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Considering an Offer...Thoughts?

Jimmy106
Jimmy106 Posts: 2 Newbie
edited 12 February 2019 pm28 1:05PM in House buying, renting & selling
Hello,

Looking to get some thoughts on the property below;been to view a twice now and both really like it.

zoopla.co. uk/for-sale/details/48840420?search_identifier=1522331c6954d02eaaff8f5a28e76164



Main positives; Nice village location/3 bed/Good condition/Garden+Garage
Negs; Narrow drive/Maintenance/On busy road/Bathroom Ground floor at the back.

Estate agent reckons they've only had it 6 weeks and lots of interest, others thinking about offering ect (i think it's B.S), Zoopla says its been on sale since the summer and we've seen it advertised for £440k. We are considering bidding £350k upto £360k. Agent says they are looking for between £375-400k. I think it's a fair price (for the area).

Has anyone lived with a downstairs bathroom? Does anyone have any advice?!

Thank-you!

Jimmy
«1

Comments

  • They dropped the price by £50,000 over two months - this suggests that there is a serious need to sell up.

    I've had a downstairs bathroom and it wasn't too bad. It was in a rented property though and I think it might put me off with a purchase, if there were children in the property. Not to mention, it's a long, cold sprint to the bedroom in the winter!

    I think it's a lovely looking house and being on a main road wouldn't really bother me, but it may put others off.

    If I were putting in an offer, judging by the amount it has already been dropped by, I would consider being even cheekier than you and going in at about £340,000.
  • Personally I wouldn't buy a house with a downstairs bathroom unless there was some potential to extend/adapt the upstairs to fit at least a first floor WC in. It's something that really does put people off, hence you asking the question yourself.

    But....if you really like the location, need three bedrooms and parking your options are limited in that price range. If the bathroom was upstairs the price would probably be much higher and possibly over your budget.

    Have you looked to see what prices other properties have sold for in comparision?
  • Not a fan of downstairs bathrooms. My sister in law had one and it was awkward every time we stayed with her we'd have to walk past the lounge wrapped in a towel (or get dressed in the bathroom). But it is probably ok if you just live with a partner and don't have guests come to stay that often.

    I can't get your link to work so can't view the house to comment on it.

    350k is a huge difference to their original asking price (almost 100 grand!). But it depends how desperate they are to sell it. Worth a cheeky offer and see what their response is. They might meet you in the middle.
  • hazyjo
    hazyjo Posts: 15,474 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    https://www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/48840420


    Personal taste I suppose.


    I would rule out anything on a busy road (I have 2 cats) and wouldn't like it anyway, and I would rule out downstairs bathrooms.


    My ex's family used to have one. It was awful staying over at weekends and coming out the bathroom into the kitchen where his mum always seemed to be (having a bath or even using the loo). Couldn't wash my hands if doing makeup or hair or if you have spills. I am always in and out of my bathroom when getting ready.


    That top floor conversion doesn't even have a sink. If you even need to wash your hands (let alone need the loo), you'll have to go down two flights. What if you're sick/ill? Do you have kids, or are you likely to have them? Who'll be up in that top floor bedroom?


    Downstairs bathrooms can be quite easy with kids as it gives you a downstairs loo - but bedtimes might be a bit more difficult.


    Anyway, like I said, personal taste. Others sing their praises. Definite no-no for me though. I would consider one if there was just an en-suite upstairs.
    2024 wins: *must start comping again!*
  • Cakeguts
    Cakeguts Posts: 7,627 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I don't like the fact that you would have to go down 2 flights of stairs if you are in the loft room and then through the kitchen to get to the bathroom. It means that the bedroom in the loft is not really convenient for someone to sleep in every night.



    I also wouldn't want to reverse into that drive from the A road. It could be really awkward. You could only really use it as a 2 bed and it is probably overpriced for that.
  • Hi,
    I wonder if there might be scope to build a two story extension to have a bathroom upstairs. If the bathroom downstairs is sufficiently well built with deep enough foundations it might be a possibility to build on top of it keeping the cost right down. As it is obviously a high price area I'm sure you would add as much value as the cost (or more).
    Tlc
  • Thanks everyone.

    Just two of us, no kids to worry about. Don't think downstairs bathroom would be a problem for us, but could be if we were to sell in few years.

    I agree, if it was "perfect" it would be out our budget.

    Given us plenty of food for thought.
  • sheramber
    sheramber Posts: 20,968 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 10,000 Posts I've been Money Tipped! Name Dropper
    In winter you will get a blast of cold air in the lounge every time the front door is opened.
  • Jimmy106 wrote: »
    ....advertised for £440k.... Agent says they are looking for between £375-400k.

    I'm staggered that so many seem to be doing this .... if you want £375-400k put it on at £400k and generate interest. At £440k I'd not even view it as I'd expect they'd want somewhere close-ish to that.

    They're missing out on heaps of valid viewers.
  • davidmcn
    davidmcn Posts: 23,596 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    sheramber wrote: »
    In winter you will get a blast of cold air in the lounge every time the front door is opened.
    Plus draughts or at least a cold spot even if it's closed, and an easy route for noise from the main road to get in.

    Timber boarding on the front wall (anywhere else?) is a maintenance hassle and I think some lenders don't like it.
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