Advice on Quirky Property for First-Time Buyers

Chief_of_Staffy

What would put me off is the house next door appears derelict. It has strange drainage issues and the render is falling off, whether because the structure underneath is compromised or it's just ancient I don't know. Also maintenance access is an issue, which is likely why they didn't paint the gable end when did the front. In any event you'd need permits for scaffolding in the road, etc.

On the other hand, it's been reduced (albeit in a rather tricky manner). It was for sale previously at £400k, so I'd offer significantly lower initially.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/172318679#/?channel=RES_BUY

bewwies

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82044328#Comment_82044328

Thanks for finding this! It has been confirmed that it is owned by the pub; no plans for the building so far. Our present thinking is that in our full structural survey, we would make sure that the walls next to the building is structurally sound to protect ourselves. It is not clear, however, what we can do to address issues like the slightly unsightly drainage at the front.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82044681#Comment_82044681

Quite a few valid concerns about narrowness of road and entering garage. In our case, we have a small car and it is a surprisingly spacious garage, so not overly worried. But point taken.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82045192#Comment_82045192

Thanks for this, very useful to know. How did you manage to find this listing? I'd be interested in seeing how much it was listed for 2025 and before.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82044975#Comment_82044975

I'd be extremely interested in seeing the photos for the last sale! :)

Chief_of_Staffy

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82045224#Comment_82045224

Property Log, but only if you're using Chrome.

https://www.propertylog.net/

bewwies

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82045192#Comment_82045192

That's useful advice. On the point about offering lower, it is interesting that it was purchased previously by current owner for £390,000 in 2021. (Does this seem overly high?) In light of this, what would the floor of fair offers look like?

Myci85

I just googled the number, street name and village name and it came up a few links down.

Ditzy_Mitzy

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82044299#Comment_82044299

The apparently empty house is, I think, the entrance to the Bell Inn's courtyard — it was presumably a coaching inn back when we had such things. If you look at the old Streetview images, one shows a poster that says 'The Bell Inn' stuck to the door.