Just bought a 1 bedroom house

phoebe1989seb

Good luck with it, OP - glad to hear you've decided to stick with what sounds like a lovely, characterful new home! Our last-but-one house was thatched (although not listed, despite being Georgian) and it was a charming property to own/live in - far better, imho than a modern box, lol! In your case I'd much rather have character over size/number of bedrooms/a leasehold flat or other property.

We had a close escape with a chimney fire, so do be mindful of such things as open fires/wood burning stoves and ensure your insurance is suitable.

Good to see you are already planning ahead for when your thatch needs attention.......

Crashy_Time

ReadingTim wrote: »

They probably also think there's a link between the MMR jab and autism, that mobile phones give you brain cancer, and are convinced danger lurks round every corner so keep your kiddies wrapped up in cotton wool and don't let them out of the house; so it's hardly a ringing endorsement of intellectual rigour is it? Or anyone who thinks it's a intelligent indicator of anything...

Well they used to think that "property always goes up", but are now realising that buyers no longer agree that keeping a property for a few years means an instant cash bonus, it is a good sentiment indicator if nothing else IMO.

Crashy_Time

Davesnave wrote: »

Hmmm, reading some of this thread, I could already be on Mumsnet.

People are being very positive and kind, without any proper knowledge of the property. It must be Christmas, or maybe it's the prospect of 5 more years with Boris at the helm.


Whatever it is, I'd like some! ((( big hugs to you all )))

People with a strong financial or emotional attachment to property prices staying high tend to have a bias towards buying/borrowing for property as always the best choice, whether it is or not IMO.

AdrianC

Crashy_Time wrote: »

People with a strong financial or emotional attachment to property prices staying <either way> tend to have a bias towards <their preconception> as always the best choice, whether it is or not IMO.

Ain't that the truth.

GDB2222

jacobswell wrote: »

Wow, I didn't expect to get so much response! I should really count myself lucky that I've been able to buy full stop at my age, let alone a really beautiful cottage. I've already started saving towards the thatch, which a survey revealed a few weeks ago needs work done in 10 years time at around £20,000!!! But 10 years to save it isn't much a month if I start saving now. Thank you everyone!

It's grade 2 listed, which means that you need to get permission to make any repairs. Permission = very expensive.

It's got thatch, which as you know is expensive to repair.

It's one bedroom, which means you'll have to move after you start a family. (Unless you're like Boris and abandon them.)

Good size garden, but you don't mention that you're a keen gardener!

Anyway, it sounds like a lovely house, which you can be proud of and enjoy. I think you just have to get into the frame of mind that it's going to cost an arm and a leg to maintain.

As you are single, you presumably don't have other huge outgoings, apart from the house moneypit. Just try to avoid falling in love!

NaughtiusMaximus

GDB2222 wrote: »

It's one bedroom, which means you'll have to move [STRIKE]after[/STRIKE] IF you start a family.

Fixed that for you, children aren't compulsory.

Crashy_Time

AdrianC wrote: »

Ain't that the truth.

Don`t recall anyone saying that not buying was always the best choice? The point here was about people just cheer leading any property purchase as a great thing without any knowledge of the property.

Crashy_Time

jacobswell wrote: »

Hi all. I'm 25 and, earlier this year, I was finally in a position to move out from my parents house and buy my first place. I had a budget of around £200,000. That price was enough for a 2 bedroom flat, but not quite enough for a 2 bedroom house. I was advised to avoid leasehold flats at all costs and I had also heard horror stories about when they go badly wrong. So, in the end, I bought a 1 bedroom freehold thatched cottage for £193,500. It really is beautiful - grade 2 listed, lots of period features, fireplace, good sized garden. It's about 50 square meters. Have I made the wrong decision? I've been there for a few months now and am now seeing a few 2 bed house/bungalow deals around for about £200k - starting to get anxious that I made the wrong decision. Reassurance please!

How much have houses/bungalows dropped in price recently where you are?

Hectors_House

First rule of new house ownership - unsubscribe from estate agent mailing lists, Rightmove etc. It’s normal to have a little doubt but congratulate yourself. You have your foot on the ladder and your first home is unique.

We live in a one-bedroom medieval thatched cottage and couldn’t be happier. We are at the opposite end of the process to you - a couple of old farts who see this as the last house move we will make.

Our place has bags of character and two ghosts. The one indoors isn’t too much of a bother but the one outside is a bit scarier.

Just remember to set aside funds for maintaining the thatch. Our place is so small it only cost £4,000 the last time it was replaced.

jimbog

Hectors_House wrote: »

Just remember to set aside funds for maintaining the thatch. Our place is so small it only cost £4,000 the last time it was replaced.

It's not as if a traditional roof never needs replacing at some point