Selling a House you bought a couple of months ago

phoebe1989seb

We've never lived in anything 'newer' than Victorian and new builds don't really appeal at all - unless we did a self build in the middle of nowhere 😉 - so are coming at this from the opposite side.

But I totally get the grieving for your old house idea, as almost four years on I feel I'm still doing that for our previous home.

We sold a fairly decent sized detached - and imho, unique - house in my favourite architectural style (Arts and Crafts) to buy a two bed, four hundred year old, detached former agricultural building in a different part of the UK.

Both were bought as projects - and the house we sold was unfinished, so it's not like I was missing a brand new kitchen or bathroom - both old, with all the quirks that accompany old property. Although our current house had no lovely original features unlike the one we'd moved from.

We've - almost - completely reconfigured our *new* home (swapping room functions, moving walls etc and plan to build an extension soon) and I realised recently I was desperately trying to make it resemble our previous home 🙄

I hated it to start with and only tolerate it now. It won't ever be the same as the one we sold, but at least it does now feel more like home. The weather definitely makes a difference and I'm going to invest in a SAD lamp to see if that helps.

DH absolutely loves it here, but he's agreed that if I still don't love it after building the extension, we'll sell... maybe next year. 

Also, we've bought and sold lots of times and moved from our home area years ago, so in our case it's not that the home I miss is in an area we'd lived in for ever - we'd only been there three years.

I find that if I immerse myself in planning the latest project - whether it be decorating a room or designing the new cloakroom, for example - I feel much better about the whole thing.

In your case, OP, I'd definitely give it till the weather improves. If your finances allow get decorating in colours you like, add stuff that makes your heart sing and see how you feel in a few months 😊

custardly

phoebe1989seb said:

We've never lived in anything 'newer' than Victorian and new builds don't really appeal at all - unless we did a self build in the middle of nowhere 😉 - so are coming at this from the opposite side.

But I totally get the grieving for your old house idea, as almost four years on I feel I'm still doing that for our previous home.

We sold a fairly decent sized detached - and imho, unique - house in my favourite architectural style (Arts and Crafts) to buy a two bed, four hundred year old, detached former agricultural building in a different part of the UK.

Both were bought as projects - and the house we sold was unfinished, so it's not like I was missing a brand new kitchen or bathroom - both old, with all the quirks that accompany old property. Although our current house had no lovely original features unlike the one we'd moved from.

We've - almost - completely reconfigured our *new* home (swapping room functions, moving walls etc and plan to build an extension soon) and I realised recently I was desperately trying to make it resemble our previous home 🙄

I hated it to start with and only tolerate it now. It won't ever be the same as the one we sold, but at least it does now feel more like home. The weather definitely makes a difference and I'm going to invest in a SAD lamp to see if that helps.

DH absolutely loves it here, but he's agreed that if I still don't love it after building the extension, we'll sell... maybe next year. 

Also, we've bought and sold lots of times and moved from our home area years ago, so in our case it's not that the home I miss is in an area we'd lived in for ever - we'd only been there three years.

I find that if I immerse myself in planning the latest project - whether it be decorating a room or designing the new cloakroom, for example - I feel much better about the whole thing.

In your case, OP, I'd definitely give it till the weather improves. If your finances allow get decorating in colours you like, add stuff that makes your heart sing and see how you feel in a few months 😊

We have a Victorian house and I dream of having a new build! Our house looks nice (subjective I know). However it is freezing cold!

lisyloo

aoleks said:

It’s obviously personal, but I don’t think a new build would satisfy you. They’re build to a very low standard focused on maximising profits and compared to an old house, they suck big time. Invest some in your house and you’ll be fine…

I agree with its personal, but I don’t agree that they suck.
Ours is really really nice.
the close board fencing still looks pretty good after 19 years, the intruder alarm is still working and I know many of my neighbours are too.
we’ve had a few window panels “blown” and needed a new boiler but those things are “consumable” and to be expected.
we still have our original kitchen with original fridge, freezer, hob, cookers, dishwasher all still working.
the guttering has a few leaks but that’s not major.

I would say all in all having brand new stuff - including electrics, fencing, appliances, bathrooms is really good.

