London’s Best Boroughs for First Time Buyers

COVER FEATURE

LONDON’S
BEST BOROUGHS

Talk to any Londoner and they will likely have an opinion on where is best to set up home. At the very least, they will try to persuade you why north or south of the river is superior! Many factors will play a part in your decision but, for most first time buyers, affordability and connectivity are key. Debbie Clark explores which London boroughs are topping the charts in 2026, to help you make the most sensible move

New research from Pocket Living ranked all 33 London boroughs based on average first time buyer house prices and travel times to major transport hubs. The study analysed 264 locations across London, comparing average journey times from locations across each borough to major London transport hubs, alongside borough-level first time buyer house prices. Boroughs were then ranked on both factors to create an overall score to identify where buyers can get the best mix of value and connectivity.

We can reveal that Newham topped the rankings thanks to its strong combination of relatively affordable first time buyer prices and excellent transport links, with average journey times to major hubs of just 12.5 minutes.

Areas like Stratford and West Ham offer quick access to London Liverpool Street and London Fenchurch Street, with journey times as short as nine minutes. Its prime position in the rankings is a result of this connectivity coupled with an average first time buyer purchase price of £368,000 – almost £100,000 less than the London first time buyer average of £463,000.

Tower Hamlets ranked second overall, benefiting from the fastest average commute time among the top-performing boroughs at just over nine minutes, with higher average purchase prices pushing it below Newham overall.

Barking and Dagenham and Croydon ranked highly due to offering some of the lowest first time buyer prices in London. Notably, locations in East Croydon offer direct services into London Bridge in just 14 minutes so it is well worth considering if you are willing to trade slightly longer journeys for far greater affordability.

Elsewhere, Lewisham, Harrow, Greenwich and Ealing all performed strongly by offering a balance between connectivity and affordability, useful for buyers trying to stay within reach of central London.

Jenny Anson, Head of Sales at Pocket Living, says, “Renters in London often don’t have the luxury of choosing their ideal location. Limited supply of homes to rent means they typically move to wherever they can find a decent property at a price they can afford. This means that when the time comes to buy their first home, many are starting with a blank slate and considering the whole of London.

“As buyers continue to prioritise value for money, we expect well-connected outer London boroughs to become increasingly attractive, particularly for those looking to get on to the property ladder without sacrificing access to central London.”

Of course, affordability and connectivity are just two of many factors that will influence your move – albeit major ones for most! It is important to be clear on your own priorities too, which can be very personal. Perhaps you have a young family and are keen to ensure you are in the catchment area of good schools, or have family elsewhere in the country so easy access to a certain motorway is key? Maybe you already have strong ties to a certain borough and are keen to maintain these?

London’s “best borough” will ultimately be different for different readers, but arming yourself with objective information will enable you to make a decision with your head and your heart!

Ranking	Borough	Avg Time (minutes)	Avg FTB House Price	Time Ranking	Price Ranking	Total Score
1	Newham	15.1	£368,000	8	4	12
2	Tower Hamlets	9.4	£436,000	3	12	15
3	Barking & Dagenham	24.0	£349,000	20	2	22
4	Croydon	25.8	£338,818	23	1	24
4	Lewisham	18.1	£434,000	13	11	24
6	Harrow	17.7	£456,667	11	15	26
7	Greenwich	19.6	£419,000	17	10	27
8	Hillingdon	23.7	£405,000	19	9	28
8	Lambeth	13.8	£486,000	7	21	28
10	Ealing	15.1	£482,000	9	20	29

CASE STUDY

Alina, 48, and husband, Donatas, 41, are the proud new owners of a 30% share of a brand new two bedroom, two bathroom apartment, with a private balcony, at Eastman Village by Hyde New Homes in Harrow.

Alina, a receptionist for a security company, and Donatas, a self-employed carpenter, never imagined they would finally step on to the property ladder after decades of renting. However, the instability of the rental market pushed the family, including 17-year-old Eliana, to explore homeownership.

Before moving to Harrow, the family lived in nearby Greenford, Ealing, for many years. Their situation changed suddenly when their landlord decided to sell the property. The family had lived there for a long time. “There wasn’t much time and it was incredibly stressful,” Alina recalls. They then rented at Eastman Village for over a year before they were faced with a now familiar problem – the landlord had decided to sell.

Alina tried to see a positive side to the situation. “I thought maybe this has happened for a reason,” she says. “If we have to move again, maybe this is our chance to finally buy.” A new phase of homes was launching at Eastman Village, so they decided to visit the marketing suite. Alina and Donatas were already familiar with the development so the decision ultimately came down to whether purchasing there was within their budget. Alina explains, “We sat down and did the figures and realised we could actually afford to buy here with Shared Ownership.”

While many first time buyers purchase in their 20s or 30s, Alina believes Shared Ownership is opening the door for people who may not have had the chance earlier in life. She says, “I think Shared Ownership is an amazing scheme. It’s so hard for young people – actually it’s hard for everyone now. People think you need £40,000 saved, but that’s not always the case if you buy with Shared Ownership.”

