Location vs house

jonnydeppiwish!

Mishca21 said:

elsien said:

I’m a woman living on my own. I’m not in a preferred location because I couldn’t afford that without living in a flat. I have lived in some very poorly soundproofed flats in my time and was absolutely not going back to that. 

So once I’d ruled out the really dodgy areas my choices were very limited and I ended up where I am. It’s not dangerous  (there was a recent stabbing but the sort that can happen anywhere) but it is run down - lots of HMOs and a transient population who don’t particularly care about the area.

But. I have a garden. I am close to town and public transport. I have some good neighbours who will look after my house and water my garden while I’m away. I have lots of space for working from home and some green bits close by to walk my dog to.

I would move for a better garden. But that’s not in my price range. Sometimes there isn’t a great choice, just a least worst one, and least worst has worked out ok for me over the last few years. 

PS - end terrace can be a bonus because there’s only one side to get noise from.  

How many other places have you looked at? There’s nothing to stop you from keeping looking even if you have an offer in. That’s what made me realise that mine was probably the best I was going to get. 

Thank you I have looked at four places so far but been scouring Right Move and Zoopla for weeks and these were the only houses I felt like I actually wanted to look at. Mostly for the same reason, the area was too dangerous or if even a sniff from the pictures or description that work of any kind was required I was immediately put off as can’t face it after the issues with the bigger house I just sold. I guess I probably could have given it a little longer looking around before offering but I’m now afraid equally to commit to this place and to let it pass by in case I don’t find anything else in as good a condition inside! 

As Kirsty would say, don’t discount houses without actually looking at them. It’s actually a really good bit of advice - you get to see what your money gets you and what comprises you are willing to make.

As for location v house, we’ve bought 3 times.

1. Location ideal for teenage kids to get anywhere ie good public transport and schools

2. lovely village in the South Downs when kids were able to drive.

3. close to the harbour for dog walks, running, paddle boarding etc

House 3 was a definite comedown from 2 - 900 sq foot semi with tiny garden from 1500 sq foot detached with massive garden. But location is really good.

Mardle

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/111198692#/?channel=RES_BUY   

Absolutely loved living in one of these houses when they were new married quarters. Interesting to see one of the bedrooms has been split into 2 and the bathroom has become a shower room. 

TripleH

When we bought, where we were renting our neighbours turned their noses up when we said the area we were moving to. Yes in many ways it isn't as nice an area but we are in a better house and the area is perfectly nice with very nice areas nearby.

We could have spent more but we are comfortable where we are.

I would also think carefully about what you want now. Pay attention to your needs most of the time. There is no point having a 3 bed house next to a shopping centre if you love on your own and for 340 nights a year it's just you and you do your shopping online.