Parking, only 1 space?

Section62

BarleyGB said:

- Not overlooked, football field unlikely to be developed

Out of interest, why do you think development is unlikely?

BarleyGB said:

- great entertaining space downstairs

This, and some of the other factors you've listed (like 3 double bedrooms) are why I'd avoid it with effectively only one parking space available, unless there is ample on-street parking which is unlikely to be ever restricted.

It is a very nice house, with a lot going for it, but utilising those features with only limited parking is going to be a bind. However nice the entertaining space, guests are going to be put off visiting if they need to park some distance away.

The house looks great, until you experience the practicalities of limited parking.  It will sell to someone who likes those features, but has underestimated the importance of off-street parking to other people.

The fact you've come to this forum asking the question shows that you are aware this is an issue - the question is whether it is enough of an issue to override the positives. And ultimately only you know that.

lookstraightahead

Section62 said:

BarleyGB said:

- Not overlooked, football field unlikely to be developed

Out of interest, why do you think development is unlikely?

BarleyGB said:

- great entertaining space downstairs

This, and some of the other factors you've listed (like 3 double bedrooms) are why I'd avoid it with effectively only one parking space available, unless there is ample on-street parking which is unlikely to be ever restricted.

It is a very nice house, with a lot going for it, but utilising those features with only limited parking is going to be a bind. However nice the entertaining space, guests are going to be put off visiting if they need to park some distance away.

The house looks great, until you experience the practicalities of limited parking.  It will sell to someone who likes those features, but has underestimated the importance of off-street parking to other people.

The fact you've come to this forum asking the question shows that you are aware this is an issue - the question is whether it is enough of an issue to override the positives. And ultimately only you know that.

Why do you think people won't visit if you don't have private parking? Can't see our Bessie mates staying away because of it.

Thinking about it, when I visit people I park on the road anyway.

I think like you say you have to weigh up the pros and cons. No one can have everything. 

You could have 10 parking spaces and neighbours revving their cars at 7 every morning.

Section62

lookstraightahead said:

Why do you think people won't visit if you don't have private parking? Can't see our Bessie mates staying away because of it.

Thinking about it, when I visit people I park on the road anyway.

From years spent in a professional capacity talking to people suffering the problems with a lack of parking.

But I did say "unless there is ample on-street parking which is unlikely to be ever restricted" and "if they need to park some distance away" - this isn't just about having "private parking".

Sure your bessie mates will still visit - but when it comes to lugging young children and all that has to be taken with them 100m, or tottering that far in partywear in the early hours of a Winter morning, don't be surprised if next time they say 'come over to ours mate, it will be easier'.

lookstraightahead

Section62 said:

lookstraightahead said:

Why do you think people won't visit if you don't have private parking? Can't see our Bessie mates staying away because of it.

Thinking about it, when I visit people I park on the road anyway.

From years spent in a professional capacity talking to people suffering the problems with a lack of parking.

But I did say "unless there is ample on-street parking which is unlikely to be ever restricted" and "if they need to park some distance away" - this isn't just about having "private parking".

Sure your bessie mates will still visit - but when it comes to lugging young children and all that has to be taken with them 100m, or tottering that far in partywear in the early hours of a Winter morning, don't be surprised if next time they say 'come over to ours mate, it will be easier'.

My kids are grown up. Really has never been a problem with friends or family.

But each to their own.

Brie

I'd be more concerned about it being on a corner rather than the actual amount of parking.  Can't see any pics of it (my pc!) but would wonder if the council decides to paint double yellows as they often do at corners making street parking close by impossible.  

But the fact that it has one space is a positive - but that's because our previous house had nothing and as others have mentioned that becomes a huge issue!

Section62

lookstraightahead said:

My kids are grown up. Really has never been a problem with friends or family.

But each to their own.

Sure, but that's when the specifics of the individual and property become important.

What kind of people will typically be buying a 3-double bed semi in a nice area where most houses have 2/3 spaces?

What plans does someone who asks "Im currently single so the 1 space isn’t an issue?" have for the future?

But on the other hand, "...affect your decision re future purchases/renting" means taking into account what other people might want, not just personal preferences and experiences.

BarleyGB

 BarleyGB said:

- Not overlooked, football field unlikely to be developed

Out of interest, why do you think development is unlikely?

It’s been a football field for 50+ years, recently acquired by a local individual who is ‘invested’ in developing the football, and built a new club house and upgraded the fencing etc.

Access is via a single dirt track, unsuitable for widening (without compulsory purchase of gardens)

The land is indicated as a football / recreation space in the local plan.

Locals and agents indicate the land has a covenant / protection but I’ve not seen the details.

Section62

BarleyGB said:

 

It’s been a football field for 50+ years, recently acquired by a local individual who is ‘invested’ in developing the football, and built a new club house and upgraded the fencing etc.

Access is via a single dirt track, unsuitable for widening (without compulsory purchase of gardens)

The land is indicated as a football / recreation space in the local plan.

Locals and agents indicate the land has a covenant / protection but I’ve not seen the details.

Thanks, but bear in mind that an alternate scenario could be the new owner selling the land for housing development using the funds to buy a greenfield site with space to perhaps add indoor training facilities and/or a small supporter's stand.  Commitment to the sport doesn't necessarily equate to commitment to that site.  And money invested in improvements so far is trivial in the context of housing development land values.

The designation in the local plan is meaningless these days.  Even green belt land is now deemed suitable for housing development if the need can be demonstrated.  And the need is easy to demonstrate when government appointed inspectors insist planning authorities need to find space for more homes.

I'm not saying the land will be developed, just don't rule it out as a possibility.  Unless you own open land yourself you have no control over what happens to it in future.

warby68

I am wary of houses/plots which are disproportionate in some way especially if there is plenty of more proportionate competition.

Yes one space for a good sized family home and with no frontage either is disproportionate or would be here where your 'average' large semi has a drive for 2/3 and its own roadside frontage.

This can make the disproportionate one a harder sell.

Personally parking is high priority for us, not just for our own cars but for visitors, deliveries, visiting trades etc. Your plot looks tight all round.

maxsteam

BarleyGB said:

I’ve found an almost perfect 3 bed semi that ticks all boxes except parking.  It’s a corner property with 1 space (also a garage).

Haha. It better than none but not as good as 3.

The responses show that it would bother some people, but not others. As you are one of the people not bothered, then you should be happy there.

Something to consider is that, in a decade or two, most of us will be driving electric cars and it's likely to be a huge plus to be able to plug into your own power supply. While I would love to drive an electric car, I only have on-street parking at my current house.