Quit everything , and start again over 50?

amateur_house

Good luck AC, I hope you are feeling closer to making a decision on whether to buy the flat. I think it is only with hindsight we know if we have done the right thing.

I was unsure about buying a house that needed a lot of work, and my back up plan was like yours, I can always sell it on if I've made a mistake. I was due to exchange/complete on Wednesday 8th February, but backed out on the day of completion. I felt bad letting the vendor down, but it is a probate house so no chain. I realised I had made a mistake and emailed the estate agent 2 days later on the Friday to apologise and ask if the vendor would still consider going ahead with the sale. I got a reply the next day that they had already sold it again to a cash buyer for a higher price. An expensive (£800) lesson learned.

I don't know if hearing my bad experience helps you come to a decision, except to be really certain you don't want the flat before withdrawing your offer.

another_casualty

amateur_house wrote: »

Good luck AC, I hope you are feeling closer to making a decision on whether to buy the flat. I think it is only with hindsight we know if we have done the right thing.

I was unsure about buying a house that needed a lot of work, and my back up plan was like yours, I can always sell it on if I've made a mistake. I was due to exchange/complete on Wednesday 8th February, but backed out on the day of completion. I felt bad letting the vendor down, but it is a probate house so no chain. I realised I had made a mistake and emailed the estate agent 2 days later on the Friday to apologise and ask if the vendor would still consider going ahead with the sale. I got a reply the next day that they had already sold it again to a cash buyer for a higher price. An expensive (£800) lesson learned.



I don't know if hearing my bad experience helps you come to a decision, except to be really certain you don't want the flat before withdrawing your offer.

Sorry to hear of your experience a h . There's always a gamble involved unfortunately . I hope you got something in the end.

I walk past the flat everyday . It's only around the corner.
I can see in the flat as it is empty. This got me realising the fact that if I did proceed then I would have to increase security on those windows among other things . I will get more of a feel on Tuesday . It will be the third "viewing " .

amateur_house

another_casualty wrote: »

Sorry to hear of your experience a h . There's always a gamble involved unfortunately . I hope you got something in the end.

I walk past the flat everyday . It's only around the corner.
I can see in the flat as it is empty. This got me realising the fact that if I did proceed then I would have to increase security on those windows among other things . I will get more of a feel on Tuesday . It will be the third "viewing " .

Not found anything else to even view yet, I have a very limited budget hence I am restricted to houses that need work that I can save up and do up over time.

At least you know the area now, and the more viewings the better. I had 5 viewings of the house I lost, one with a builder who gave me estimates for the work.

harz99

AC, well half height nets are the cheap and fairly easy option although don't help when the lights are on and the curtains open. Window film is a cheapish but not so easy option, downside being most types stop you seeing out as well. Third is vertical slatted blinds which are much dearer, but by far the best as they let some light in with careful angling and can be closed fully at night to give privacy even with the room lights on.

another_casualty

Thanks harz .
Me being paranoid and cautious , I notice there is a front wall.
Hopefully nobody decides to sit on it .
Proper window locks . Maybe tempered glass .
Maybe get glass with a wire pattern. Lots to think about .

dreaming

harz99 wrote: »

AC, well half height nets are the cheap and fairly easy option although don't help when the lights are on and the curtains open. Window film is a cheapish but not so easy option, downside being most types stop you seeing out as well. Third is vertical slatted blinds which are much dearer, but by far the best as they let some light in with careful angling and can be closed fully at night to give privacy even with the room lights on.

Or shutters. Admittedly can be expensive - I had small bedroom window and my bedroom window (which is a bay window)done louvre shutters for about £1500 a few years ago and love them. Better than venetian blinds as I can fully fold back the top ones to open a window (I have 2 tier ones although you can get just the one per window), and they're not so flimsy so easier to clean. The only thing I found out is that they do let a bit of light in and as I like my bedroom to be as dark as possible I did also put some cheap, dark curtains up as well. I took down the vertical blinds which were here as they're not to my taste (remind me too much of work!) and had the problem of having to move them out of the way to open the window, then close them again. And they definitely let light in!

another_casualty

amateur_house wrote: »

Not found anything else to even view yet, I have a very limited budget hence I am restricted to houses that need work that I can save up and do up over time.

At least you know the area now, and the more viewings the better. I had 5 viewings of the house I lost, one with a builder who gave me estimates for the work.

Crossing my fingers for you

another_casualty

dreaming wrote: »

Or shutters. Admittedly can be expensive - I had small bedroom window and my bedroom window (which is a bay window)done louvre shutters for about £1500 a few years ago and love them. Better than venetian blinds as I can fully fold back the top ones to open a window (I have 2 tier ones although you can get just the one per window), and they're not so flimsy so easier to clean. The only thing I found out is that they do let a bit of light in and as I like my bedroom to be as dark as possible I did also put some cheap, dark curtains up as well. I took down the vertical blinds which were here as they're not to my taste (remind me too much of work!) and had the problem of having to move them out of the way to open the window, then close them again. And they definitely let light in!

I like the idea of shutters myself . It's people gawking when they walk past, or people just looking in when I'm not there :eek:
On the converted house next to mine, there is a car parked outside the front window . I'll have to watch that .
It still may not work out , so I have to be patient and realistic .
I notice that 2 flats came up for sale last week. Both sold ssc already.
I guess Easter time is when more places. Come up for sale.

harz99

another_casualty wrote: »

Thanks harz .
Me being paranoid and cautious , I notice there is a front wall.
Hopefully nobody decides to sit on it .
Proper window locks . Maybe tempered glass .
Maybe get glass with a wire pattern. Lots to think about .

I think your going a bit far there.


Most small time burglars avoid anywhere that is shut up, that would need them to spend time on breaking glass or framing to gain access, that the main access points are clearly visible from a lit street.


All they want is a quick and easy in and out - open windows and unlocked doors for instance.


As long as your windows are secure, and they look as though they are pvc with multipoint locking, so should be secure when shut properly.


Window locks are an extra layer of security but given the ease with which keys to them can be obtained not that much of a deterrent (especially as people tend to leave the key in the lock). And yes insurers like them.


Far more likely your weak point will be the sole entry door, which if not a multi point locking composite or PVC one is open to being forced. Either way you should get the barrel of the door lock(s) changed as soon as you get the keys and certainly before you moving any valuables into the flat.


No need for wired glass (which would look awful) or tempered glass IMHO.

harz99

another_casualty wrote: »

On the converted house next to mine, there is a car parked outside the front window . I'll have to watch that .

The right of access over the ground areas that both you and the other flat owners have should be specified in the title deeds, you should ask your solicitor about that, as that piece in front of your windows could conceivably be set up as a communal turning head with access by all flat owners, or it could be your allocated parking area - best check before buying if that is going to bother you.