Thoughts on the Rising House Prices in Thornton Heath

When I learnt that house prices in Thornton Heath were rising faster than anywhere else in London, I was far from impressed. Thornton Heath is not only my home, but it is also one of the few affordable places left in London, and fast-rising house prices are not something that most individuals want to see.

Wesley, 31, sums up my thoughts entirely on Thornton Heath’s rising house prices, saying, “Quids in for mum and dad, and bad times for myself.” Higher property prices may be good for our parents or individuals who are looking to sell their homes, but it will have an increasing negative effect on the younger generation as we try to get on the property ladder.

It’s interesting though, because Thornton Heath is not the most lucrative or luxurious of areas, with a bad rep behind it, although it is not entirely fair. However, if people feel that moving to the area is the best option for them moneywise, then prices are bound to rise.

James, a 34-year-old Thornton Heath local sees the rise in property rises as a good thing, as he believes, “The area needs more middle classes. It has a high concentration of the destitute, instead of the mix.” He also added that “Thornton Heath needs more homeowners who care, rather than landlords who are happy for good homes to turn to slums.”

With the various investments and developments in place to revitalise Croydon though, Thornton Heath is probably starting to look like a more attractive place to live, which way have also had an effect on the rising property market. Nevertheless, Elliott, 18, would like to see more being done to “fix up” Thornton Heath and other areas in the borough of Croydon.

I agree that more does need to be done to revitalise Thornton Heath, especially if the property prices continue to rise the way they are. As James said, “It’ll always be cheaper than most, but it does need to improve... Cleaner, better businesses, less crime, etc.”

I love my area and I want to see Thornton Heath on the up, but it is frustrating to see the beginnings of yet another location where the young may be out priced and unable to get on the property ladder.

Photo by Sunil060902 and used under Creative Commons License.