I am Ms Indecisive :(

Made_Without

I fell head-over-heels with a flat, offer accepted, surveys done etc etc and then it all fell through leaving me heartbroken (sniff) vowing never to fall in love with a place again.

So I've now seen two places - both I like (refuse to love). Both have had offers places (and rejected). In each case, agents are suggesting a further 10k would seal the deal. I am tempted perhaps to suggest being met half way - and offer 5k.

Thing is I cannot decide between the two which I like more - and talking to friends and family hasnt helped So here's my list of the pluses and minuses - happy to hear some independent views.

On the whole they are comparable size wise.

Property 1
+ 2 parking spaces
+ private garden
+ share of freehold
+ Served by 4 buses to station

Neutrals
20 minutes walk to 2 stns
Ground floor (security issues?)
Main road
Can see an electricity pylon from window (would this be off putting for future buyers?)

- Small kitchen
- Little storage space

Property 2
+ Large Kitchen
+ Lots of storage space


Neutrals
20 minutes walk to stn
Top floor (roof issues?)
Main road
120 year lease

- 1 parking space
- no private outdoor space (communal only)

I can imagine making both places my 'home'... thoughts welcome

C*F

Milliewilly

When you say you can see a Pylon do you mean in the distance? How close is it? If its close then I would walk personally.

PasturesNew

I think having 2 parking spaces is pretty much an essential. Having your own outdoor space is an essential too.

But there are things that aren't as good as they could be in your negatives lists, so I'd say wait and find more to view.

Made_Without

@milliewilly The pylon is on greenbelt land nearby (exactly how nearby I'm not sure) - it's not neighbouring and I could only see it from an apartment on a higher level.

@PasturesNew but do people really find the 'perfect' home meeting all points within budget etc.? I worry if I am seeing these two points (kitchen and storage) as negatives to a greater extent as the other property has them

Thanks for your thoughts... keep them coming

C*F

Fire_Fox

I don't see why you would need two parking spaces unless your household has two cars? If so why the interest in public transport? If there are two of you a small kitchen and little storage will drive you nuts within a relatively short period of time, ditto if there becomes two in the fullness of time.

I live right on a main road, it's practically a bus terminus! :eek: However I don't notice the daytime noise any more, and it's super quiet here at night. I would suggest you visit the main road at rush hour and late in the evening if possible to see how bad it gets.

A private garden might be wonderful, depends on your lifestyle - are you home much and do you spend a lot of time outside now? Does the garden catch the evening sun so you can sit out when you get in from work? Do you go away at weekends a lot? Are you likely to want a pet that needs access to a garden?

Don't worry about the roof unless the building looks run down - maintenance should be included in the service charge so shared by all leaseholders, and you should be insured against any unexpected water damage. If you decide to go ahead, get permission for your surveyor to access any loft spaces, make sure he has a ladder if there isn't easy access.

My parents are top floor in a grade 2 listed mill and they haven't been affected by a roof leak in twelve years as their place is VERY well maintained. In flats you are as likely to suffer water leaks from neighbouring/ overhead flats as anything else - we have had several major floods in my block!

Made_Without

@Firefox

I have a car - I like the idea of having another space for when friends / family visit (but yes not essential I guess)

I put main road as a neutral - I'm not that fussed to be honest as both are set off the road slightly and I must admit I always seem to have radio /tv background noise on when home.

Garden - funny thing that, place I live now - I never use the garden! It's beautiful and big but I just dont; but I like the idea of being able to BBQ, open up the french doors etc and see the space weird I know!
No pets.

equally the property with the big kitchen - I'm no chef by any means - big kitchen just means more worksurfaces for me to make a mess of!

Property one is in an older builidng -converted into 6 flats.
Property two is a new build (2004) - 5 flats.

See the garden (prop 1) and the big kitchen (prop 2) are more the ideals rather than necessities but they really appeal to me

C*F

Made_Without

@Quizzical Squirrel

I guess I'm a little impatient that option 3 will not exist - or more to the point will have the same tradeoffs to be worked through. I travel a fair bit for work which has meant even weekend property searching has been difficult.

Started looking in June and just feel tired.
Not sure what the norm is in terms of looking for a place, but I just feel like I need to decide and move on to other things.

C*F

Fire_Fox

I wouldn't buy a flat for a garden that could only be used a couple of months of the year and I just liked the idea of BUT it might help sell the place in a few years ... Is the kitchen useable in other ways? Is it part of the living area, could you put a small sofa or table to eat or work at? Are you a travel light or hoarder kind of girl?

What are the service charges, utility bills and council tax? Does the older property look well maintained or are you going to have scary levies in a few years? Is there a lift to the top floor flat, if not how do you feel about trekking up with all your groceries?

Have you thought about taking a couple of months away from flat hunting, then coming back when there are new properties on the market and you feel less jaded? Shopping for my first home was sooooo exciting!

PasturesNew

Chocolate*fish wrote: »

I worry if I am seeing these two points (kitchen and storage) as negatives to a greater extent as the other property has them

My "perfect house" would have a ceiling-to-floor-wall-to-wall cupboard in the bedroom, one elsewhere ... and in the kitchen a pantry.

Are the room sizes/layouts such that you could create your own storage like that?

PasturesNew

Find out if there are any odd covenants in either flat that will annoy you.

Made_Without

@PasturesNew - How do I find out about covenants? Isn't that something I can only do once the solicitors take a look at deeds?

One of the bedrooms does have floor to ceiling wardrobes
But I guess it's because prop 2 has eaves storage - lots of little hiding places!

@Firefox - I know what you mean by the garden not being used - but selling / renting in 5-10+ years time may be useful.

Prop 1 kitchen room for all dishwasher, washing machine etc etc - but no room for dining there - the dining room is in the living room

Prop 2 kitchen is big has a central seating area - living room is big enough to accomodate a dining table too.

Service charges - prop 1 is half of Prop 2.
Not sure about utility bills
Council tax - same area so I guess similar bands (or comparable)
Both are well maintained.

No lift to prop 2 - so good point on the grocery haul - however, its not a high-rise; only two levels so not too bad.

I know what you mean about taking a break, but I just want things almost done and dusted sounds sad but I need something to be ticked off the long list of to-dos i feel I am creating. - that's a whole different thread!
don't get me wrong I am excited about both properties - just not like the last time when it all fell through - more cautious I think.


Thanks - I'm enjoying being given more items to consider!

C*F