Now might be the time to sell your ‘cosy’ London flat and buy that dream home in the suburbs (Picture: Rightmove) As the London market heats up, getting ahead of the ‘ripple effect’ is a tempting prospect for anyone thinking about cashing in and buying their dream home. The average asking price of a London home has reached an all-time high of £572,348, according to the Rightmove House Price Index for April. The biggest increases are occurring in the less expensive boroughs, as a ripple effect sees demand move further out of the centre. For families looking for their next move, considering a move just outside London could mean a bigger house, more space and more outside land. But just what can you get for your cash? We weigh up the options. Swap a flat in Borough… Swap this flat in Borough for a bigger home in Brentwood (Picture: Rightmove) This two bed flat in Borough is for sale at £450,000. …for a bungalow in Brentwood A three bedroom bungalow in Brentwood (Picture: Rightmove) Three bedroom bungalow in Brentwood, offered in excess of £550,000. Swap a flat in Earl’s Court… Swap this flat in Earls Court (Picture: Rightmove) Earl’s Court two bedroom flat, £680,000. …for a detached house in Egham in Surrey This detached house in Egham could be all yours (Picture: Rightmove) Two bedroom detached house in Egham, £515,000. Swap a two bed in Hampstead… Exchange this Hampstead two bedder (Picture: Rightmove) Two bedroom apartment in Hampstead, £750,000. …for a three bed in Harpenden This Harpenden home has a spacious private garden (Picture: Rightmove) Three bedroom house in Harpenden, £535,000. Swap a two-bed in Shepherd’s Bush… Swap Shepherds Bush for Surbiton (Picture: Rightmove) Two bedroom flat in Shepherd’s Bush, £600,000. …for a five-bed in Surbiton This large pile in Surbiton could be all yours (Picture: Rightmove) Surbiton five bedroom terraced house, £879,950 Swap a two-bed in Chelsea… Swap this Chelsea pad (Picture: Rightmove) Two bedroom flat in Chelsea, £640,000. …for a four-bed in Chertsey Have cash left over for this spacious Chertsey home (Picture: Rightmove) Four bedroom house in Chertsey, £589,500. Matthew James from Rightmove says that, while it can be hard for many Londoners to even think about leaving the highly-prized postcodes of inner London, especially given their recent history of pricegrowth, heading further out might just land you that dream home at a more affordable price. ‘Yes, the commute might be longer, especially for those working in central London, and it won’t suit everyone, but it could be perfect for a family looking for more space or a second- stepper looking to move from a flat to house,’ he says. metro.co.uk/back to top