I don’t think the op should act on a whim though, or what other people’s preferences are.

GixerKate

I get where you are coming from, I've gone from a 1930s place to a 1950s place and now I'm in a new build.  I wouldn't want to go back if I'm honest, it would take an amazing house to tempt me away from my new build!  Its lovely and warm in winter and cool in summer and very economic to run plus is laid out very efficiently and just how I want it.

Its worth seeing how you feel about the house once you've been in in in spring and summer if you can wait that long.  On the other hand there is nothing wrong with getting a couple of EA quotes and testing the market....

Lou201090

I could have wrote this myself. We had a new build that we sold because we had neighbours having a lot of parties etc that constantly woke my 7 year old up, so I really didn't want to sell it in first place. We moved on 29th Nov I was 20 weeks pregnant too. Different town, old 1930s house, loads of things wrong with it that they hid from us on viewings. I've had a mental breakdown because I miss my house and old town so much and now have to have my baby here. 

I really want to sell this house. Every time I pull up outside I instantly feel stress, sick, unmotivated. We have replastered the kids rooms, and I'm just painting white because come spring I want it up for sale. There are new builds coming up in next phase in old town soon so I'm going to try go for one. We have SOME equity money left from this move, so can pay erc and fees. I've also asked my dad if we can all move in his house until new build is ready if came to it. 

I totally get what your feeling because I'm the same. It's just a gut feeling this isn't right for us. Im just hoping the next phase of new builds don't increase in price or there is no chance. Especially as I will be on maternity leave come March this year too. Keep me updated on how you get on. 

I speak to my husband and I think he just thinks its my hormones/mental breakdown talking but this house causing it. People look at me like I'm talking rubbish when mention selling so quickly. 🤷‍♀️

Lifeofdreams

Hi

I am in this very same position at the moment.   Moved into an old character property and despite trying just can’t settle. Life is too short so if you are able to and you feel there is no chance of settling in your new home move on.  

The best of luck whatever decision you make.

Marvel1

If I was looking to buy, I would have doubts why selling so soon thinking what is wrong and look elsewhere.

TBagpuss

I's suggest that you wait until you have been in for at least 6 months before you put it on the market, and be prepared for people to be wary - selling so quickly does raise red flags as to 'what's wrong with this house' - that doesn't mean that you won't find a buyer,just that you may find that some people are put off (or assume you are desperate and make silly offers)  and you may find that buyers are more thorough with getting surveys etc,.

I would also think about how much of it is missing your old place and how much is down to this house, and whether you think that will change. If you are able to move to a newer house, is that going to mean compromising on other things such as size of the property, or getting a more expensive mortgage? Think about how those things will affect you. It's fine to decide that you will find it easier to live with those downs-sides,  just make sure that you have thought realistically about it.

I do sympathise. I lived in my previous house for 13 years - I didn't hate it but it never 'clicked' (I would have moved much sooner if it had been possible) My current house felt like home almost immediately - even before I was able to get rid of the horrible 80's wallpaper, and other monstrosities. (it's  a former council house. Pretty sure my vendors bought in about 1985 and did nothing to it except gets the world's worst decorator to hang the world's ugliest wallpaper in the living room, and get a dodgy bloke to pour tarmac all over the front garden)

rexmedorum

Are you sure it's the specific older house you dislike, rather than the fact that it's not your old house in your old location? If it's the latter then a new build isn't really going to solve the issue.

aoleks

JJR45 said:

aoleks said:

It’s obviously personal, but I don’t think a new build would satisfy you. They’re build to a very low standard focused on maximising profits and compared to an old house, they suck big time. Invest some in your house and you’ll be fine…

Yes, you can't beat a good old 2 courses of bricks as your footings as they did in the old days. You can't beat solid walls and excessive heating costs!
Contrary to beliefs building regulations are stricter than ever. 
A lot of old houses were not built very well, that is why only a few survive, ever wonder where half the houses are from old photographs, pictures, etc.
I have had a new build and it was fine, spent nothing on it other than maintenance in the 7 years of owning it. 
We are buying new again, totally depends on the developer. (much like older houses!)

i don’t doubt building standards, just work ethics and greed :-)

also, my foundations are fine, thank you.