Space tends to be the first thing to get the chop when budgets are tight.
But sacrificing period charm or the perfect postcode could land you with a spacious flat or small terrace for well below the average spend of a first-time buyer.
With a rising numbers of second-steppers still stuck in their first purchase — and only one shot to buy without stamp duty, which is waived for first-time buyers on purchases under £425k – it could be worth thinking long term when you take that first step on the ladder.
A third bedroom allows for a couple to both work from home, plan for a family — or move a friend in if the mortgage payments are proving tricky.
We’ve found 15 of the best three-bedders on the market now.
Bow, E3
Patrick Connolly Gardens, E3Keatons£400,000
A generous flat in a low-rise block, currently arranged as four-bedroom home. It’s within walking distance of the Tube, DLR and River Lea walks.
Keatons, 020 3869 5641
Selhurst, SE25
Dagnall Park, SE25Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward£325,000
This well-proportioned flat on the ground floor of a smart period conversion is arranged around a wide hallway. There’s a private section of garden and no chain.
Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward, 020 3871 6004
Streatham, SW16
Albert Carr Gardens, SW16Dexters£375,000
A bright, well-maintained flat between the station and Streatham Common. Perks include communal gardens, a second WC and no onward chain.
Dexters, 020 8674 7400
Golders Green, N11
Finchley Road, NW11Temple Fortunes Estate£375,000
An apartment with high ceilings and no service charge in an attractive building at the heart of Temple Fortune. It’s particularly well-placed for local shops.
Temple Fortune Estates, 020 3958 4327
Mottingham, SE9
Tarnwood Park, SE9Your Move£400,000
A super spacious split-level flat overlooking a neighbouring golf course. There’s a private garage, original parquet floors and a station within a few minutes’ walk.
Your Move, 020 3879 5638
Edmonton, N9
Eastbournia Avenue, N9Barnfields£400,000
This classic Victorian home has a third bedroom above the galley kitchen, as well as a neat back garden. It’s handy for shops, the station and a popular leisure centre.
Barnfields, 020 3907 2775
Woodside, SE25
St Lukes Close, SE25Stirling Ackroyd£400,000
This end-of-terrace house in a quiet cul-de-sac near South Norwood Country Park comes with a garage and an easy, low-maintenance garden.
Stirling Ackroyd, 020 3911 1727
Leyton, E10
Chesterfield Road, E10Allen Davies & Co£375,000
A split-level apartment with two bathrooms, a balcony and a share of the freehold. It’s sited on a quiet residential road close to Leyton Flats.
Allen Davies & Co, 020 3892 9577
Eltham, SE9
Dickson Road, SE9Conran Estates£400,000
This charming cottage-style end-of-terrace house is in need of a total overhaul. An unusual layout means that the reception and two of the bedrooms are double aspect.
Conran Estates, 020 8378 5450
Sydenham, SE23
Attleborough CourtHunters£350,000
This Fifties development offers direct access to Sydenham Woods via the communal grounds. Heating and hot water is included in the service charge of this third floor flat.
Hunters, 020 3907 2670
Lee, SE12
Horn Park Lane, SE12Hunters£400,000
A bright first-floor apartment within a low-rise block, with three almost perfect equisized bedrooms, two balconies and an allocated parking space.
Hunters, 020 3889 9108
Bermondsey, SE1
Avondale Square, SE1Garrett Whitelock£400,000
Close to the eastern edge of Burgess Park, this chain-free flat has a sensible layout with rooms arranged around an axial corridor. The location is ideal for City commuters.
Garrett Whitelock, 020 3840 3757
Anerley, SE20
Felmingham Road, SE20Pedder£375,000
This first floor flat near the station has two receptions, an attic storage space and its own private entrance, plus direct access to a shared garden. South Norwood Country Park is nearby.
Pedder, 020 3962 0429
West Ealing, W13
Cavendish Avenue, W13Doyle Sales & Lettings£400,000
A chain-free ground-floor flat within easy walking distance of the Elizabeth Line at West Ealing. The private garden offers a generous blank slate.
Doyle Sales & Lettings, 020 3907 2597
Dulwich, SE21
Kingswood Estate, SE21Purple Bricks£395,000
A three-double bedroom flat on the top floor of this low-rise block near Sydenham Hill station, set in spacious communal grounds. The bijou balcony off the living room is a bonus.
Purple Bricks, 020 3840 3819