I have been searching the housing market for a while now, which I have to say has been an absolute nightmare! :confused: I have quite a low budget and despite living in Sheffield all my life (I am only 23) I am pretty clueless as to what areas are actually decent. I know every area has it's troubles, and I can't really get much worse than where I'm living now (Arbourthorne)! I have even expanded my target area to Rotherham and Barnsley in attempt to get more value for money. I have been favouring the Kimberworth area of Rotherham. Does anyone on here live there or have any experiences of living in that area? Also, does anyone know if Meadow Bank Road was affected by the floods last year? I know it is quite a way up, but the canal isn't far away is it? I hope somebody can help me. :help: Thanks.

Although you have a low budget try to factor in transport costs assuming you did live outside of Sheffield. If you think you'll be paying an extra £20 a week on transport costs thats a helluva lot that could go towards a slightly more expensive property closer to where you want to be.

Have you considered some of the new buildings which are offering deals where you can buy a share and rent a share in the building?

These look quite good to me with the cheapest 1 bed starting from £79,999 going up to 3 bed at £139,000

http://www.envirotrust.org/?id=18

I have friends at Kimberworth Scholes, opposite the golf course off Wortley Road. It's a very handy place with some lovely walks nearbye at Wentworth, close to Chapeltown, Rotherham & Meadowhall for shopping. It's way too high to flood where they are. The Meadowbank area is also way above the canal and the river - if it floods there, we're all doomed! Further down is Holmes and Masbrough going down to the level of Blackburn Meadows which does flood of course. Hope this is useful.

Hi
My flat will be going on the market in the next week or so, its a part ownership scheme with a local housing association. It makes buying your own place much more affordable, and you can buy the remainder of the share from the housing association after living i the property for 1 year.

Thanks for the comments so far. This particular property in Kimberworth is however nearer for work than where I am living now, yet it is classed as the Rotherham area. So my travelling costs would hopefully go down a smidge! It is the same with barnsley. I have been looking at areas close to the motorway so it takes next to no time. I work shifts so benefit from avoiding the 9 and 5 rush hours. As for the shared ownership schemes-I thought they sounded a bit dodgy to be honest, but I will definately look into them a bit more to widen my options! Thank you.

heres an example of a shared ownership scheme house in what i think is a pretty ok area...

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/viewdetails-19639376.rsp?pa_n=4&tr_t=buy

thats a good website for knowledge bout the schemes
http://www.shared-ownership.org.uk/

hope this helps.