. Lewisham Heights hardly ever, regrettably, as the ones at the back must have some cracking views.
just lookin
Joined N/A
Posted on Thursday, 18 November, 2004 - 01:33 pm:   

Not sure I've seen lewisham heights - where abouts is it?

Also - what's the general opinion of the forum on what's happening with prices in the area - it still seems low compared with other similar places - does that mean theres a lag or is this as high as its gonna get do you reckon?
Jack
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Posted on Thursday, 18 November, 2004 - 02:22 pm:   

Prices have shot up around here in the last few years - I bought a one bed flat in FH four years ago for £83,000 and the last time I enquired, it was worth £150,000. But you're right, prices are still low compared with other areas in London. Despite the emergence of gastro pubs etc in recent times, FH is still not seen as being a trendy place to live like Clapham etc (which is fine by me).

It seems to me that there is a price lag at the moment, but I can see prices rising again, particularly on the back of the proposed tube stations in FH and Sydenham.
just lookin
Joined N/A
Posted on Friday, 19 November, 2004 - 03:41 pm:   

That's true Jack - what do they reckon for the tube? 6 years?

Bearing in mind past records of transport infrastructure improvements I can forsee the tube opening just in time for me to catch the tube to dalston to cash my pension cheque (who can afford to run a hover car on a pension!) cos that's the nearest post office!

3 social critiques in one sentence - that must be a record!

On a serious note tho - the mere fact that they've announced it seems to have shot up prices in the area - and I can see the start of some claphamisation in places! However, think you're right - the area should have some 'legs' yet!

By the way - I'm not an estate agent! I have just had the misfortune of having to deal with a lot over the years!
Baggydave
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Posted on Wednesday, 24 November, 2004 - 12:02 pm:   

Ahh but they have nice mini coopers (certain estate agents) - now there is laying down a gauntlet
just lookin
Joined N/A
Posted on Wednesday, 24 November, 2004 - 12:39 pm:   

They're welcome to 'em! As are other certain agents who drive round in new beetles!

What's wrong with a car with integrity eh?

Anyway - I'd better stop dissin the lovely profesion of estate agency before they find out who I am and won't let me buy a flat in lovely forest hill!
seeformiles (Unregistered Guest)
Joined N/A
Posted on Saturday, 19 February, 2005 - 01:32 am:   

Just wondering why Vale Lodge properties seem to be continually on the market. I get the impression people don't stay there too long. Is there something we should know?
I'm looking to put my one bed on the market and have seen several very affordable 2 bed flats in the Lodge but I'm having my doubts now...


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