Moving to Leeds - up and coming areas
Discussion
Offer is in on the Oakwood/ Roundhay Flat....
Drove the M1 way from morley to oakwood and it took 25 mins, so with usual rush hour traffic (exc schoo holidays) I'm figuring 35 minutes which is a good 25 less than my current commute in normal conditions. Plus the flat needs renovating so there is potential to add value and have a really nice modern flat as opposed to the generic city center flat.
I am monitoring a couple in the city center to see whether the price stays reasonable so depending on what happens with them it looks like I'll be moving to North Leeds, exactly what I wanted to avoid ha ha....
A colleague commutes from Alwoodly and says it takes max 40 minutes for him so I'm hoping that will be my max too.
Drove the M1 way from morley to oakwood and it took 25 mins, so with usual rush hour traffic (exc schoo holidays) I'm figuring 35 minutes which is a good 25 less than my current commute in normal conditions. Plus the flat needs renovating so there is potential to add value and have a really nice modern flat as opposed to the generic city center flat.
I am monitoring a couple in the city center to see whether the price stays reasonable so depending on what happens with them it looks like I'll be moving to North Leeds, exactly what I wanted to avoid ha ha....
A colleague commutes from Alwoodly and says it takes max 40 minutes for him so I'm hoping that will be my max too.
The main issue with travelling from one side of Leeds to the other is that a minor road issue in one area can have a huge knock-on effect across the whole city - luckily it doesn't happen that often but it can be a real pain when a 30 minute drive ends up taking hours because people insist of blocking up all the junctions and causing gridlock.
Still you have a few options for routes so it'll just be a case of having a spare in the bag
Still you have a few options for routes so it'll just be a case of having a spare in the bag
Shnozz said:
Just keep in mind summer holiday traffic is not reflective of normal conditions by quite some margin. Hopefully it won't be too painful and, if it is, you are only renting so can always up sticks.
I'm not renting, I'm buying !Yeah I understand that, I've allowed that in my calculations hopefully, 25 minutes the other day should be about 35-40 in normal conditions as the run both ways should be going against the main traffic flow (I hope).
There are a few route options as said so will have to test them all out when road conditions return to normal, by which time it'll probably be too late lol.
Really hoping I've made the right choice, if it takes anything over 45 minutes then it's been a pointless move and I may as well have stayed at home....
One of the other key reasons I'm also moving is the 70 mile a day commute in my 130i.. £15 a day is taking it's toll!
Fair play mate. That is some commitment and I applaud the approach. Personally I would be cautious of buying in any area before sussing it out, whether it be commuting times, the "right" and "wrong" roads, problem areas and issues, traffic concerns, decent local pubs etc etc. That being said, if you were to encounter issues, the area you are looking at is always likely to be popular so you are unlikely to see house price decline or a lack of tenants happy to rent it from you if it doesn't pan out for any reason.
lewisf182 said:
Drove the M1 way from morley to oakwood and it took 25 mins, so with usual rush hour traffic (exc schoo holidays) I'm figuring 35 minutes ...
Don't underestimate the impact that rush hour has. my OH's commute to Capitol Blvd from Bingley is a 40 minute journey in non-rush hour traffic but is always well over an hour during rush hour and, disturbingly often, getting on for two hours.MitchT said:
Don't underestimate the impact that rush hour has. my OH's commute to Capitol Blvd from Bingley is a 40 minute journey in non-rush hour traffic but is always well over an hour during rush hour and, disturbingly often, getting on for two hours.
Haha, you guys are making me doubt myself big time now!With regards to the area it's perfect in every way (bar the commute). Nice quiet cul de sac around a good area, lots of close by bars & pubs, 10 minute taxi to the city centre for nights out, 5 minute walk to roundhay park, room for improvements and to add value etc ... perfect! It's just the commute which could.. and most likely will.. be the issue.
Seeing a flat at city island today which could be decent so depending how that goes it may be the better choice.
City Island and Roundhay are chalk and cheese!
If you are that unsure of what sort of area/development/peacefulness/transport links/city accessibility you are after, might I be so bold as to suggest 6 months of renting to get a feel for what you are after and what area works for you?!
As I say, I admire your bravery, but it's a lot of dosh and commitment if you make an ill-judged decision.
If you are that unsure of what sort of area/development/peacefulness/transport links/city accessibility you are after, might I be so bold as to suggest 6 months of renting to get a feel for what you are after and what area works for you?!
As I say, I admire your bravery, but it's a lot of dosh and commitment if you make an ill-judged decision.
Oh, and if you're viewing the 2 bed/2 bath repo in CI this pm that appeared on the market last week, I had a look Saturday afternoon as a potential investment given it's £25k - £35k below market value 
It was priced before the agent knew it had parking with it and they've had 35 viewings already and offers over the online price...just as a heads up in case it is the same place!
