House buying dilemma - which would you choose?

goggle

I need help choosing between 2 properties. Both properties are the same price.
Given the facts below, which would you recommend?


Property 1:
Preferred location (3 miles from work, edge of a nice village: corner shop, doctors, post office etc walking distance) - Friend within walking distance!
No chain
Semi-detached bungalow
Built ~1980.
New boiler 2007, central heating redone at this time.
Neighbours are elderly (good as I’m at work all day & they will keep an eye on the place!)
Drive way will fit 1 car
Largish garage (with electric up & over door!!!)
2 bedrooms (both reasonable sized)
Recently re-done kitchen (not my first choice of units but perfectly liveable with)
- Includes all appliances (fridge freezer, washer/dryer & dishwasher)
- Will fit a small dining table but not a big one!
Great sized recently refurbished bathroom (nice) - mixer shower over the bath.
Small extension area at rear of garage that *could* work as a study
Very small garden

Property 2:
2nd choice of location (I’m considering 5 “areas” – this is #2 so still good J - 1.5 miles from work, very residential area – more of a suburb than a village, don’t know anyone else living in this area)
Semi-detached house
Very small chain (3 links) - is ready to move (was let down by previous buyer)
Built ~1960
Has a patch of wooden siding on the front
Neighbours one side are elderly, other side young family.
Has downstairs WC (slightly odd)
3 bedrooms (decent master, medium 2nd & small 3rd - which would become a study)
Boiler is older – hot water tank/airing cupboard is in bedroom 2
Block paved drive will fit 3-4 cars
Small garage (concrete sectional – small but will fit the car. Not in great condition)
Dining kitchen with lovely oak units
Little room off kitchen that has patio doors – not quite a conservatory, I think its described as a sun room – it would make a good dining room if you didn’t have the table in the kitchen – or maybe a study or snug something?
Bathroom is tiny – one of those shorter baths with electric shower over
*Gorgous* south facing garden with fishpond, greenhouse, old (slightly grotty) shed. Sunny patio area.
Has been extended – the extension has a flat roof (which I don’t like!)

goggle

If it helps:
I already own all furniture, appliances etc (currently living in unfurnished rented) so that is not an issue.
I need a study area.
I want to be able to put my car in the garage.
I have guests fairly often so bedroom 2 will be a permanent guest room (ie cannot be a study).

Annpan

Goggle,
You've sort of answered your own question. The semi with garage sounds better for you. Plus it has a sun study - what more could anyone ask? Also, I prefer the old style boiler with an airing cupboard. Ours has been ticking along nicely since we built our house in 1983 and our towels are always aired!

goggle

that's interesting ...

The biggest negatives about property 2 are:
the flat roof extension
the garage will need rebuilding in the not too distant future
the TINY bathroom
that it's 1960's and therefore a lot of things like the wiring etc are coming up 50 yrs old & will likely need replacing along with the boiler sooner rather than later

the biggest positives are:
the sun room
the lovely gardens
the 3rd bedroom

the biggest negatives about property 1:
only 2 bedrooms
small garden

the biggest positives about property 1:
the location
big garage
kitchen/bathroom are already updated
new central heating system
low bills/council tax etc (lower band council tax, better fuel efficiency etc etc)

shirlgirl2004

Property 2 sounds like a property that is large enough to be home for a long time. Personally a small bathroom isn't an issue because I spend a fairly small amount of time in there. The garden however is quite important to me but if you don't like tending a garden and have no plans for children or a dog then maybe it isn't important to you.

It sounds as if property 2 isn't badly decorated but gives room for improvement so over time you can do bits as time and money is available.

busiscoming2

Hi
They both sound very nice properties. I suspect from your comments you are more pro the first property.
Something to consider for the future: Are you likely to have children, if so is property one big enough? and/or which has the potential for extending.
As they both have the same asking price and no1 seems 'done' is their scope for bringing the price of the second one down enabling you to have the cash to refurb the bits that want doing?

Good Luck!

vegasvisitor

I liked the sound of number one, then realised number 2 was bigger...then I don't know. However I feel you don't completely love either, so maybe wait and see what else crops up? Maybe something with more good points and less bad might crop up if you can wait?

goggle

btt for any more advice ....
All comments greatfully received

Bibliophile_2

Both options have their pros and cons, you need to think about your long term requirements, not just what you need now.

Don't forget that what you think you need now might change in the next few years anyway, so long as it's in a desirable location, it will sell and you might need to buy another, it's not forever.

In my experience, if you need to come to a forum like this to choose then it's either because neither choice is right.

Just a hunch.

jayss

Which one do you picture yourself in happiest?

mickeyfinn1

Well, here is my suggestion for what it's worth - bear in mind I am a bimbo!!

When I can't make up my mind I write the options down on paper and put them in a bowl. I close my eyes, pull one out at random. When I open it up I pay close attention to the feeling I get at the exact moment and if it is a feeling of disappointment at all I know that that option isn't right for me. Doesn't mean the others are right either but at least I know what my true gut feeling is and I can eliminate that option and explore the other option/s in more detail.

Might be worth a go!