Opinions wanted please...could you live there for a year...

lindsaygalaxy

Ok, im hoping some lovely people on here can share their opinions. I am posting it on here as I think people on here are more likely to have suggestions.

There are 4 of us, 2 adults and 2 children (4 and 8).
We have been given an 'opportunity' to rent a chalet type house. It is very run down but in a beautiful area. It is timber frame with a type of cladding. Single glazed windows in metal frames. There seems to be no permenant heating. The kitchen isnt too bad but would need a new cooker. There is a small bathroom and electric shower. 2 bedrooms, both double but not huge. I would say its around £500-£600 square foot.

He has offered it to us rent free for the first 6 months then the minimum amount he can charge for a tennancy agreement at £250 a year.

Am I crazy to consider it. We are trying to save for a deposit in a pretty expensive area paying nearly £1k a month in rent. We could possible put some kind of extension on the back. There is a similar building there where someone else lives. It is basicaly in someones garden.

What are thoughts please?

Ruby_woo

Go for it IMO x

CountingPennies

I'd go for it. Sounds like it could be what you need to get the money saved that you want saving . x

meritaten

how much would it cost you in portable heaters to keep it warm in winter? because on the face of it you would be saving an awful lot of money - at least £8-9k! sounds to me like an old lodge home. and many people did live all year round in them! It is doable, but be prepared to compromise. and when you do get your own place you are going to think its luxury in comparison!

honeythewitch

I would jump at the chance, but only you can decide what is best for your family.
You say it is in someone's garden? Will you have enough privacy?

Lagoon

To me, it sounds like the perfect opportunity as long as you can afford the heating.
A nice area is much more important than a luxury property.

aliasojo

It's a no brainer imo.

I'd definitely be willing to put up with something like this for the short term if it enabled me to save for my long term future.

It's a roof over your head for practically nothing. I'm sure you could put up with the drawbacks knowing they wont be forever.

theoretica

Is it the sort of area where you could live outdoors a lot of the time? I would say go for it and warm yourselves not the house.

Valli

As others have said, it's a golden opportunity to get some hard cash saved.
Make it into an adventure for the kids (and you) and you'll look back on 'the year you pulled together and saved like mad' as a fun time! - in fact, keep a diary or do a blog and it might even provide an additional boost when you publish your book!

bubbs

I live in a static caravan, on a proper site we have double glazing and central heating but dont use it as it eats the bottle gas!, but in the winter when its cold we use a portable gas fire (calor) and oil filled radiators and its toasty warm in here
My only though would be space for all your things and kids toys unless your going to put into storage?

Fruball

Valli wrote: »

As others have said, it's a golden opportunity to get some hard cash saved.
Make it into an adventure for the kids (and you) and you'll look back on 'the year you pulled together and saved like mad' as a fun time! - in fact, keep a diary or do a blog and it might even provide an additional boost when you publish your book!

Saving a grand a month - let's say you spend £2k (would be quite some achievement!) on heating, you still save £10k in the year! Would I go for it YES YES YES!!!

If you were doing it indefinitely, it might be quite miserable in winter BUT, knowing there is a light at the end of the tunnel would be well worth it and get you through the not so great times. Frankly, even if you lived in it for the 6 free months and then bailed out in winter having paid your £250, then you could just go back into rented having saved £6k!!!

Look at it as a challenge and adventure and definitely keep a diary/blog as Valli says, or even approach a tv company!