Location vs house

Mishca21

Bendy_House said:

What a dilemma, Mishca, and completely understandable.

You've had the whole diverse range of views - no surprise! Because everyone will have different priorities re location vs house.

It might help to initially remove as much 'gut' from the decision as possible, and look at tangibles. For instance:

WHY does the location matter? Is it largely convenience? Or attractiveness? Access to other means of transport? Or a sense of safety/security?

And HOW do you 'use' a location - are you the sort of person who steps out the front door, goes "Ahhh!" and sets off at a jaunty amble, waving cheerfully to all and sundry? Do you like walking around the 'hood, to a local shop, pub, event?

Or does this not matter so much - you are prepared to forgo all that just to drive to your home, and then go 'Ahh' when you unlock the front door and step inside?

Can you analyse your feelings towards your 'home ground' to try and work out how you will continue to feel about it (after you've got over any initial thoughts of it being a retrograde step - it isn't)? If you had truly fond memories of that area before, then the chances are (I think) that will return. If, however, living there did reach the point where you really wanted to 'get away' (a natural response to the parental home), some of these feelings might return - tho' they might not.

Although you don't want a 'project', just how much of the house you've put the offer on can be easily 'replicated' in another similarish property? It's been 'modernised', but how much of that is decoration? A tasteful choice of colour scheme, furnishings? Ie, has it had a relatively easy-to-do cosmetic going-over, or has it been 'properly' modernised with added insulation, bathroom, CH system, electrics, that sort of stuff? If it's largely 'cosmetic', then you can/should be able to replicate that in a different home, and you (hopefully) wouldn't be paying a premium for someone having wielded a paint brush (I exaggerate...)

Would you be ok with posting a link to this place? Folk would then have a better idea of what you are after, and could guide better.

Finally, I know living at 'home' ain't ideal, but as long as it's acceptable/tolerable, you will remain a no-chain buyer, with a good deposit, and increasing savings, and this could very possibly be in a housing market that is slowing down, so much better choices could literally be around the corner. I mean, things HAVE to become reasonable again, don't they?!

Cool - now add a good dose of 'gut' :-)

Thank you! It’s a bit of both. I do walk a lot but I also spend a big part of the week working from home. I do tend to keep to myself though, I’m a little reserved so it’s not like I am keen to be best friends with all my neighbours. I would happily settle for no trouble and a courtesy nod in passing! In the place I just left I did love the suburban life, with pretty streets, parks, shops and walks to the moors and country all closely located by foot, even though the house itself was a huge source of stress to me by the end. Basically before it all went wrong I felt like that was where I was supposed to be, like I’d worked my way up and finally made it as an adult (fourth house I’d had and gradually bettered area each time). 

If you can put aside the unfortunate incident last year which obviously could happen anywhere, it’s not a terrible place crime wise. A lot of families start out here but it’s a pretty low income area. 

I tried but can’t post a link unfortunately as I’m too new a member.  Will this work if you copy and paste and put https//:

at start 

//www.Rightmove.co.uk/properties/122309225#/?channel=RES_BUy

elsien

2 bedroom end of terrace house for sale in Townshend Avenue, Plymouth, PL2 (rightmove.co.uk)
I can't comment on the area but that's a lot nicer than my house!

Let me know if you want it removing at any point and I'll delete it. 

Mishca21

markin said:

You could move to any close by town and move jobs, A NHS job usually means you can get a job anywhere in the uk.

Thanks. I need to stay in Plymouth as my family and friends are here. Also the type of NHS role I have isn’t easily transferable or doable long distance and is specific to this hospital trust. If I was to relocate I’d have to interview for a new NHS role the same as everyone else, which I wouldn’t be keen to do taking whilst out a mortgage alone. 

youth_leader

Lovely house - what are the flood risks Mishca21? 

Mishca21

youth_leader said:

Lovely house - what are the flood risks Mishca21? 

Thanks. I would hope low but searches should confirm. It’s on a hill very near the top. My parents’ home is two streets over on a hill the runs in the same direction and they’ve never had flooding as after any heavy rain the water just carries right on past to the bottom! Although theirs is terraced not end of terrace. 

MovingForwards

That's a nice house, they've done what I'm slowly doing to my home to make it mine. There was a similar incident down the road from where I live, but I do feel safe here; I've looked at the crime stats and think they must be for the wider area as I've not personally heard / seen things. I'll happily walk out in my immediate area and people do say hello as they all have their own routines and I just happen to be passing at the same time.

Part of the 'problem' you're facing is dealing with the breakup and everything associated with it. It's never easy and adding in buying a new home increases stress, while over analysing everything is easy.

Have a think about what attracted you to that property / immediate location and see how you feel. If you continue with the purchase, there's nothing stopping you building up funds and moving down the line, climbing up the ladder over time.

youth_leader

Fantastic news Mishca21, hopefully there is a flood barrier at the river for the people living nearby.  I really like the house, odd there isn't a radiator in the second bedroom? 

I looked at a few houses in Exmouth a few roads adjacent to the coast, and they were directly in line for flooding if the sea surged.  The floor barrier there is only on the front. 

Do let us know how you get on with your survey.

Bendy_House

I can see why you like that house, Mishca - it has a lovely feel, bright, open, inviting, and with some lovely detail.

I can't really comment any further as I don't know Plymouth, so cannot compare it with other places or areas. Also, I WOULD be looking for a place to do up!

All the best with your decision.

Mardle

Nice house Mishca. Plymouth is one of my favourite places. Lived there for several years in the 70s in Tamerton Foliot. Unless things have changed a lot I can think of worse areas to live than that house.

Mishca21

Hi all. After all that deliberating and stress the full survey revealed a couple of extremely worrying structural issues so I’ll likely have to withdraw from the purchase anyway! In a way that has helped a lot given the survey report was pretty clear cut in telling me the house is not really a viable prospect. I shall have a mini break of a few weeks before recommencing my search. Thanks for your input.