Take a look over the border at SE23, house prices are dropping and a number of nice properties are currently up for sale at less than £1m and some being reduced as the market is slowing in a similar way to 2018, so a chance to buy something of decent size at a reasonable price. https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/find.html?searchType=SALE&locationIdentifier=OUTCODE%5E2324&insId=1&radius=0.0&minPrice=&maxPrice=&minBedrooms=&maxBedrooms=&displayPropertyType=&maxDaysSinceAdded=&_includeSSTC=on&sortByPriceDescending=&primaryDisplayPropertyType=&secondaryDisplayPropertyType=&oldDisplayPropertyType=&oldPrimaryDisplayPropertyType=&newHome=&auction=false From what you have said you'll know the area, so worth a look around. SE23 is a bit cheaper than SE22 and possibly a bit greener with local parks, open spaces, places to shop and eat. Good luck.