First time buyer-just want your opinion

purcel

Hi all,
We've finally managed to get a deposit(yay) and we have seen quite a few properties in the last month but only one catched our interest.

The garden is a bit unusual , it has a bit of a patio area at the bottom and then some really steep stairs that takes you to another type of patio.

Just wanted your opinion as to what should be our first offer.

The price is really good for this type of property in the area(3 bedrooms, really nicely decorated, garage en bloc), do you think it is because of the type of garden it has?

Also we do plan to stay in the property for quite a long time, but we were still a bit worried that we might have problems to sell (when and if we would decide to move) just because the garden is unusual.

Thanks for your help and your opinions.

pastmybest

I was going to look but the link is not working for me.

Running_Horse

Is that Downswood or Shepway? Probably makes a difference, if you know what I mean.

I wouldn't want a steep garden for my family, but that's me. I like to kick a ball and run around.

purcel

I am not sure if it is classed as Shepway or Downswood as it is in between these. It looks a decent area, and the rooms are a good size and not far from my Husband's work. For what we can afford there are no 3 bedrooms ones with a bigger garden in a decent area.

pastmybest

I have lived in houses with both types of slope. Those where the garden rises steeply and those where the garden drops steeply.

The only advice I can give is that in both cases there will be a lot who overwise would of bought but who will not. It will cut out those with kids as nowhere to play and steep steps to the front door in a family home especially with prams. Also cuts out older who see the steps as a worry.

Both of my past houses we on the level on the front but the back gardens were off putters so you may buy something with a double off putter. I was able to have a gardener do the garden but costs were around £20 per time for mowing plus extra for other types of work. But the house does look good but I doubt buyers will want to factor in extra gardener costs.

Running_Horse

Is that your price limit and must it be three bedrooms?

We gave up on Maidstone and looked in places like Lenham, Ditton, and Wouldham.

purcel

It doesn't have to be 3 bedrooms.We have seen 2 bedrooms ones with small garden as well and priced more than this one.

Unfortunately it has to be around 3 miles away from Bearsted as my husband works there and doesn't drive, so he'll have to cycle, so Lenham, ditton, etc is not even an option

Running_Horse

I got round that problem by getting a provisional license and a cheap motorbike. It opened up a few more possibilities. If that's not likely, I would go for area before house size.

purcel

Well, this one is in a decent area, doesn't need updating and it is more than we wanted really as we've never thought we can afford a 3 bedroom one.

sprocker1

Bearing in mind its been on sale for 5 months+ I think I would go in at £138,950

Good luck

purcel

Sorry, I might be thick, but how do you know it's been for sale for 5 months?