With great deals on fixed-rate mortgages and some lenders allowing buyers to borrow six times their salary, now is a great time to make your first moves on the ladder. To help you decide what to buy, here are six design-led first homes for sale in London, all with asking prices under £500k.

Dumbarton Court, Brixton Hill, London SW2
Outdoor space is always a bonus when it comes to buying a first home in London and this two-bedroom flat offers precious balcony space for al fresco dining, bike storage or perhaps realising your urban gardening ambitions.

The original 1930s charm of Dumbarton Court is felt throughout, most notably in the Crittal windows, which were added in a recent refurbishment to the exterior of the building, and provide tree-top views out onto Rush Common.

Lewisham Park II, London SE13
Generously proportioned rooms in a period end-of-terrace Victorian villa, with a verdant park view on one side and a garden on the other? First-time buys don’t come better (or more beautiful) than this.

Investing in the area could be a smart decision too: Lewisham is currently in the midst of a redevelopment that will see new shops, restaurants and public spaces added to its town centre. For now, local restaurant Sparrow is drawing the crowds, while Blackheath’s Farmer’s Market is a pleasant stroll away.  

Grenville Court II, Lymer Avenue, London SE19
When Austin Vernon and Partners set about designing Grenville Court as part of their much-celebrated Dulwich Estate (built between 1957 and 1963) they sought to deliver high-quality homes for working professionals, with hardwood floors, Crittal windows and ample space and light.

Little has changed since then, at least not at this two-bedroom example, which was restored by its current owner, returning its mid-century charm with modern additions in the kitchen and bathroom. The nearby bars, restaurants and cultural scene of Crystal Palace make it a well-kept secret.

Peckett Square, London N5
There was a collective sigh of appreciation when this mansion block apartment came on the market here at The Modern House HQ. And, it’s not hard to see why it would resonate with our team (many of whom are of the first-time buyer demographic): light-filled, well furnished, characterful original features and perfectly located in Highbury.

We love how the current owner’s style has married a pared-back colour scheme with vintage pieces and Shaker-esque furniture, but it’s easy to see how the bare canvas offering could support different interior approaches.

Bemerton Street, London N1
Another one with a balcony, this apartment has a long stretch of terrace with views stretching to Hampstead Heath and Alexandra Palace. Inside, a clever rejig of the original design has opened up and imbued a more spacious feel to the layout, with an all-in-one kitchen, living and dining room and space-saving built-in cupboards. The kitchen here is a pretty thing to behold, being a hand-crafted run of Douglas Fir Tribord cabinets.

Ruskin Park House III, Champion Hill, London SE5
Ruskin Park House, designed in the 1930s by Alexander Stuart Gray, makes for a great entry to homeownership, with well-proportioned rooms, maintained landscaped gardens outside and streamline Art Deco aesthetics. This one-bedroom has a spacious living/dining room that opens on to a balcony with views of Ruskin Park.