First time buyer, unsure whether to purchase one bed house

[Deleted User]

So I’ve had an offer accepted on a one bed mid terrace house. 

I’ve started the process with the solicitors. 

I keep finding myself asking if a one bed is the right purchase to make. It is small!! However is has a full plastered and functional out house and plenty of storage pockets. I bought it way under my budget so I know my mortgage won’t be high. 

Everyone I’ve shown has initially made a little noise at house small it is from the outside however as they got in they started to really like it.
theres room at the front to eventually put a porch on so it’s not straight into the front room etc. 

I just worry that it might not sell (although it was on the market for less than a month and I was in a bidding war) 
it’s so well kept and I could improve the kitchen etc. 

Is it normal to have these nerves when buying your first house? 

I don’t want people to judge me at house small it is and already feel myself getting defensive about it! 

Help! 

AdrianC

Alicefisk1235 said:

I just worry that it might not sell (although it was on the market for less than a month and I was in a bidding war) 

Just repeat that bit in the parentheses to yourself.

Nobody judges people for buying 1-bed flats, do they?
And just about everybody would choose a house over a similar-size flat, wouldn't they?
So...?!?

blue_max_3

I'm fascinated to see a one bed house! If it's freehold, I'd jump at the chance!!!

NinjaTune

I'm considering a 1 bed semi over a 2 bed flat.  I know it's going to be smaller internally but it has a garden and is freehold which, to me, beats the flats.  I won't be looking to move any time soon after this move so not too worried about resale.

[Deleted User]

I think it’s the size of the bedroom that’s getting to me. The rest is workable 

the bedroom is 11.4ft by 8ft and has no built in wardrobes etc. 

The more I look at the size of my bed and the space it would leave for a wardrobe, the more concerned I’m getting. 

I’m tempted to have another viewing to see if my feelings really have changed. 

It’s in a very desirable area although no parking. 

I’m so torn and don’t want to regret missing out 

[Deleted User]

AdrianC said:

Alicefisk1235 said:

I just worry that it might not sell (although it was on the market for less than a month and I was in a bidding war) 

Just repeat that bit in the parentheses to yourself.

Nobody judges people for buying 1-bed flats, do they?
And just about everybody would choose a house over a similar-size flat, wouldn't they?
So...?!?

I agree on the flat vs house thing.
it is just so small. It’s in an old minors town and basically was built in the walk space between two houses about 100 years ago. 

ProDave

My first house was a new build 1 bed terrace. The bedroom was large, 12ft by 12ft.  In fact on that development, the 2 bedroom ones were the same width and the house was only 3ft deeper overall so had 2 small bedrooms.

numbercruncher8

You could cross out 1-bed house and insert bungalow or town-house and it'd be the same. Some people are not going to like it and would avoid it because of their downsides. But they still sell, because there are enough people that do like them.

I suppose what matters most is if it works for you, what are the alternatives in the price range? 

I stayed in a room roughly of those dimensions, but about 1ft thinner and 1ft longer. It is possible to have a double bed, wardrobe and drawers, but basically no room for anything else. If there is not storage space elsewhere, ie loft, I would think it might be too small, unless you don't own much stuff.

[Deleted User]

numbercruncher8 said:

You could cross out 1-bed house and insert bungalow or town-house and it'd be the same. Some people are not going to like it and would avoid it because of their downsides. But they still sell, because there are enough people that do like them.

I suppose what matters most is if it works for you, what are the alternatives in the price range? 

I stayed in a room roughly of those dimensions, but about 1ft thinner and 1ft longer. It is possible to have a double bed, wardrobe and drawers, but basically no room for anything else. If there is not storage space elsewhere, ie loft, I would think it might be too small, unless you don't own much stuff.

In regards to alternatives, they are about 15,000 more ( still within my budget) but the two beds need a lot of Reno work / upkeep which I just don’t want at this point in my life. I’m working full time but also studying part time for my degree so the less stress the better for the next 3 years!! 

This house has a loft, large outhouse that is tiled, plastered and has spotlights with plumbing for a washer / drier already and more room for storage / a freezer. 

The fridge is built into the kitchen so I wouldn’t have to worry about that. 

It also has about 3 cubby holes and storage under the stairs.

As I said the rest really seems fine.
i think I might be over thinking it a little as it’s my first purchase. 

I’m hoping as the mortgage is so low it gives me opportunity to save for another deposit /or still live my life!! 

MovingForwards

I was looking at one bed houses, the only thing that put me off was all of them having a spiral staircase (I've got walking difficulties). 

Does your proposed house have a normal roof? If so, potentially board it out for extra space or see if a loft conversion can be done.

Don't get too hung up on the size of the bedroom. My main bedroom is a few foot longer than yours, the second bedroom a few foot shorter. With careful planning you could have a built-in wardrobe fitted (straight up and across the wall and over the section above the door), with draws and all sorts (that's my long-term plan). It would be worth googling to see what custom wardrobes have been put in to people's homes. 

Look at stacking furniture, have a play around with bits of paper to see what configuration works / doesn't work.

kasqueak

My first place was a one bed starter home. It was small but perfect just for me and then for me and my partner. Unlike a flat I liked the fact it was freehold and we had our own front door. Sold it no problem when we eventually upsized and we lived there for 6 yrs happily. It was of course a bit cosy if you had a couple of friends over but it was a great starter home. 

In my area they appeal to first time buyers, downsizers and landlords as they rent well so selling on was ok. 

It’s natural to have nerves. I still do now and I’m currently in the process of buying and moving to my 4th house! 

Good luck!