Properties sold, before able to view

theoretica

Getting works done on the house you buy before moving in is another thing that would be easier if you went into rented accommodation for a patch. 

GJB1954

Yes we do not want to offer on a property if going to involve major works. The property quoted also would need by the looks of photos , other works done apart from boiler. Decorating etc and minor works  know may have to do. I male is 66 and wife 59, plus has health problem. So looking for property that has least amount of work . 

Redwino222

Okay, so you have a very specific wish list, and you can’t work with estate agents on timing for viewing.

Would a new build suit you better?  You would have to wait a while, and probably rent, but The kitchen would probably meet your expectations, 5e house would be modern and need no work and you could get Munro things changed to suit you?

getmore4less

^^^
That was going to be my next suggestion

New build.

An idea of area price point would give people a chance to look at what's around.

AdrianC

The OP's solution is obvious - especially when taken with the other thread...

Break the relocate-and-buy.

Relocate into rental in the area, then continue the search for the unicorn perfect property once on-the-ground.

cheeky-peach

I would echo AdrianC. If you are that keen to move, you will enable yourselves to do so by being in the best possible position. No chain, close to viewings, your partner would hopefully be registered locally for hospital appts thus in a good place going forward and by the sounds of it, close to other relatives who may be able to help out with travel logistics if you need to attend a viewing etc. I've seen a few deals on storage options, or, you could consider selling everything (or a lot of the stuff you have) and saving the money in what you'd spend on storage to buy new.

Nebulous2

Every major purchase you ever make will be a compromise. Location, size, decoration, need for repairs / updating etc. At times, like a sellers market, you may have to make more compromises than at other times. Draw up a list of features, decide which ones you are not willing to compromise on and which you are prepared to compromise on and start from there. 

Unfortunately it may all be academic however if you cannot make yourselves stand out to the Estate Agents. Living at a distance puts you at a disadvantage, which means you need to work at it. Not being fussy would help, although unfortunately you cannot bring yourselves to do that. The only thing I can think of that might sway it in your favour would be a willingness to throw money at it. If the EA knew that you were willing to go £15-20k over asking for the right house they might call you if they thought one was suitable. That would be a 1 or 2 shot policy however. When it didn't work they would quickly dump you. 

Scotbot

GJB1954 said:

Yes we do not want to offer on a property if going to involve major works. The property quoted also would need by the looks of photos , other works done apart from boiler. Decorating etc and minor works  know may have to do. I male is 66 and wife 59, plus has health problem. So looking for property that has least amount of work . 

I moved into a property that required work including a new boiler and piping, a new kitchen and converting the garage to a utility room.  Being female with zero DIY skills I did none of this myself. I  did budget for it when buying the property.  If you  don't want to do anything or pay for anything then you are going to have to look at recently build or refurbished properties. 

AnotherJoe

GJB1954 said:

davilown said:

GJB1954 said:

House we have at moment, does have utility room / downstairs toilet. This next property is for last move. Except if unlucky to care home. Yes we have criteria . But are flexible. Last week in the area we are looking for , there were 12 newly listed properties that we considered. Only two were  near our criteria. Both gone when phoning. Others , would need lot of work done. For instance checking one out looked like was acceptable. Then saw note on advert saying back boiler had been condemned. Requires replacement boiler. This back boiler is in fire place . New pipework and place to put. At our ages , do not want major works being done etc. 

A new boiler is not major works - a day or a day and a half at most. Plus you can then hide it away in the roof.

you won’t find anything that fits your criteria 100% - you have to find a compromise 

Please read. Not just a boiler replacement. Property has back boiler in fire place. Major rework required to find new boiler place to fit and then rework pipework etc. 

You woudlnt be doing the work. Stay in a hotel for a week while its happening?

flipflopflo

I know someone who got a load of flyers printed up saying that they were looking for a property in the area and were able to move quickly and if the householder was interested to email them. 

They went around the streets where they were interested in and posted the flyers and got several emails from people and bought like that. 

I’m sure that they even did something like that on Location, Location, Location once as well.