Cold feet before exchange

sofarbehind

Has anyone felt like this, gone ahead and been fine after the move?
I feel like I have panic bought a house I don't absolutely love and am worried I will regret it if I don't pull out.

I'm relocating so felt pressure to have somewhere to live and try to avoid renting any longer as I'm late 30s. I know the area I'm moving to well, that isn't the issue. A few weeks ago there weren't many properties for sale so I went with one that is OK but not what I've been dreaming of. There are a lot of niggles I can ignore but my main worries are: It doesn't have the curb appeal I want. I viewed it on a very sunny day and I'm worried it might be dark the rest of the year. It's also been flipped by a developer with lots of cost cutting so I'm paying a premium for a bathroom and kitchen I wouldn't have chosen.

Despite my age I'm a first time buyer and buying alone. I've made so many sacrifices over the last five years to save the deposit, I've been dreaming of this moment for a long time. It just doesn't feel how I imagined. I don't love the house. Am I being ridiculous and is it normal to feel like this? Has anyone felt the same and then been fine after the move? Since my offer was accepted two nicer houses have come up for sale, if they'd been there a few weeks ago I am pretty sure there is no way I would have bought this house.

danslenoir

It sounds like you have rushed into choosing this house.

That you are having these feelings now is not a good sign, and I suspect they are going to turn into feelings of regret if you go ahead with the purchase.

I'd pull out.

anselld

sofarbehind wrote: »

Since my offer was accepted two nicer houses have come up for sale, if they'd been there a few weeks ago I am pretty sure there is no way I would have bought this house.

So go and view the nicer ones and make offer if you prefer them.

Buyer's remorse is not uncommon, but usually after completion. If you are in doubt already that isn't likely to change after exchange except that there won't be anything you can do then.

hanb

We felt similar.


Had an offer accepted on the first house we saw and then other nicer looking ones came on the market in the next couple of weeks so we went to the view them. They weren't actually nicer, it was just the photo's that were. Maybe you should have a look at another and see if it's the same.


We also didn't get the 'I love this house' or that 'feeling' people talk about. It was all a lot more practical 'this is nice, we can afford it, we don't need to do too much etc'.


We complete today and I'm now excited!

BJV

It is normal to feel this. This is a massive decision and buying a house it such a big deal. It is not something that you can change in a moments notice. ( well unless you have loads of money ) Sometimes just the sheer weight of the situation can make you feel overwhelmed. I know I was.( and I am no shrinking violet !!! ha ha )

It is up to you. Your choice. The kerb appeal can get better but you will be stuck in the most part to making just cosmetic changes. Can you or do you want to live / accept it ?

Have you thought about going back for another visit? This could set your mind at rest or make the choice for you.

Are there are lots of other houses on the market now?
but you can delay a little while you consider it. I know that it is a pain but it would be better to pull out now than buy something that you do not want.

ronny147

To give this another angle, why were you putting in an offer on a house you are not sure of?

We should be obligated once offer goes in in my view.

Too much money wasted on solicitors and fees because people have "a change of heart".

Only offer on what you are sure you want

Smodlet

If you have not yet exchanged contracts, you can walk away any time you like. Would you rather be stuck in a house you do not like much, kicking yourself for not having had the stones to stand up for yourself, or go and see other places and find out if they are indeed nicer or just had better photographers?

ElsieMonkey

I think the feeling of walking into somewhere and feeling it's the one/falling in love isn't the reality for the majority house hunting (only for those who have tons of money to spend). For most people it's a case of working out their priorities and making compromises, based on their budget. The grass always appears greener, but they require X amount more than you may be able to afford. You say it's not quite what you have been dreaming of, but be honest with yourself about what you have been dreaming of - is it affordable for you, does it even exist in your search area? If you pull out of this one will you be waiting for something that never materialises because it's an unrealistic dream? Also you mention the bathroom and kitchen - these can be changed in time. It's very unlikely that any house you ever buy will be 100% perfect/you.

I can't say what you should do, but maybe try and work out if your feelings are just anxiety of taking on this new/big commitment and/or you needing to accept that the dream doesn't exist (both normal and expected).

Marvel1

I went ahead with my house 9 years ago and regret it, I was in a rush to move out of my parents as I was 25 and younger sister moved out and just got the first house affordable and within the area I knew.

mattk_180

ronny147 wrote: »

To give this another angle, why were you putting in an offer on a house you are not sure of?

OP already said that it was the best in the area at the time. Others that seem better have since come on the market.


I'd suggest, if they're still available, going to see the other houses. There is nothing stopping you having a viewing and it might make your mind up for you.

Kynthia

Some cold feet before a big commitment is normal. However even of you don't love the property you are buying you should at least like it or think it's a good option which ticks a lot of boxes. If you don't then view it again and a few others. You'll either see the others aren't as nice as their photos and not better than yours, which isn't as bad as you remember, which will reassure you or you'll realise you've made a mistake and you can pull out before its too late.