How long should it take to find a house?

the_boot

I have a good budget and realistic expectations.

However there doesn't seem to be that much stock on offer and not much turnover.

After 3 months of looking I don't seem to have made any progress?

I am wondering whether to broaden my search area and make compromises.

Is it just me? Or do others have a similar experience?

HappyMJ

the_boot wrote: »

I have a good budget and realistic expectations.

However there doesn't seem to be that much stock on offer and not much turnover.

After 3 months of looking I don't seem to have made any progress?

I am wondering whether to broaden my search area and make compromises.

Is it just me? Or do others have a similar experience?

It can take years to find the right house to buy which meets all of your requirements.

If you're willing to relocate then yes look further afield.

You can also create a flyer that you can post through the doors of the houses which you would like but aren't on the market...you never know someone might be interested in selling but hasn't got around to it yet.

Red-Squirrel_2

First time buyer or selling as well?

Unless you have an unlimited budget and no time constraints, there will always be a level of compromise with every house.

I started looking seriously when I accepted an offer on my flat, and it was about 5 weeks until I found somewhere and had my own offer accepted. Its not in the area I was originally hoping to buy, but its still a nice location that I'm happy with. Its near a busy road, which is a compromise, but its a better planned/laid out style of house than the ones available in the original search area which compensates for that to an extent!

What are you finding are the stumbling blocks? What are you looking for and what's coming up?

the_boot

I'm actually a cash buyer and not in a chain so should "technically" be in a good position.

Ideally, I would like a house with a garden that's perhaps a little shabby inside so that I can put my own stamp on it in terms of Kitchen/Bathroom but is still liveable.

I've been round new build estates, and really don't like them. Particularly when you view the back bedroom and you notice that you are looking directly onto somebody else's back bedroom.

However, since this is the way ALL new builds are arranged - I am beginning to wonder if I am being too picky and should just "get with the programme".

Red-Squirrel_2

Are you restricting your search to newer estates then? What is it that makes you prefer new build over older houses?

HappyMJ

the_boot wrote: »

I'm actually a cash buyer and not in a chain so should "technically" be in a good position.

Ideally, I would like a house with a garden that's perhaps a little shabby inside so that I can put my own stamp on it in terms of Kitchen/Bathroom but is still liveable.

I've been round new build estates, and really don't like them. Particularly when you view the back bedroom and you notice that you are looking directly onto somebody else's back bedroom.

However, since this is the way ALL new builds are arranged - I am beginning to wonder if I am being too picky and should just "get with the programme".

A new build house will depreciate as soon as you buy it too so not looking at them is a good idea. They have a price premium as nothing needs replacing...as the property ages things will start to deteriorate and that will reduce the price. You'll get a lot more out of a older property that you're willing to renovate yourself. Keep looking you'll find one eventually.

kinger101

As a rule of thumb, divide the length of a piece of string by 3, and that's the approximate number of weeks it will take.

the_boot

Red-Squirrel wrote: »

Are you restricting your search to newer estates then? What is it that makes you prefer new build over older houses?

No sorry perhaps I didn't explain the post too well. I'm not restricting my search to any type of property. I don't like new build's, but have looked at some as part of my search. Basically for the reasons HappyMJ quotes;

HappyMJ wrote: »

A new build house will depreciate as soon as you buy it too so not looking at them is a good idea. They have a price premium as nothing needs replacing...as the property ages things will start to deteriorate and that will reduce the price. You'll get a lot more out of a older property that you're willing to renovate yourself. Keep looking you'll find one eventually.

Agree completely with this. You basically pay a premium for a standard Kitchen from a standard choice of ranges - and every house on the estate has similar/same kitchens. I really don't think they are worth the money, but they do seem to sell fast.

ScorpiondeRooftrouser

Are there houses which fit your criteria but are outside your budget, or are there no houses which fit your criteria?

the_boot

ScorpiondeRooftrouser wrote: »

Are there houses which fit your criteria but are outside your budget, or are there no houses which fit your criteria?

There are no houses that fit my criteria within reason. I don't want/need a 6 bed mansion or anything.

My ideal want list would be;
Garden (doesn't need to be huge)
3/4 beds
Reasonable size rooms (not new build boxes)
Kitchen at the back of the house so can open up to view of garden with patio doors.

AlexMac

Look at Auctions; in effect a lottery, so let chance decide? http://propertyauctionaction.co.uk/