First time buyer guide to London

Buying your first home in London is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make. This guide covers the most affordable areas, available government schemes and what you should check before making an offer.

Most affordable areas for first time buyers in London

• Stratford (E15) from £300k
• Woolwich (SE18) from £280k
• Thamesmead (SE28) from £250k
• Dagenham (RM10) from £300k
• Croydon (CR0) from £280k

Government schemes available in London

Help to Buy London Equity Loan (now closed), Shared Ownership, First Homes scheme. Always check the latest eligibility criteria directly with the scheme provider as rules change regularly.

What to check before buying your first home in London

• Crime rates — check Police UK data for the specific postcode, not just the area
• Flood risk — affects mortgage availability, insurance costs and future resale value
• Schools — even without children, school quality affects property values
• Transport links — calculate your actual commute time from the specific postcode
• Price trends — is the area improving or declining?
• Planning applications — check for major developments planned nearby

Know My Postcode checks crime, schools, flood risk, transport and house prices for any London postcode — free, before you book a viewing.