Property: The Low-Down

Transport: In addition to its link to Victoria, Bromley South connects to Thameslink at Herne Hill. Three motorways - M20, M25 and M26 - are nearby, as is Gatwick.

Prices: "Many of our buyers are looking for middle-of-the-road houses for pounds 130,000 to pounds 150,000," says Ms Daniels. At the lower end, flats for first-time buyers cost pounds 65,000, two-bedroom cottages cost pounds 110,000, and large detached Edwardian houses sell for pounds 350,000 to pounds 800,000.

Something New: Berkeley's Scott's Court in Sundridge has two three-bed townhouses remaining (pounds 162,500) and the show house with full kitchen on pounds 177,000. Berkeley's handsome converted Victorian pumping station in Shortlands, The Lanterns, is sold out.

Something Entirely Different: Six duplex penthouses mean that Northpoint will have 10 instead of the nine storeys it had before McAlpine transformed it. Of the 57 flats, 49 will be two-bedroom. Northpoint is on Sherman Road near Bromley North station. "The upper floors of the building offer spectacular views over London and the surrounding countryside," says Mr Cudd. Prices start at pounds 100,000 for flats and pounds 250,000 for penthouses. Occupancy begins in December. Shopping: Bromley boasts a pedestrianised High Street and more than 125 stores in Glades Shopping Mall.

Retailers include Allders, Debenhams, M&S and Waitrose, as well as an arts and crafts market and numerous small shops. The recently opened Blue Water complex in Greenhithe should shake things up for Bromley consumers and retailers alike.

Culture and Leisure:

Churchill Theatre presents shows en route to the West End, and the Little Theatre presents amateur dramatics. The Pavilion Leisure Centre in the Glades has a pool, gym and other keep-fit facilities.

A Rough Starter: "Bromley is not rough although it has the highest level of stolen cars in London, and many ex-gangsters live here so we have the occasional revenge attack," says RICS' Ms Salter. "My Austin Maestro was stolen, apparently for its interior. I heard it being driven away and I was surprised because it never started for me."

Councils and Council Tax:

Band D council tax in the Borough of Bromley is pounds 670.

Contacts:

Berkeley, 01959 564644;

Curtis Haines, 0181-464 0931; Daniels, 0181-466 7272;

McAlpine, 0870 607 0600.