Quit everything , and start again over 50?

harz99

AC, I know you have a lot to consider, however the ground floor one of the two I linked to is a proper two bed and is not going to cost much more than Kingsbridge if anything at all. As to it's price, maybe a motivated seller, a more pragmatic EA or many other reasons, who knows.

another_casualty

harz99 wrote: »

AC, I know you have a lot to consider, however the ground floor one of the two I linked to is a proper two bed and is not going to cost much more than Kingsbridge if anything at all. As to it's price, maybe a motivated seller, a more pragmatic EA or many other reasons, who knows.

Yeah, you did mention that harz . it certainly would only be the one in Langley st.
I'm just wondering why it's cheaper than the pokey upstairs one .

another_casualty

harz99 wrote: »

AC, I know you have a lot to consider, however the ground floor one of the two I linked to is a proper two bed and is not going to cost much more than Kingsbridge if anything at all. As to it's price, maybe a motivated seller, a more pragmatic EA or many other reasons, who knows.

I think I'll view this !:)

anna_1977

Good call AC, I know it's more than the current one but from the photos I don't think you would NEED to do any work at all which is worth the £10k+ that you are talking about with current offer

Let us know how you get one

dreaming

gallygirl wrote: »

Haz's list is very comprehensive but how many of the cons (or similar) would apply to any flat. Are you considering pulling out because of your own second thoughts or because what is being said on here? If you're happy with it then maybe we should just shut up!!!! I wouldn't worry about extra solicitors costs in the big scheme of things.

What I would worry about is planning to spend money on a new kitchen and bathroom at the moment. There is nothing wrong with either of them - a coat of paint etc and they would be good for a few years, by which time you'll know how your health and employment has panned out. Don't for heavens sake eat too far into your capital and leave yourself destitute. In three years time you could have a new bathroom or kitchen done while you take yourself off on holiday for the week.

It's also far too early to think of knocking down walls and changing the layout - until you've lived there and seen how the space 'works' you're not in a good place to judge.

My thoughts pretty much. I have been very busy for the last couple of weeks so have only paid flying visits on here but it looks as if you are fairly set on this flat so good luck with it. I don't think you are actually going to rush into doing everything on your wish-list (at least I hope you are not going to!). As I said once before I think you use this thread as a sort of thinking out loud forum. Understandable really as you don't have your circle of friends/family close by to discuss things with (although I do feel we are all sort of friends now). I think out loud all the time and friends etc. are used to me and tend to not take me too seriously as the chances are I will be thinking something entirely different tomorrow. It is useful to have other people's viewpoints when mulling things over but at the we don't really know you and how you live so a viewpoint is all they are. The pros and cons which harz listed are all good points but again, as long as you have considered them honestly then there isn't much more to be said.
I hope you will consider tucking some money away for the future. The rates aren't great at the moment but fixed rate bonds are a good idea for a couple of years just so you are not tempted to spend the cash - out of sight, out of mind and all that.. By then you would have a good idea of any improvements you wanted to make and hopefully health will be better and maybe you will have found employment. I certainly wouldn't do too much to the kitchen except clean and paint, but maybe agree on the bathroom before moving in if you prefer a walk in shower (I know you said the head-height wasn't great).
Here, Alfie cat is worrying me again (it it isn't kids it's cats!). He doesn't seem himself really and has gone off his food again. Although he is only 14 he is an "old" cat if you know what I mean. A big ginger tom, he used to wander off for days at a time and has a few battle scars, but he can't jump very well now so just hobbles round the garden (if the weather is favourable) then comes in and sleeps (and snores!). He is also very attached to me - if I go out eldest has said that he wanders round the house yowling for half an hour before sleeping on my bed. If I sit down to watch tv he sits with his front paws on my lap as if to pin me down. Will have to consider a trip to the vets again if he doesn't pick up.
Well, weather is favourable today - went for a walk round the block earlier and was a bit warm in my big coat. Washing is on the line, there is a blackbird in the trees behind me going manic, and I have 2 daffodils flowering. Hoorah - spring is on it's way (ok - cue snow and ice now - sorry!).

another_casualty

Thanks dreaming . Hope Alfie gets better. My last cat died at 16.although the year before , was when things started changing
You should be prepared for a few more vets visits this year . Sorry to say.

