Flat in desired area or a house elsewhere

70Jenny2184

I'm really torn on this so interested in other people's opinions and experiences please.  I live alone, no children in a rented 2 bed house but really want to buy.  I cancelled my reservation on a 3bed semi new build in June due to covid and getting doubts.  The house was in a less desirable area where I don't know anyone although the new estate itself was lovely.

Lockdown has made me appreciate what my area has to offer in terms of parks, cafes, shops etc that I won't find in any area where I can afford a house.  So now I'm thinking of getting a flat but that means missing out on the garden I always wanted. Plus after years of on street parking I would love a driveway!

My wants definitely exceed my means so now the question is on what the compromise should be. Location or space/garden?

hazyjo

Why can't you get a flat with a private garden?

If you're fixed on one area and can only afford a flat, I would rather do that. Or pick another nice enough area and have a house. I wouldn't pick a manky area just to get a house.

Without knowing where you're talking about, how the areas compare, or what budget, it's impossible to comment further

70Jenny2184

Yes I'm in the Sale/Stretford/Urmston area of Greater Manchester now.  Budget is anything up to about £220k with Help to Buy or £180/190k without (if 95% mortgages ever come back!)
The house I reserved and later cancelled was in Salford. I might be identifying myself here but don't suppose it matters really.

RelievedSheff

For us we would always choose a house over a flat. We appreciate our own private outdoors space

70Jenny2184

RelievedSheff said:

For us we would always choose a house over a flat. We appreciate our own private outdoors space

Yes it's important isn't it. On hot days I feel forced to get out and do something so I don't waste the good weather when really I'd be happy alone in the garden if I had one.

carefullycautious

A low rise flat with garden may be better for you. One up one down. Some also have enough space to make driveways. Good luck with your search.

SallyDucati

It is a difficult choice - in the end I went with location (location, location) but a smaller house without a garage.  You are the only person who can decide if your own outside space is worth more than amenities.  (It was for me). 
I really like Urmston/Sale and can understand why you would want to stay round there, just looked on Rightmove and can't believe how much prices have gone up since I was looking.  
With flats don't forget the management charge - depending on the development they can be quite high (in my flat before I moved here it was £110/month).  But a lot of flats do also come with allocated parking.  

70Jenny2184

Thanks everyone. I know I don't really want a flat but I've got so used to living here I'll be sad to leave. I'm going for a drive around Reddish later as I think it's a nicer one of the areas I can afford. 
One positive is with me working from home more I don't need to worry too much about commuting.

Lokolo

One thing to have in mind is that buying in a less desirable area to have a garden could be a bad idea. The neighbours could be the worst and actually ruin your outdoor area. We purchased a house off the horrible people and the neighbours always said they are glad the previous occupiers were out as they ruined the area for everyone. 
But the same can be said for living in a flat where you can hear everything!

MalMonroe

You know what 'they' always say ('they' are always so clever!) - it's better to buy in the best area you can afford, or in the area you prefer. Anything else you will come to regret in time. I live in a flat with my daughter - it's a ground floor one, and there's only one other above. There are only 14 flats in total on our small crescent and if you didn't know, you'd think there were just 7 large detached houses here. We all have front and back doors and access to front and back gardens which, although communal, are very spacious and we are never on top of each other. The flats further back onto some woods and it is so quiet here. We think we're very lucky, especially as we know all our neighbours and there isn't a bad one amongst them. However, I'd love to live in a house! Contrary. So have been looking but in this area what I'm looking for is out of my price range at the moment.  I would never, ever move to an area that I knew to be less desirable. I did that once and my life was made miserable by the neighbours from hell for eight long years. It took me that long to escape and when I did, I lost money because of course I had to declare that the obnoxious neighbours were part of the reason I was moving.

I think you'll know when you've found what's best for you. But I don't think it will be in those less desirable areas because that way disaster lies. Please don't do as I did, which was to ignore that little pang of intuition that knew I was making a big mistake.

P.S. Also bear in mind that if you are going to be working from home, the last thing you need is inconsiderate neighbours. 

Scotbot

RelievedSheff said:

For us we would always choose a house over a flat. We appreciate our own private outdoors space

I would always choose a house as I have a dog and if you want pets many leases prohibit them. Noise is a big bugbear for me and houses are often quieter. 
On the plus side you could always look for a flat with a communal garden, at least you wouldn't have to maintain it.