Which of these 3-bedroom houses would you purchase? Edit to include option C?

EssexHebridean

another thought - have you checked the end terrace one (a) does actually have the dual views from its terrace? Sometimes a fence or screen is placed at that side to preserve your privacy from the house at the other side of the footpath, and theirs from you. Definitely worth checking if it is a major part of the decision. 

As for the mid terrace question - we essentially live in one albeit we have neighbours above too. We hear some noise from above, but never a peep from either side. Even when our previous neighbours had a newborn, we wouldn’t have known she was there! If the build is decent it’s not likely to be a massive issue.

SarahB16

400ixl said:

You keep saying about being overlooked at the back by the footpath. Is this footpath raised in comparison to the garden? Otherwise with a 6 foot fence you will be not more looked over than the other house next door.

There won't be fences.  It's very much open plan so any privacy would have to be from planting.  I think anybody putting their own fences up would be frowned upon as it would spoil the look of the development.  

400ixl said:

Security wise it will make very little difference, maybe even less so as there is always the risk of the perpetrator being seen by someone walking down the alley which is less likely if they have hopped into one of the mid terrace gardens.

The mid-terraces will have the houses opposite (both front and back) so this will provide additional security.  I see the security weakness as being from the side of the house.   

400ixl said:

Personally i wouldn't choose either, but of the two it would be the end terrace hands down. Many of the risks are more in your control than in a mid terrace. The biggest risk is noisy neighbours which is doubled on a mid terrance, or someone sensitive to your noise. 

Overall, what is proposed looks really good.  My photograph of my Excel plan does not do it justice.  

400ixl said:

Personally i wouldn't choose either, but of the two it would be the end terrace hands down. Many of the risks are more in your control than in a mid terrace. The biggest risk is noisy neighbours which is doubled on a mid terrance, or someone sensitive to your noise. 

I agree, this is a risk but I currently live in a mid-terrace and I'm fine with a small amount of noise from both sides.  I'm used to it but it would probably be a problem if I had noisy neighbours.  I can genuinely see the pros and cons to both houses which is why I'm really interested to hear different opinions.  

elsien

Open plan gardens. That’s me out then. I want to be in my back garden without  neighbours annoying kids sticking their heads over to ask what you’re doing.

Martico

Are the insides of each house equally adaptable for future-proofing in case of mobility issues?
I'm mid-terrace and have no noise issues - a combination of decent build as well as good neighbours. You can't control who lives next door, of course, but one has young children and I don't hear a peep

SarahB16

Martico said:

Are the insides of each house equally adaptable for future-proofing in case of mobility issues?
I'm mid-terrace and have no noise issues - a combination of decent build as well as good neighbours. You can't control who lives next door, of course, but one has young children and I don't hear a peep

They will be equally good or bad but I doubt any different.  

If I could no longer manage the stairs then yes I would need to either get a stair lift or move.  

Beddie

Are new builds better for noise insulation these days?I thought standards had been improved, but whether that translates to them actually being quieter, I don't know.

Can anyone with a newish build confirm - are they better/worse/same as an older property?

MalMonroe

Hi, I have lived next to a public footpath before and wouldn't recommend it. It tended to be a gathering point for teenagers from miles around most evenings - even in winter - and not just the ones who lived nearby. At weekends we had the added treat of people who'd had one too many at the pub loudly using the path and sometimes also using our wall as a public toilet. And the area was considered to be a good one at that! I was glad to get away and yes, it did affect the price we got.

Mid-terrace may also be a bit warmer, having properties on each side? I lived in a Victorian terrace once and it was a lovely, large house but we could still hear neighbours on either side. But I think that new builds have better insulation and so hopefully neighbour noise wouldn't be a great problem.

Nothing else would depress me as much as having that footpath at the side though.

P.S. Please don't assume that you are going to be unable to move around or get up and down stairs when you are older. I'm 73 now and although I live in a flat at present (but am considering moving to a house), I'm still able to use stairs, as are all my similar-aged friends - some of whom are older than me. One of my neighbours will be 93 this year and her flat is upstairs (we are all in blocks of two and I'm on the ground floor so no stairs right now) and she puts me to shame with her sprightliness. She scoffs at the idea of a stair lift and says that it's the stairs that are keeping her fit. 

Ebeneezer9

Hi Sarah, I live with my partner in a penultimate terraced house just like B in your schematic. I am fortunate enough to have lovely neighbours on both sides, noise is minimal, everyday living sounds, and we feel double safe.  It’s great to be able to enjoy the back garden knowing you have that extra security layer. I would recommend mid terrace, a pathway invites all sorts of ASB, no matter which area you live in.

RelievedSheff

I wouldn't through choice have either. They both have too many attached neighbours for my liking but if it has to be one or the other it would be A.

Less attached neighbours,  less chance of neighbour noise.

I personally hate these tall tower house type plots with roof gardens. Far too many stairs and they tend to be tiny.

There is a developer does them here and they are always for sale again very quickly. 

dimbo61

I guess as a new build it will have a downstairs WC and basin ? 
If the living room is at the back and fencing both sides this should give you privacy.
Ring door bell, cctv and security lights will also help reassure  you.
Lots of new builds going up around here and side paths tend to have metal barriers to stop cars, motorbikes, 
Mostly people out walking the dogs 
Unless it's going to be a shirt cut to the shops or pub ?
With modern well insulated houses, noise and energy efficiency  are much better.