Since I’ve recently used Rightmove a lot to search for the next place to call home, I thought it would be useful to offer you a look at what is available for £1,000 in North London and Hertfordshire.
For each area, I’ve tried to pick properties that are close to a railroad/underground station and are representative of that neighborhood in terms of price and size.
I was not surprised to notice the gradual evolution from a garage-sized studio in Zone 1 to a two bedroom house in Harpenden. One reason for the lack of affordable and decently-spaced housing in and around London can be attributed to current policies on home ownership and regeneration; this article in the Financial Times highlights that for every new house built, there are many bought or demolished which leads to an out-of-balance demand-supply ratio.
A single studio flat in Camden (Zone 1)
The northern area of Zone 1 (home to the famous Camden) doesn’t offer much. All I could find was a small studio that had an open plan kitchen. Even though the studio has wood flooring and a security entry phone, I kept feeling claustrophobia creeping in when browsing through the photos; take a look for yourselves.
Utility bills except electricity and council tax are included.
More photos: secondary view of the main room, restroom, building exterior.
- Nearest stations: Camden Town (0.4 mi), Euston (0.4 mi)
- Distance to central London: 0.4 mi
- Price for a single train trip to central London: £2.30 peak | £2.30 off-peak (5 mins); walking distance
A double studio flat in Belsize Park (Zone 2)
Going up to Zone 2 definitely opens the market although size remains an issue. The best I could do was a double room available in a large Victorian house close to Swiss Cottage. The owners claim ot have recently refurbished the place, putting in solid wood flooring, a double bed and a desk. However, occupants must be willing to share a kitchen and bathroom facilities.
This is the ideal place for a single professional seeking a safe and secure central setting but the lack of a separate kitchen/bathroom might put some people off.
More photos: secondary view of the main room, kitchen, restroom, building exterior.
- Nearest stations: Swiss Cottage (0.2 mi), Finchley Road (0.4 mi)
- Distance to central London: 2.4 mi
- Price for a single train trip to central London: £2.90 peak | £2.30 off-peak (22 mins)
A one bedroom flat in Harrow (Zone 5)
Moving further into Zone 5 territory, I discovered this well presented second floor flat located in the heart of Harrow. Accommodation comprises of a modern fitted kitchen with integrated appliances which is open to the lounge and a large bedroom which leads to a fully tiled modern three piece bathroom suite.
Other benefits include laminate flooring, spotlighting throughout, gas central heating, double glazed windows and skylights in the bedrooms. The property comes fully furnished too.
More photos: kitchen, restroom.
- Nearest station: Harrow-on-the-Hill (0.4 mi)
- Distance to central London: 11 mi
- Price for a single train trip to central London: £4.70 peak | £3.10 off-peak (42 mins)
A two bedroom apartment in Watford (Zone 7)
For those willing to venture out to Zone 7 (the last stop on the Metropolitan line), I came across this second floor two bedroom flat. In addition, the property benefits from reserved parking.
More photos: second bedroom, kitchen, restroom, building exterior.
- Nearest stations: Watford Junction (0.6 mi), Watford (0.7 mi)
- Distance to central London: 17 mi
- Price for a single train trip to central London: £5.60 peak | £4.00 off-peak (32 mins)
A two bedroom flat in St Albans
If you want to live in the city ranked in the top 10 of places to live in England, £1,000 gets you a nice looking two bedroom, ground floor apartment located very close to St Albans City, the mainline train station. This unfurnished property includes a spacious hallway and lounge, a fully fitted kitchen, one double bedroom, one small double bedroom and one bathroom with a shower.
More photos: kitchen, restroom, building exterior.
- Nearest station: St Albans (0.1 mi)
- Distance to central London: 20 mi
- Price for a single train trip to central London: £11.50 anytime (32 mins)
A two bedroom maisonette in Harpenden
Finally, for those looking to share the same postcode with Saracens rugby players, Arsenal footballers and Martin Gore from Depeche Mode, Harpenden offers a recently renovated maisonette situated on the first floor with its own entrance and garden. The property comprises a large reception room, separate kitchen, one master bedroom with built in wardrobes, and one second bedroom with built in wardrobe and family bathroom.
The unfurnished maisonette benefits from its own garden, ample storage, and looks to get an abundance of natural light.
More photos: living room, kitchen, restroom, building exterior.
- Nearest station: Harpenden (1.1 mi)
- Distance to central London: 24 miles
- Price for a single train trip to central London: £13.80 anytime (1 h 6 mins)
To see what £1,000 gets you in other cities and regions around the UK, check out this article from Mashable.