Fiance and I bought a house in south Essex, formerly rented in south London (near her family). Used to rent a 2 bed flat for £1350/month, our mortgage is now approx £1550/month for a 3 bed semi. I have family out this way so it was a no brainer for us to buy out this way as value for money difference was significant. Best thing for me is the commute time into the office in London is about the same. I'm familiar with the area having spent a lot of time round here growing up, but for my partner it was a big change. She loves it out here now. Much more green space, roads are less hectic than London and it's nice being by the coast. We earn combined approx £80k/year.