Opinions please

marjrie_2

plumfin wrote: »

I would check on the potential development on the first option to see how much green land will remain after all the houses are built. If it will stay as it is, I would go for that one with a more rural feel. Totally down to your heart though I think! Go and see them. Good luck.

We have looked at both, the older one certainly has a homely feel, but I think we could achieve that in the newer house.
The land in front of the new build is parking area, as beside and to the back of it will be allotments, which I think was an agreement to not having any social housing on the development. All building is now complete.
There are bus stops and a convenience shops very near both houses

Hillbilly1

All developments over 12 dwellings have to include a % of properties that are social housing. It's govt policy so unless it's a small development it will have some.

I think the garden in the new build is appealing as you could do what you liked. It also looks a little less overlooked?

ec07733

The second one - I find the garden in the first one a bit oppressive but also, the second one looks very well maintained so you could update/modernise very easily as your leisure.


But, as a previous poster said, how likely will it be that all family stay?


My parents have now just downsized to a small 3 bed (2 bed and a box room) because for one reason or another, we have never all stayed at the same time (even Christmas) so they were paying utility bills/council tax for space that wasn't used or needed

teddysmum

I think the front of second house looks more attractive than the first. Also, I prefer the layout and the garden is not an odd shape. It's aslo cheaper.


I too wonder whether you need four bedrooms, just for visits. Surely children who have the luxury of their own room, at home, wouldn't mind sharing for the visits (They probably share a hotel room when on holiday)

marjrie_2

Thanks for taking the time to look, we probably don't need 4 bedrooms but even just the 2 of us we like a decent size living space, and a kitchen big enough to eat in. To get this it seems to always be 4 bedroom houses.
3 bedrooms would be fine if the living area was a good size.

JournalGirl

Another vote for the second one. the garden looks really nice, and I love the kitchen/utility arrangement

jellie

First one for me. Not necessarily because I prefer the house, but it's modern. The second one doesn't look homely to me, I just see old fashioned. The ceilings look like they might be Artex as well - I hate the stuff and depending on age, it might be difficult to get rid of.

With the second, I'd have to factor in the cost of a new kitchen and bathroom as I don't like either. I don't like the doors of the built in units in the bedroom, nor the fact that they don't go up to the ceiling so will be dust traps.

Carer

Something to think on:
Which one would be easiest to navigate around if one of you becomes a bit infirm (walking frame or stick). Can either of them accomodate a stairlift easily if one is needed in the future? Is there room in bathrooms and toilets for grab rails etc?
How easy would it be to get from car to inside house if one of you is pushing the other in a wheelchair? How about carrying shopping from car to house - are there steps to negotiate?

I know it's not something we like to think about, but if this is retirement house then eventually you may need some of these things.
Try looking at it through eyes of 90 yr old and see which is better then.

Oh and definitely house 2

ecgirl07

Second one due to the garden.

dirty_magic

I think the cheaper older one is far nicer than the newer one. I think it looks nicer outside, I don't like the newer one at all. Plus it has the kind of kitchen that I hate!