For years, the far south-eastern reaches of London have been the last hope for young families looking for somewhere safe and pleasant to bring up children. Here, leafy streets, good schools and, most importantly, relatively low property prices have acted as a magnet for couples in their 20s and 30s looking to move from a flat into their first house. The main factor dissuading many has been poor public transport for those working in central London.

But the £1bn southwards extension of London Underground's East London Line from its current terminus in New Cross/New Cross Gate to include the existing "overland" stations of Brockley, Honor Oak Park, Forest Hill, Sydenham, Crystal Palace, Penge West, Anerley, Norwood Junction and West Croydon, will transform working life for commuters from these predominantly residential areas and do wonders for property values.