follow your head of your heart?

firebird082

Isn't there a happy medium? Old is wonderful, I agree. I would love an old victorian semi, but instead we're buying a 1960's terrace. It still has character, but I couldn't live in a new build box. Is the old one where the seller's were refusing the invasive survey?

pinkteapot

Keep looking.

When you're viewing the right house, you'll make the usual non-committal noises so you can negotiate on the price afterwards, but you'll be trying desperately not to grin like a loon because it feels like home.

cookie_monster_2

Yes that's the one, when they refused a surveyor to perform an intrusive survey.

This how for us is a starter home - we're in our late twenties, plan to get married soon and within the next five years we would like one kid. We think in approximately five years time we will be moving on and looking at different houses. This is not a long term home for us.

It's funny the newer build has a big garden, it's south west facing, everything is done and under warranty. The older one is starting to make us think maybe we are not ready to take on an old house that needs commitment and money. We still want to holiday twice a year and take city breaks.

It's weird how one thing - like them refusing the survey - has made us look elsewhere and question the whole buying process all over again.

pinkteapot

From what you've just said, I think you're better off in a lower maintenance house and that means newer. Given your plan, you also want to be considering saleability and how easily you'll be able to sell it in five years.

I do still think you should view more though. Even if it's only for five years, I think it's a bit sad if you're not excited by your first owned home. There must be one that's right for both head and heart.

jonewer

Errata wrote: »

Follow your heart if you will live in the house for the next 50 years, otherwise follow your head. Plenty of fish in the sea.

Pretty much this.

Yes, you will spend less on upkeep on a brand new house compared to an old listed cottage, but only in the short term.

My house was built in 1884 with substantial extensions put in about 20 years ago.

In the 4 years I have had it, all of the big-ticket repair work has been done on things or parts which are less than 20 years old (boiler and heating/hotwater system/roof repairs and so on) and the looming big-ticket items are evenly split between the old part (bit of damp) and the modern extension (sinking floorboards).

Really though, its a personal choice. I like my house to have as much character as possible, but thats just not important to some people.

DigForVictory

The heart place isn't/wasn't the house you planned to raise children in? Then keep looking!

We live in a Listed moneypit, that all five of us fell for (littler two still on reins at the time) & although it's a load of hassle, it has space for us all that we wanted & it's our home.
When they fly the nest, we'll sell up & move as the family we bought it from did.

If you spend a few years in the Wrong Place it isn't fatal but, since you've not bought one yet, keep looking!

Tenyearstogo

Given your future plans I'd definitely say go with your head.

We live in a modern detached, built 9 years ago. It's not a house I love with my heart but it is in the right location with the ideal layout. It has no real character but we will only be here for another 10 years. We will move when the children leave home and buy a house for us.

ERICS_MUM

I bought my first flat with my head. It was a boring 1960's block but needed little work or maintenance and was in a good area. I was happy there - first home so I enjoyed making it cosy and inviting without spending a lot. Sold it after 3 years for a good profit, bought a new build and repeated the process.

After a couple of years I sold the new build and bought with my heart. I love my house, been here 20 years and hope to be here for ever.

vansboy

A year ago, before everything changed for me, we were to buy 'our' forever home, my then new partner and me.

We found it, a lovely barn conversion, with roses around the door, lovely well kept property and sweet owners. Established garden, not a mess, garage for me, fireplace for her wood burner. So many other 'right for our hearts' things.

In reality it would have pushed us to limit, with funding, been a bit cramped for friends staying over - only two bedrooms, now her teenage daughter is pregnant as well, it would have been a longer journey for my ex to get to work.

Apart from us no longer being together, the heart would still have won, despite the drawbacks that can now be seen

VB

em_9187

so you're going to pull out the sale and leave the vendors in a right mess?

i would be furious