Yeah I'm basically thinking aloud as you say. I'm keeping everyone involved
( who hasn't lost interest ), as to where I'm ending up.
I was over the top needy at first, but one of the awkward pieces of the jigsaw is ahead . I'm more familiar with the area now , but because of age /transport and the fact that I don't want to be too cut off I've made things more difficult for myself. Having said that, I've viewed a few properties in a short time .

I aim to put away a fair bit of cash, as I didn't do all this for nothing.
Being 55 in December , I may put majority in a pension so that I a, allowed to claim benefits. Then I can take some of it out when need be . Only some of it . So I'm still trying to behave logically .

dreaming

Putting cash in pension is good idea. I did that with my redundancy money which was very good as I had worked there for over 20 years. First £30k was tax free then the rest was placed in pension pot - again tax free. As I decide to retire (I was 58 at the time) I could then take out a large lump sum from my pension (tax free) which I used to pay off my mortgage, and started drawing my pension. As it was a final salary pension (not too many around any more) I realised that what I would receive each month wasn't far off what I was earning before, minus my mortgage payment, so life hasn't changed too much for me (at least until eldest moved back). Still have quite a bit tucked away for house repairs/emergencies etc. I planned things so I am "just" below the tax threshold so although I do watch the pennies I do manage to live the life I want to and have a few treats.
Yes probably will have to stump up for vet fees, although tend to think cat is just "getting old". He definitely has arthritis in his back legs and Im not sure that his sight is a s good as it used to be (I know the feeling). Having his top teeth removed at New Year was quite traumatic for him and I'm not sure I want to put him through that for the bottom teeth. He doesn't seem in pain and I do worry that the vet may say there is nothing much they can do for him so would then have to decide about having him put to sleep, or just carry on as we are. I have said that I will have no more cats after him though. I have had 6 in the last 30-odd years (2 at a time mostly) and have had some real characters but they are a tie if you want to go away for a couple of days (although with eldest here not such a problem at the moment) and they are a worry and can be expensive. Still, ask me again in a couple of years. Do you think your thread will still be going then? (Can't seem to do smilies so insert one here). I'm still following with interest and keeping fingers crossed that you will soon be settled into your new life and ready for the next adventure.

another_casualty

Thanks dreaming . I'll probably close this one after the move to wherever.
Then do a part 2.( aargh ! No more I hear you cry ) That would / should be a lot shorter and more of a catchup than constant bleating .:)

There is a one bedroom property up the road from where I am at the moment in penn hill . That looks like my kind of thing . Sent my friend the link . He says it"s too small. Top end of budget, yet the seller has used 3 estate agents . It has a front garden , and a ( very ) small courtyard.
It looks in walk in condition , where nothing needs doing . Has a cat flap also. Can't remember how to post links on an iPad .

wendym

Just a couple of thoughts. The kitchen and bathroom are never going to feel bright and airy, but you could find a local company who will do a one-off deep clean, then live with them for say three months before deciding whether you want to rip them out, or keep the funds to buy you a bit longer before having to find work. And my daughter has just bought for both of us a daylight plug in light. No help in the bathroom, which just needs very efficient ventilation/extraction, but could transform the kitchen. They came from either Aldi or Lidl, for £30-ish.

As a complete non-expert, the only thing that still bothers me is the electrical work. £3000 sounds roughly right for re-wiring a small flat. Have you seen a list of the work to be done?

harz99

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-64608539.html


http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-64437056.html


http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-64650995.html


Put all three on as one has a floorplan and some of the pictures are different.


IMHO looks okay but very expensive for a 1 bed flat, although no ongoing service charge is a huge bonus.


Best thing is go have a look, like I said with the other 2 bed flat, that should help you make up your mind one way or t'other on Kingsbridge.


Oh, and ignore your friends views on 3 EA listings, could be many reasons - like maybe a professional person who needs to sell asap for a career move, again who knows but you can find out!