Hood83

Agreed KestonKid. I fear there will be more attitudes similar to Keaton's than yours sadly.

Alan - I don't know much about Norbury, what would you recommend about it?

Jeremy - living on the estate clearly does say something about you, it says you probably can't afford to live in the rest of ED. In my case I'd rather live here, so that's fine all round I guess.

KidKruger was that in response to me? Just to say I didn't qualify for a council flat, although I think I probably bought a bit below market rate from the council so I was fortunate in that sense definitely.

It's possible I was being a little provocative but I think people may have taken this a bit to heart. I'm not criticising people, just suggesting ED's inhabitants are wealthier than they would like to believe. I bought off the council, which could mean one less person living in social housing here for all I know, so I'm not trying to get on a moral high horse. Very few privately are exchanging for 280k, and mine about a year ago was not even close to that. Even if it were, that is not remotely similar to the rest of ED as far as I can tell. But again, happy to be proven wrong. As I say, I was possibly stirring a little, but it seems to have touched a nerve so again, I'm not trying to criticise, just point out ED is a rich area. Apologies if anyone was offended by this.

Ha, have we? Just seems that taxing unearned income is fairer.

Most measures of poverty are based on where you sit compared to the average. To use the same principle I'd say being in the top 1% or even 5% makes you rich. If we lived in a developing country I'd see your point, but ED isn't the Congo. Sad thing is a lot of people think earning this sort of income makes them 'average'. Not even close.

It is unearned income, IHT in principle is a perfectly decent thing, but it highlights the sad truth that people are big supporters of social mobility and equality of opportunity...except when it comes to their own kids. We do need a better way of taxing the worst rent seekers though, and those are not those with one house being passed down to their kids I'd agree.

East Dulwich IS full of rich people, rich people who I think would rather not acknowledge that. Happy to be corrected but I think a household income of ?100,000 would put you in the top 5% and ?150,000 in the top 1%. That, in my book, is rich. Maybe not super-rich, but rich. I reckon there are a very decent number of people in ED earning that, but again, happy to be proven wrong. Of course I live on the DKH estate so all this is said from a position of smug, inverted snobbery ;-)

Hi all, Could I ask which estate you're referring to and what exact service charge. Is it part of your annual charge or are you referring to one-off charges to do specific work? I live on the DKH estate and I'm a little perplexed by some of the bills coming my way! Thanks

Had no idea I lived near so many tough guys in ED. Wow. Depressing and emasculating feeling giving something to a mugger I imagine, but the wise move. Got a horrible kicking years and years ago by 'standing my ground' - utterly pointless. I'd rather encourage people to be the sort of person who gives up a phone than gets into a fight over one.

Ha, bang on the money.

I DO live on the estate (the shock, the horror). It's really nice, plenty of young families (though have to admit that slight drives me mad) it's pretty quiet, neighbours are really friendly - and actually talk to you here as well. It was the only place I could afford anywhere near my work in London Bridge, but i'd actually rather live here than anywhere else in ED. It also feels very safe to me and if the council is still selling off properties (i think they probably aren't sadly) you can pick up a bargain.

I'm a middle class person whose moved into DKH estate, i don't have more money than sense, i do now have a flat worth a lot more than it was 6 months ago. Plenty of others are like me, first time buyers. The rest are buy to let. It'll be a good mix I think, unlike the rest of ED.