Over nearly 12 years of living here, i think we've had about 6 letters through the door asking if we'd consider selling and i know that at least one of my neighbours was successful in buying a property on the road i live on by using that tactic, so no, i wouldn't be offended personally (but i'm not looking to sell). Have you thought about taking a look at some of the pockets of perhaps slightly cheaper [/i]but very nice areas that are now much more accessible via the Overground? I think Penge is well worth a look especially on the roads that make up the Alexandra Estate http://www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/30239623 ?? It'd be where i'd be looking if i was trying to buy at a decent-ish price right now....