Handsworth has been mentioned a few times when people are asking for reasonably cheap properties. Does anyone know what this area is like? Is there a reason (there usually is) why houses are still relatively cheap in this area? Seems to have a lot of positives, ie reasonably close to town, local shops, good bus route. I'm sure there are plenty of negatives though, anyone got any opinions?

Thanks,

Marc

Handsworth is ok! Just stay away from the shops at night... Crowds of rough looking kids litter that area (as they do most areas) so just watch out :)

After having a proper look round the area I know where you mean, the houses I have been looking at are the other side of the Parkway (opposite side to ASDA) which seems a little nicer. May be blinkered because of the cheap prices though! Stuff seems to sell pretty quickly too which is usually a good sign, although not very good when you are trying to buy one yourself!

Yeah, you're also on the 52 route too... No need to run for the bus, they come in 5s on this route... However when I want one, I have to wait... Hmm!

Some of my family live at Handsworth and...no disrespect...it would not be my first choice when it comes to buying a house. It is cheaper. My family can't sell theirs for a decent price even though the house itself if all right. Go for plan B if I was you.

Some of my family live at Handsworth and...no disrespect...it would not be my first choice when it comes to buying a house.

I agree, it wouldn't be my first choice either... But you've got to weigh up the pro's and con's.... It is cheaper, its convenient for ASDA and the parkway... If you get a house away from the shops you'll avoid the local thuggery and there are some nice people living around there... My Auntie for one! Oh yes and the 52 bus route... Oh how I envy people on that route, I bet they hardly ever have to wait for a bus!

They are pretty differeny opinions on the area, anyone else have any opinions, especially if you have lived there or have family who do etc. It is so difficult to pick out the nicest areas when your budget restricts you to ones that are never going to be top of peoples lists.

Would people recommend any other areas that are still reasonably cheap?

Have you spoken to any Estate Agents ? I mean chatted about certain areas ? They are in the know as to cheaper areas which may be up and coming. What sort of property are you looking for ?

I have tried talking to the agents but the good areas are always the ones where they have lots of properties to sell! I am always reluctant to take advice on something from the person trying to sell me it.

We are looking for a two bed semi/terrace not in need of too much work and can afford upto £80000. As i'm sure you can imagine the choice is pretty limited with that budget, when trying to avoid the bad areas.

March, one of my pals is an estate agent. She had a baby a couple of weeks ago so I don't want to bombard her with work-related questions but I can ask her impartial advice if you like. She would at least be honest with me!

If you could that would be great, I know estate agents have some really good knowledge of the areas but when you are their customer they obviously want what is best for themselves. Impartial advice from them would be excellent.

Thanks,

Marc

I have sent her a message and so will let you know when I hear back from her. I am also hoping to get to see her this weekend and to meet the new born.

Thanks, thats great!

The property prices in Handsworth are fast accelerating like elsewhere fetching well over the £100k mark, but generally speaking most still offer excellent value for money, mostly all Private with a few ex council properties. But Remember theres the bidding wars to also take into consideration, which could further bump up the price.

Prices vary depending upon which part of Handsworth your looking at. The cheaper first time buyer houses are around £65k to £75k whilst the most established / sort after properties your looking at £100k+

Originally posted by march
the houses I have been looking at are the other side of the Parkway (opposite side to ASDA) which seems a little nicer. May be blinkered because of the cheap prices though!

The area your talking about other side of parkway to ASDA, would be the Triangle estate where the houses are relatively cheaper. These are 2 to 3 bed roomed, mostly first time buyers /young families, but beware they are quite small inside. Ok for single person or couple, but can be cramped for a family. Most houses on triangle don’t have a drive so on street parking is commonplace which can makes the estate difficult to manoeuvre around.

Originally posted by march
We are looking for a two bed semi/terrace not in need of too much work and can afford upto £80000

Handsworth has a good number of stone built Victorian 2 / 3 bed roomed terrace houses that you could consider, well built, full of character and generous room sizes.
You should pick up one for around £70k - £80K. Handsworth has its own estate agents “Heppenstall” situated on Handsworth Road who obviously deal with properties in this area, might well be worth a visit for you.

Originally posted by caprice
Handsworth is ok! Just stay away from the shops at night... Crowds of rough looking kids litter that area (as they do most areas) so just watch out

The kids mostly hang out around the Indian Resturant, just up from the church, mainly that theres nothing much for them to do, a lot like elsewhere. In fact I used to be one of those kids once, lol. I have a house further along the road (rented out) and we had no problems with kids hanging around (famous last words, lol.)

Originally posted by Babooshka
Some of my family live at Handsworth and...no disrespect...it would not be my first choice when it comes to buying a house. It is cheaper. My family can't sell theirs for a decent price even though the house itself if all right.

Interesting, as most property in Handsworth is snapped up very quickly as its popular, some streets estate agents have waiting lists of people wanting to buy property.

March...I have spoken to my estate agent friend who works at Saxton Mee in town and she says that the best areas for you to look for a house with your budget would be Walkley, Hillsborough and Woodseats. Woodseats is all right actually. My mate just bought a three bedroom terrace (big rooms, small garden) for £97,000 and it is lovely.

Thanks for that, that will be a big help!!

Ive lived in handsworth all my life...thats a grand 18 years lol...its acutally a great area to live in! its not at all rough its one of them places where u can walk around with a safe feeling...also theres loads of things to do...althought handsworth is quite small, weve even got our own bowling alley which has seen better days but is still a laugh...and well i cant count how many pubs there are....but u cant really go wrong with handsworth apart frm the fact its half an hour into town on the 52 and £10 in a taxi frm the city centre

the houses in handsworth are cheap but are increasing as it is a popular area to live in now..the houses on the otherside of the parkway to the asda are gerally cheaper and bigger than others, but my grandma owns on and they r flauted with problems as most of them date frm the victiorian era... I live near the main schools in handsworth our house was first valued at £75k and has now rose to £95k!

also the 52 bus route is really good actually no matter how much i complain about it lol its every 6 mins at popular times and thats just the mainline theres also the terrier and 30 which all run into town!

Originally posted by mega_monty
Handsworth has a good number of stone built Victorian 2 / 3 bed roomed terrace houses that you could consider, well built, full of character and generous room sizes.
You should pick up one for around £70k - £80K. Handsworth has its own estate agents “Heppenstall” situated on Handsworth Road who obviously deal with properties in this area, might well be worth a visit for you.

You probably won't get one for under £100K now. They are fairly expensive houses for what they are. Too expensive for me!