House offer for dad - guaranteed-chain cash buyer - was this offer too low?

annetheman

thegreenone said:

What is the developer building on your Dad's plot?  Would Developer build a two bed bungalow for Dad as part of the deal.  We know someone who has done this.  It would be upheaval but might be worth it.

I'd be hesitant to buy a townhouse at 69 years old.  Not being rude at all and agree with the extra toilet required.  We lived in a townhouse when we were 27 and 37 y/o.  Now at 57 and 67, we would never consider a townhouse again.  Also, on the plans there is a communal area that leads to the garage, which leads into the house.  Not sure I'd like that for safety/security reasons.

It's a classic London gentrification development, so all the 4-bedroom freehold houses on a rundown council estate in Zone 4 are being replaced by 26+ storey high rises where 1-bedroom flats start at £350,000. None of the locals can afford the new places - there were schemes that offered more borrowing (from the developer) to "buy" one of the flats, but they allocate per household size, so he wouldn't qualify for a house. I almost choked when I saw the price of the cheapest houses (which are also leasehold). He is selling a 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2 living room house.

WRT the downsides of the townhouse - you're right! The fact there is no real garden, plus the living upstairs - it puts a lot of people off. Which is why we thought it wasn't really worth full asking but didn't want to be too cheeky. Ah well, I've realised it's a blessing in disguise!

thegreenone

A little off piste but if you are looking in Surrey, what about Cranleigh?  There's no railway station (which makes it a little cheaper) but regular buses to Guildford (and probably Crawley) and it has a vibrant centre with everything you could need. Shops, drs, dentist, leisure centre etc. Most within walking distance.  A friend and her Mum have, independently, moved there.

Don't rely on Rightmove as some of the local, independent EAs don't use it. You need to register with them directly.

Edited:  Stay away from Elmbridge Village which is a retirement complex.

gwynlas

There are obviously very few houses available at the price point in the area and that one was new to the market so they can afford to wait. Is he wanting to get a house rather than apartment? Are the any other towns close by up for consideration? The houses at that price point are likely to attract young families, would he mind the noise that comes with children playing?