Jeremy

I tried to do all my shopping in the local shops, but couldn't find everything I wanted, so ended up going to Sainsburys in FH too. And I still couldn't find what I wanted!

For crying out loud, how many times do I have to say... not all homeowners benefit from rises in prices! If you have any interest in staying in the area next time you move, then these rises are a bad thing. The only people who gain are those who are just investing in housing in the area to make money. Either that, or you assume that everyone gets a kick from gloating about how much equity they have in their home. It's bullsh!t. I also find it strange that you take so much joy from the prospect of smaller businesses being muscled out, which have been in the area for ages (not that I extend too much sympathy for estate agents). And as for people not moving for the sake of an agents fee - typically 1%, which is small fry compared to stamp duty - you are totally deluded. Sorry to sound personal, but that post has really annoyed me! I'm no raving lefty, but housing is a basic necessity - why do people have such a selfish attitude, when others are struggling to afford a place to live?!

We checked out this restaurant last night. Service was verrrry slow, but they've just opened, and were pretty busy, so I can forgive them. Thought the food was quite nice - nothing remarkable, but good "home cooking" style Italian food. Restaurant had a nice feel to it, staff were friendly, prices were reasonable - will probably go back! J.

My girlfriend has a DS... she has a little adapter thing for it, so you can play downloaded games from a memory card. Not exactly kosher!

Apparently Foxtons are opening up on Lordship Lane. And White Stuff too.

I doubt I'll be a regular customer... but I wouldn't necessarily describe clothes as useless tat!

Whatever it's going to be, I'd be glad to see it smartened up a bit! The same goes for newsagents the other side of the florist (number 2 I assume).

It's the classic "gentrification" pattern... independant traders, and those working in media and arts move into a reasonably priced area. More affluent residents follow because they aspire to the "bohemian" environment which has sprung up... expensive housing follows, chain stores show interest, landlords decide to cash in.

alachlan Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Why would anyone get to the station early in the > morning just to have a coffee? Maybe if you miss a train, or it's cancelled/delayed?

I notice that the front has been cleaned up somewhat. I can now read the menu at last - and it actually looks quite nice.

In their promotional material, they have an artists impression of the block, with a Starbucks look-a-like underneath. They obviously want customers to think it will be something along those lines, but I remain highly cynical (as always).

I asked the sales lady when I looked round the flats. They have not found a tenant for it yet (although they're trying their best to convince everybody that it will be another coffee shop).

I would have booted her out on her arse.

I was rather confused after reading this thread yesterday, and I actually had a dream about it. No lie. I dreamt that the Steve Harris academy of rock was opening up in Dulwich.

I thought Bombay Bicycle Club had given up on LL? And I think DM is referring to the Starbucks in Sainsburys...

Sort of off topic... I'm trying to find a new flat at the moment, and I looked at a place on Ivanhoe Rd yesterday. However, it is at the bottom of the road, very near to the back of the DKH estate. What is that road like - particular the bottom end? Any trouble from the estate? (not trying to offend anyone, just being realistic...) Back on topic - while I was looking round, I popped into Hoopers for a quick pint, and it seems like a nice pub! Will definitely be going back.

Went to Mon Petit Chou on the weekend. I'm not a coffee drinker, but I had a "mango smoothie" - which was actually a rather poor milkshake, which was made with a flavoured syrup and had never seen any fresh fruit.

Domitianus - there are some picnic tables in Dulwich Park, I think they're new. I like the Chess idea though. However, the money would be better spent tidying up areas of Peckham or Camberwell. I think we're already pretty lucky to have had the redevelopment of Dulwich Park, and there's lots of private money pouring into the area these days anyway.

Where I am (on Crystal Palace Rd) it has usually been OK. The only real problem has been postmen who occasionally can't be bothered to deliver parcels, so just pop the card through the letterbox, even if I'm home. However, I did have some friends on Elsie Rd, and their mail jsut kept disappearing. I think they threatened to go to the Police in the end, and the problem stopped!

Is it the place on Uplands Road (or Overhill, Underhill, or one of those other roads round that way)? I got the impression that it's more of a cheap spanish guitars and tambourines kind of place.

Alan Dale Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Jeremy- Because if ,like Brendan, you are not > interested in maximising your sale price then I > would be interested to know whether there is > potentially an arbitrage opportunity. > > Are you offering a discount that would exceed my > transaction costs and also cover my bridging > finance and leave me with a healthy windfall on > sale? If so then I might be able to help you > out... You're totally missing the point. Of course, my (modest) home is on sale for market value. But I would still prefer that the market had not gone up - I would have still been able to make the step up. Something's wrong when first time buyers have to find the best part of 300k for a one bedroom flat! But I guess it all depends on your point of view.

Can't believe someone would move to an area specifically to cut their commute, and not check out the public transport in the area first!

Alan - yes, I have a flat for sale in ED (currently under offer). Why do you ask?

I agree with Brendan. On all points.

The thing is, I suspect people WILL put their properties on the market with Foxtons, because they have a reputation for being ruthless salespeople.