You bought near the peak of the market then. Definitely been some downward pressure on prices since covid as people sold up in London, took that premium price and moved to larger properties elsewhere. Not saying it was a bad investment, just that the return will take longer than it has in the past.
It doesn't matter where I bought. If I haven't made much money in the last 5 years, nor has anyone else (on average), regardless of how long they've owned their property.
The suggestion that 'the return will take longer than it has in the past' is a prediction with no evidential basis.
Isnt that exactly the scenario that op is describing?
Lack of flexibility at precisely the right time?
Owning in any large city + servicing debt during the pandemic when you must move elsewhwre that is sane (and less risky to your health) would seem to have a premium attached to it