It was priced before the agent knew it had parking with it and they've had 35 viewings already and offers over the online price...just as a heads up in case it is the same place!Sometimes you've just got to compromise the commute for the area. Like you just said OP the area is nice and close to bars and had room for adding value it's a no brainer for a few years. I'd be happy commuting for 45-60 mins knowing i'm coming home to my own place, no parents, and all the amenities you say you have on your doorstep. A family member travels 1 hour 45 mins every day to work and back but has the best house and lifestyle you could ask for and when she gets home she's glad she does the commute.
Plus you also have to remember after 3 months you'll get used to the traffic and the time and it won't even bother you that much.
Plus you also have to remember after 3 months you'll get used to the traffic and the time and it won't even bother you that much.
Shnozz said:
Oh, and if you're viewing the 2 bed/2 bath repo in CI this pm that appeared on the market last week, I had a look Saturday afternoon as a potential investment given it's £25k - £35k below market value It was priced before the agent knew it had parking with it and they've had 35 viewings already and offers over the online price...just as a heads up in case it is the same place!
Yup that's the place, fully know it's massively undervalued but I suspect they knew that too... Realistically it will go for £135-£140 but I'm just going to monitor the situation with it! It will go best & final offers though so it'll be either a yes I 100% want it from me and an offer to win it or a not really sure on it offer and I'll leave it. It was priced before the agent knew it had parking with it and they've had 35 viewings already and offers over the online price...just as a heads up in case it is the same place!My brother viewed it the day it went up and said it's a good enough size for a city center flat and for our budget is the best we'll get so we shall see!
Shnozz said:
City Island and Roundhay are chalk and cheese!
If you are that unsure of what sort of area/development/peacefulness/transport links/city accessibility you are after, might I be so bold as to suggest 6 months of renting to get a feel for what you are after and what area works for you?!
As I say, I admire your bravery, but it's a lot of dosh and commitment if you make an ill-judged decision.
This is no bad idea.If you are that unsure of what sort of area/development/peacefulness/transport links/city accessibility you are after, might I be so bold as to suggest 6 months of renting to get a feel for what you are after and what area works for you?!
As I say, I admire your bravery, but it's a lot of dosh and commitment if you make an ill-judged decision.
lewisf182 said:
MitchT said:
Don't underestimate the impact that rush hour has. my OH's commute to Capitol Blvd from Bingley is a 40 minute journey in non-rush hour traffic but is always well over an hour during rush hour and, disturbingly often, getting on for two hours.
Haha, you guys are making me doubt myself big time now!therealpigdog said:
10 mins to Shipley station (free parking) and 15 mins to the centre. View from my back windows is over fields.
Downside = Bradford postcode.
Does the Bradford postcard constitute a downside in practical terms? It isn't an issue where I live.Downside = Bradford postcode.
MitchT said:
Does the Bradford postcard constitute a downside in practical terms? It isn't an issue where I live.
Not really - car insurance goes up slightly but property prices go down. More of a perception thing really.I actually rate Bradford council more than Leeds - everything from pools and gyms to rubbish collections seems better run. And if you have kids then the play areas and community type stuff can't be faulted.
MitchT said:
Does the Bradford postcard constitute a downside in practical terms? It isn't an issue where I live.
I have been doing this, but it's currently not 'real' due to the school holidays which cuts traffic a massive amount. My current commute from sheffield takes 45-50 min currently but at usual volumes of traffic it's over an hour minimum.So extrapolating that, if it takes me 25 minutes to roundhay I'm guessing 35-40 minutes... which isn't too bad really!
Renting could be an option but I just would really resent paying £800 a month for a good enough city centre flat, when that will cover a mortgage.
Anyway, offer is in so we shall see!
P.s city island flat was a very decent size, good interior space with balconies etc... but city island seems a little out of the way, not many shops about etc :/ but hey ho...
therealpigdog said:
thetapeworm said:
I'm considering moving, get pimping...
10 mins to Shipley station (free parking) and 15 mins to the centre. View from my back windows is over fields.Downside = Bradford postcode.
The City Island flat listed at £115k is now at...... £146k... f
king estate agents - useless. Couldn't value a £1 coin!
I knew full well it'd go for a lot more than £115k but £146k before best & finals it's looking like a £155k jobby possibly more, which just becomes too expensive coupled with the £2k per year service charges.
Shame
Roundhay/Oakwood it is!
king estate agents - useless. Couldn't value a £1 coin!I knew full well it'd go for a lot more than £115k but £146k before best & finals it's looking like a £155k jobby possibly more, which just becomes too expensive coupled with the £2k per year service charges.
Shame
Roundhay/Oakwood it is!
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