London is a sprawling city. Anywhere in zones 1-3 is crazy money. Friends have lived in Camden, Shoreditch, Hackney, all before the boom, and have been priced out (rent).
Frankly I don't know how anyone with a family can afford to buy more than a few items a year. I generally sell something and then buy something else I'd like more, until I have an item I'd covert, such as my recent work jacket purchase.
