How much is big garden really worth ??!

GDB2222

emma_b wrote: »

well, we could just about afford it yes but would have to make some obvious sacrifices, that why we think is it worth it?
was kind of an "in general" / hypothetical question...we arent ringing estate agents or anything, its just to try and help us to make some future decisions. the move would be in a year or so when we can have saved more and maybe rates are more settled.

we have a really low mortgage now and guess what im asking is does a big house and garden make you happy, or are we all always wanting more?!

One of the less obvious sacrifices if you move is financial security. At the moment, your mortgage is 60% of the house value, so it would take a really catastrophic fall in house prices to put you in negative equity. If you lost your job the mortgage payments would not be that bad, etc etc etc.

A garden is nice to have, actually very nice to have, but it's not that much nicer than a patio.

Looking back, I think my wife and I were happiest when we lived in a small house with no cares at all really.

Is there a compromise whereby you start making the sacrifices now, by **saving** money towards your bigger house? I know that's a totally crazy notion, but it might give you a chance to move to a place with a bigger garden later whilst keeping your financial security.

space_rider

Francesanne wrote: »

Unless you're very keen gardeners I really wouldn't bother. My Mum elderly Mum has a large garden with a very large oak tree overlooking it and the work involved shifting those blasted leaves is a real pain in the neck each year for me and my husband. I always wanted a big garden but am now very grateful for my small patio garden (Victorian terrace) and wouldn't swap it for a larger one given the choice. Depends how much time and money you want to spend keeping it nice.

I think having a big tree would tip me over the hedge! Thankfully not got hedges but fences that will need treating next year:mad:

Castleman

Aiming for a garden big enough for allotment, pigs and chickens here! Plus the usual patio, lawn etc! Uh-oh!

RobertoMoir

emma_b wrote: »

Hi, apologies firstly if this is in the wrong place, please move it if so...

Just wondered if anyone had any words of wisdom to help me and Hubby with our dilemma.
currently live in 2 up 2 down victorian terrace, with toddler daughter, we have plenty of space really - though would love playroom/conservatory/more space! but we fit in nicely.

we have a small patio garden - big enough for a bench, play slide, playhouse and a few pot plants and washing line. nothing major but outside space nontheless

we are constantly thinking of moving due to the garden - dreaming ofalarge space, mowing the lawn, BBQs etc...

but our mortgage is 58k at the moment (on a house worth 100k) and to get what we want we are talking going upto at least a mortgage of 120k (after using equity)

is a large garden, and must admit it, an off road position as we are roadside, really worth so much? ?

in our position would you stick with what you had and be happy, or move?

Most people regard mowing the lawn as a chore!

I think the question is how much use you'd get out of the garden, especially once the novelty of having one so you can have fun mowing it has worn off. How much work are you willing to put into making a space out the back with things growing in it into the garden you always wanted?

stolt

i'd love a massive garden. you could create a meadow..with a littel natural lake/pond set in the meadow!.

but thats me, the reality is that my garden will be about 55ft by 45ft and once i have the trampoline, shed bikes, pool, swingball etc theres probably going to be enough space for a couple of loungers for me and the missus.

Geenie

The first place OH and I ever bought was abought the garden. The bungalow that sat in it was pretty dire, but the space was amazing. We grew so many things, plants and veg, and I developed my love of scents, herbs etc. Then when children came along, the space to have kids playing or parties outside made us realise how fortunate we were to have such an area.

Having said all that it does take work to upkeep, and the summer months were relentless in cutting and maintaining the area. We were able to add a large extension at one place and still have a good garden at the end.