Alina clearly loves their new home. “I love everything about it,” she gushes. “The big windows, the sunny spaces and especially having our own en suite bathroom.” However, the biggest joy of the move is simply knowing their new home is theirs. “We have rented for such a long time and always dreamed of owning our own place. Now it has finally happened, it really feels like a dream come true.”

ON THE MARKET…

TOWER HAMLETS

FROM
£135,000*

*Based on a 30% share of the full market value of £450,000

FISH ISLAND POINT

Fish Island Point offers an assortment of one, two and three bedroom apartments, all wheelchair adaptable and pet friendly. These impressive homes boast contemporary kitchens, modern fixtures and a private balcony. The development also benefits from fast connections around the capital. Hackney Wick station is just a 10-minute walk away, providing connections towards Liverpool Street in 21 minutes and to King’s Cross in 26 minutes. Stratford station is also just a short walk or train ride away, providing direct links to Farringdon in 10 minutes and to London Bridge in 27 minutes.

peabodynewhomes.co.uk/find-a-home/fish-island-point

020 3773 6575

We realised we could actually afford to buy here with Shared Ownership

CROYDON

FROM
£106,500*

*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £426,000

HIGHCROSS

This development of one, two and three bedroom Shared Ownership apartments is conveniently located opposite West Croydon station, with tram and bus connections also directly on the doorstep. Ideal for city commuters, West Croydon station provides links to Clapham Junction and London Victoria (34 minutes), while London Bridge is a 21-minute train journey from East Croydon station, less than a mile away. Each apartment at Highcross enjoys sleek grey kitchens with fully fitted bathrooms, ample storage space and flooring throughout, as well as underfloor heating. Residents can also benefit from a residents’ lounge and concierge service.

latimerhomes.com/new-build-homes/london/croydon/highcross

0300 304 7315

PURLEY, CROYDON

FROM
£76,250*

*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £305,000

FOUNT SPRING PLACE

This stylish new suburban development offers one and two bedroom apartments featuring private balconies, integrated appliances and high ceilings, creating bright and modern living spaces. Residents also enjoy a communal courtyard and an under-fives play area. Located just a six-minute walk from Purley station, the development provides fast connections to London Bridge and Victoria in around 30 minutes, as well as easy access to Gatwick airport and Brighton.

shnewhomes.co.uk/properties/fount-spring-place

0330 162 0626

HARROW

FROM
£85,000*

*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £340,000

EASTMAN VILLAGE

Hyde New Homes has launched The Aspect Collection, a new phase of apartments at Eastman Village. These one and two bedroom apartments are centred around gardens, and feature spacious accommodation with a private balcony or terrace. Homes have quality flooring, generous storage including a utility cupboard with a washer-dryer, and fitted wardrobes to principal bedrooms. These EPC B homes are designed with green credentials, keeping bills low. Nearby Zone 5 station provides mainline, Overground and underground links, reaching Euston in 14 minutes, Bank in 27 minutes and Paddington in 29 minutes. Facilities include a gym, cafe and restaurant.

hydenewhomes.co.uk/shared-ownership-at-eastman-village

0808 3019 810

GREENWICH PENINSULA

FROM
£85,625*

*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £342,500

PRIME POINT

L&Q is offering a collection of Manhattan studios, one, two and three bedroom homes in this fast growing neighbourhood. Homes are finished to a high specification, with integrated appliances and outdoor space. Many offer panoramic views across the Peninsula towards Central Park, The O2 and Canary Wharf. Located in Zone 2/3, North Greenwich station, North Greenwich Pier and the IFS Cable Car are just a short walk away. The Jubilee Line takes two minutes to Canary Wharf, eight minutes to London Bridge and 13 minutes to Westminster, while Uber Boat by Thames Clippers offers a comfortable 31-minute journey to London Bridge.

lqhomes.com/primepoint

020 8189 0424

CASE STUDY

Michael, 31, has recently bought his first home at Barking Riverside, securing a 25% share of a one bedroom apartment with L&Q. After years of renting privately in Wembley, the relief is palpable.

IT Manager Michael recalls, “Renting was a nightmare. It was close to work, but every year the rent went up and it just felt like I was working to pay someone else’s mortgage. It got to the stage where I thought, ‘How will I ever save enough for my own place?’”

Michael made the difficult, but sensible, choice to return home to save. “It wasn’t easy moving home at 31, but it was the right thing to do,” he says. “My mum and dad were amazing – they supported me all the way and even helped with my deposit. Without them, I honestly couldn’t have done it.”

Michael’s mum, Paulette, an NHS Director, admits the process opened her eyes to how much harder it is for young people today. She and her husband gifted Michael a 5% deposit to help him take his first step. “We just wanted to give him a start,” she explains. “You don’t want to see your grown-up child working hard but unable to move forward. Shared Ownership was a lifeline for him – and for so many others like him.”

Michael took a methodical approach to finding the right development. “I made a full spreadsheet comparing every development I looked at – the pros and cons, monthly outgoings, mortgage products, service charges, you name it,” he explains.

