It's still possible to buy a solid family home for £600k without heading to Zone 6 — here are 10 of the best

Our pick of budget-smart London semis for sale (ES)
Our pick of budget-smart London semis for sale (ES)

Somewhere between the cladding scandal and the latest watering down of leasehold reform, most young Londoners likely decided that they’d rather have a house, all things considered.

With recent news that London house prices dropped four percent to April 2024, it could be worth checking if a two- or three-bedder could tick more boxes than a flat in that Zone 2 hotspot.

There are plenty of areas where a classic semi can be snapped up for well under £600,000, with perhaps a small compromise on proximity to the station or period charm (though not always).

We’ve found ten of the best on the market now.

New Eltham, SE9

Mervyn Avenue, SE9 (Cockburn Estate Agents)
Mervyn Avenue, SE9 (Cockburn Estate Agents)

This three-bedroom house near the station has appealing period features, including wood floors and Thirties fireplaces, as well as a garage and sizeable garden.

Cockburn Estate Agents, 020 3873 8303

Twickenham, TW1

Fullwell Park Avenue, TW2 (Dexters)
Fullwell Park Avenue, TW2 (Dexters)

£580,000

A three-bedroom Thirties semi, on the market without a chain after 75 years. There’s a generous garden, a conservatory and a garage.

Dexters, 020 8744 0074

New Cross, SE14

Chestnut Close, SE14 (Conran Estates)
Chestnut Close, SE14 (Conran Estates)

£550,000

A compact but well-planned two-bedroom house in a gated scheme, handy for shops and the Overground. It also comes with allocated parking.

Conran Estates, 020 8629 8164

Selhurst, SE25

Dagnall Park (Purple Bricks)
Dagnall Park (Purple Bricks)

£585,000

This stylish three-bedroom semi near the station has been kitted out with a new kitchen, roof, combi-boiler, plumbing and a full electrical re-wire.

Purple Bricks, 020 3840 3819

Chingford, E4

Grove Road, E4 (Presidential Estates)
Grove Road, E4 (Presidential Estates)

£575,000

A bright three-bedroom Thirties home with an extended ground floor, including a glazed sun room. It’s a twenty minute walk to Hatch Forest.

Presidential Estates, 020 3834 8400

Kingsbury, NW9

Bacon Lane, NW9 (eXp)
Bacon Lane, NW9 (eXp)

£550,000

This two-bedroom cottage in picturesque Roe Green Village is within easy reach of the station and park. It’s on the market without a chain.

eXp, 03304 609968

East Dulwich, SE15

Soames Street, SE15 (Truepenny’s)
Soames Street, SE15 (Truepenny’s)

£595,000

A unique two-bedroom home on the border with Peckham, with exposed brick walls, a spiral staircase and a courtyard garden.

Truepenny’s, 020 8693 2277

Streatham, SW16

Wellfield Road, SW16 (Brooks)
Wellfield Road, SW16 (Brooks)

£575,000

This charming two-bedroom cottage sits directly opposite community garden, and is within walking distance of the Common and both stations.

Brooks, 020 3834 7874

Penge, SE20

Albert Road, SE20 (Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward)
Albert Road, SE20 (Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward)

£575,000

A pretty two-bedroom house with a garage in the Alexandra Estate Conservation Area. It’s on the market without a chain.

Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward, 020 3870 5051

Bermondsey, SE1

Chaucer Drive, SE1 (Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward)
Chaucer Drive, SE1 (Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward)

£500,000

A chain-free home in a central spot near Burgess Park, with two bedrooms plus an additional study. Perks include off-street parking.

Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward, 020 3907 3695