What's wrong with a two bed house?

SailorSam

My first house that i bought years ago, way back when Noah was a lad, was a 2bed terrace, Then when i moved it was to a modern 2bed 'Wimpey Rubbish' one. And that was only 'cos i wanted a drive to park the car on.
If you think about all the bad press that we've had on the news about the 'bedroom tax' it's mostly about people living in 3bed houses and they want to downsize but there aren't enough 2bed houses to go around.

ManuelG

My parents still live in the same 2 bed house they bought when married 50 years ago.

LisaLou1982

My first house was a 2 bed victorian terrace. It was just me living there and i loved it! I sold it 4 years later within weeks. Funnily enough i didnt get any feedback from anyone telling me they wanted more bedrooms....

Chocolatefund

I plan to purchase a nice two up two down terrace A third bedroom sounds nice but not always really necessary.

Starter homes will always been in demand

PasturesNew

I've tried 101 ways to reply to this with big posts. But then I delete my text ....so I'll leave it at:

I bought a 2-bed.

Haylescom

I live in a new town nearish to London and have just aold my 2-bed. We had over 30 viewings and the number of offers were in double figures. 2 bedroom houses in this town usually have an offer made and accepted on them within a week of going on sale, with most estate agents having a list of viewers wanting a 2 bed who are round before the pictures are even online. We had FTBs, investors, cash buyers, middle-aged couples, singletons and families who put in offers.
The three beds, however, do not sell anywhere near as quickly, and the price margin is narrowing.
The house we are moving to is also a 2 bed, in a nicer area. We have no children and no plans to have any at present, so suits us just fine.

DRP

Starter/FTB homes are always popular.

They are often the most affordable houses in nice/expensive areas of bigger houses.

Small 2-bed Victorian terraces often located very centrally in cities - so perfect location-wise for many buyers.

All of the above true when i bought my first house, and it sold very easily.

SaveSomeMore_2

I'm single and did view 2 bed houses, but for much the same reasons as moneyistooshorttomention said, a 3 bedroom was a real preference as it allows for me to have a master bedroom, a guest room and a separate closed off study. Again I did view 2 beds, but there just wasn't the price difference between 2 and 3 bedrooms to justify going smaller (my 3 bed cost the same as a 2 bed on the next street).

I think 2 beds will appeal to quite a few demographics (maybe elderly couples, people downsizing, people wanting to "upsize" from a flat/rented to house, young couples without children) but I think one problem is the latter category are now often thinking long term and want "family houses". Also in the days of the internet and working at home, having a study is a draw and some won't want a computer in the dining room/second bedroom (they need a separate quiet space). Depends who is viewing though!

All in all if 2 beds in your area are massively cheaper it is definitely worth considering. I do think 3 beds will be more saleable BUT by the same measure a 2 bed house will be more saleable than a 1-2 bed flat (more space, no service charges etc) so there will probably always be good demand. I wouldn't personally buy one with a downstairs bathroom though as that is one hurdle many prospective buyers cannot get over - you limit your market as the prospect of going downstairs and through the kitchen to pee at the night is never going to be a positive selling point!

Kynthia

I have a friend that lived in a two bed house. I personally think that on average they have more types of prospective buyers than a two bed flat due to size, privacy, garden and freehold; especially if they are cheaper than a three bed house. Retired downsizers, more mature first-time buyers and/or those with a slightly bigger budget, singletons up-sizing, child-free couples or have one child, single parent of one child, friends buying together wanting equal sized bedrooms, etc. Yes some of these might consider a two bed flat or try to stretch to a three bed house but I doubt either will have the variety of potential buyers.

MoneyEM

I'm 23 (single) and looking for my first house. I think a 2 bed is ideal for me, giving the flexibility to get in a lodger if needed to help out with the mortgage. I have looked at centrally located flats but have been put off by the ground rents & charges and the small proportions of the rooms. I want the freedom of my own space, the potential to change the layout in future and so forth...