looking for a house to buy in Swansea

Gazoula · 24 April 2016 at 1:03PM

Hi everyone,

I have gone through the forums on anything and everything Swansea related and need some help please.

I'll be a mature (36 years young) medical student in swansea and am looking at places to buy. Looking to commute between Singleton, Port Talbot and Morriston Hospitals with a budget of 100K.

I saw some places in Neath which seem to be crazy cheap (like 55K) but not knowing the area at all - it ofcourse makes me wonder if the price is low due a reason I dont understand

So far the very affordable houses I've found are in;

- Neath - Cimla / Tai Bank (Tonna)
- Morriston (Pleasent Street / Parc Avanue / Caemawr Rd.)

As I have limited time to spend in Swansea before hand I'm just scouring the web for a short list of places that I think will be suitable - using crime maps and internet to see what people say - but I have very little and mixed info on Morriston and Neath as areas.

I'll be working unsociable hours so safety and quietness is important for me - I'll have a car so wont rely heavily on public transport.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Thank you.

Gigervamp · 24 April 2016 at 1:47PM

Neath is cheap because it's not very nice. Many years ago, when I was looking for a house around the Swansea area, Morriston looked grotty, but Sketty and Uplands looked ok, and Uplands now has a farmer's market.

ManuelG · 24 April 2016 at 1:51PM

Uplands is indeed nice, albeit variable because it's in striking distance of the university. I'd happily live there, though.

I'd avoid the areas the OP mentioned, personally, but I don't know them over-well to understand the nuances of them.

Gazoula · 24 April 2016 at 4:49PM

Thank you both - yes both those areas (uplands and sketty) are at the top of my budget but may give pause to house hunting in Neath in this case...

flutterbyuk25 · 24 April 2016 at 4:57PM

I used to live on Pleasant Street!! This was 15 years ago though, but we loved it. Nice sized house (2 bed), decent garden. The only downside is the parking which is on street and can be a struggle, which working unsociable hours you may not want.

I'm Swansea born and bred, and just a bit younger than you. Personally I would avoid Neath, especially the areas you mentioned. I don't know Neath well though, but it's not somewhere I would live myself. Morriston has good and bad points, I live in Llansamlet now but often pop to Morriston for the shops and banks. There are some dodgier parts to it but same for most small places.

Coincidentally I grew up in Uplands, lived there til I moved to Morriston. I adored the Uplands, but it got a bit too studenty. It's bounced back a bit now, the monthly market is brilliant and there is now a good nightlife/restaurant scene. Parking can be an issue.

Have you looked at areas like Cwmrhydyceirw and Parc Gwenfadog in Morriston, or Tregof Village, Herbert Thomas Estate in Birchgrove? Newer build houses on quieter estates, 2 beds with parking go for around the £100K mark.

Hope that helps!

Gazoula · 24 April 2016 at 5:22PM

Perfect thank you so much will start to concentrate my house searches to the areas you've mentioned! Really really appreciate your help!

iantojones40 · 24 April 2016 at 6:43PM

Found the perfect place for you, just a fraction over budget but don't worry about that in this current buying frenzy... and remember the MSE forums mantra, you can NEVER pay too much for a house.

http://www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/40201383?search_identifier=6341a7857d06f09ccf0253cf16ebd0d0#ZF14cUZTCVhPMT4b.97

Gazoula · 24 April 2016 at 6:49PM

Erm lost for words

with a bit of TLC maybe able sell it off with a bit of profit (in Mars!)

)

Gazoula · 24 April 2016 at 7:05PM

Is North hill road ok place - it seems to be on the boarder of may hill and mount pleasant?

And you said you lived on Pleasent Street in Morrison? Would you also recommend that area too then? Thank you again in advance for all your help and time!

AnotherJoe · 24 April 2016 at 7:23PM

Id advise you rent for six months first, look around, find out how areas look to you personally

Gazoula · 24 April 2016 at 7:27PM

I have thought of that but the thought of moving twice when time is so tight is making me nervous (it's a really busy course with holidays chewed up with more revision etc.) so ideally I'd love to get really lucky with a house this summer and settle before my course starts... (I know very optimistic!) but if I can't find a place this summer then I'll rent and try my luck next summer...