“I wanted to really understand what I was getting for my money. I built up all the costs side by side, and L&Q consistently came out on top – both in terms of quality and long-term value.”

When Michael viewed Barking Riverside, he was instantly impressed. He says, “The finish, the design, the appliances – everything felt so well done.” The location was also perfect for his new job in Shoreditch – less than half an hour door to door.

Michael moved into his apartment in May and quickly settled into life in the growing riverside neighbourhood, making regular use of the on-site cafe, co-working space and gym. “This has changed everything for me,” he reflects. “Shared Ownership has given me independence, stability and a real sense of pride.”

Shared Ownership has given me independence, stability and a real sense of pride

HILLINGDON, MIDDLESEX

FROM
£310,000

HAYES VILLAGE

Situated next to the Grand Union Canal, Hayes Village is transforming the historic former Nestlé factory into a canalside neighbourhood, delivering around 1,500 homes, nine acres of green space, a running track and residents’ gym, and new pedestrian links to Hayes & Harlington station where you can hop on the Elizabeth Line. Available homes include studio, one and two bedroom apartments.

barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/dev002062-hayes-village

0330 029 4474

LAMBETH

FROM
£47,000*

*Based on a 10% share of the full market value of £470,000

SO RESI AT OVAL VILLAGE

SO Resi is offering 46 stylish studio, one and two bedroom apartments, complete with fully integrated appliances and a private balcony or terrace, as part of the wider Oval Village regeneration. Residents benefit from peaceful parks and gardens, as well as the cultural buzz of the South Bank just a short stroll away. They can also take advantage of an exclusive on-site gym, children’s play area, cycle storage, and a landscaped private courtyard and roof garden. Nearby Vauxhall station offers fast underground services to Oxford Circus and King’s Cross, while Kennington station offers services to Waterloo in four minutes and London Bridge in five minutes.

soresi.co.uk/find-a-property/oval-village

020 8607 0550

EALING

FROM
£TBC

VOYAGE, SOUTHHALL

Launching this autumn, Voyage is a brand new collection of Shared Ownership apartments by SNG (Sovereign Network Group). These one, two and three bedroom apartments will offer open-plan living areas, high quality fitted kitchens with integrated appliances, contemporary bathrooms and private balconies, complete with views across the London skyline. Residents at Voyage will be within walking distance to Southall station (Elizabeth Line) and the high street. The Grand Union Canal is also nearby, offering scenic walks, cycling routes, and wildlife spotting.

sales.sng.org.uk/developments/voyage-southall

0300 330 0718

ILFORD, REDBRIDGE

FROM
£78,250*

*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £313,000

ONE GOODMAYES

Latimer has unveiled the next phase of homes at the highly sought-after One Goodmayes. The high-quality new homes occupy the site of a former Homebase, and include one and two bedroom apartments and one three bedroom home. The development will also provide a new public square, co-working spaces and a state-of-the-art digital music academy. Expansive green areas will include two play areas, a podium garden, a community growing space and lawns. Internally, the homes are spacious and light, with sleek finishes and high-quality integrated appliances. Goodmayes station and the Elizabeth Line is a short walk away for a quick commute.

latimerhomes.com/new-build-homes/london/redbridge/goodmayes

0300 304 8236

CASE STUDY

Reece, 25, has purchased a 25% share of a studio apartment at L&Q’s Rockcliffe Square, just five minutes from his family home.

Recruitment Consultant Reece was determined to find a way to afford his own home without leaving the area he loved. Reece explains, “I’ve lived in this area my entire life. All my family are here, I know the neighbourhood inside out, and I really didn’t want to move miles away just to be able to afford something.”

With the Elizabeth Line on his doorstep at Woolwich, Rockcliffe Square offered everything he needed, including fast connections into the city, a brand new home and a way to buy, rather than rent. “Renting just didn’t make sense to me,” Reece explains. “I knew I’d be paying a lot of money every month and not actually owning anything at the end of it.”

Reece discovered Rockcliffe Square after spotting an open day advertised online. “I actually turned up not realising it was a sales event,” he recalls. As it turned out, he was so impressed by the tour, it was the first and last development he viewed. “It genuinely ticked every box,” he says. “The location, the price, the fact it was a new build – I didn’t feel the need to keep looking. Everything just fell into place.”

“The openness really surprised me,” Reece says of his studio apartment. “It feels like a proper home, not just a small space. I’ve just done a massive IKEA trip and I’m in full ‘making it my own’ mode.” The private balcony, overlooking the podium gardens, is Reece’s favourite feature.

Rockcliffe Square also works perfectly for Reece’s commute. “I work in Farringdon, so having the Elizabeth Line basically on the doorstep is a game changer,” he explains.

Reece sees Rockcliffe Square as a home for the next five years, with plans to staircase in the future. But, for now, Reece has everything he hoped for. He concludes, “I’ve got my independence, my own space and I’m still close enough to pop back home for dinner when I fancy it.”

I’ve got my independence, my own space and I’m still close enough to pop back home for dinner when I fancy it