To ask your property advice?

[95percentcompromise]

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-54643309.html#_full-description

I really like this flat. It would be at the upper end of my budget but doable. But: I'm single and enjoy the company of living with others.

Option 1: put a room divider in lounge and create a second bedroom of sorts; let out other bedroom or Airbnb rental? Would this be a huge faff though and not very comfortable?

Option 2: look for a 2 bed.

All/any thoughts v welcomed!

[95percentcompromise]

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-54643309.html#_full-description

[95percentcompromise]

Wrong flat

I meant this one www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-42334887.html

[JassyRadlett]

Honestly, I wouldn't. I think it would feel really cramped, plus your new reception space would have no natural light if it had a solid room divider; if it was more open it wouldn't be very easy for the person in the bedroom to use the kitchen/reception.

[95percentcompromise]

This is what I'm thinking. I was imagining an opaque plastic room divider with a kind of foldaway bed. In the mornings the bed could be tucked away...

But I think you're right. Not sure whether to go for the (more affordable) 1 bed or stretch budget and get 2 bed, hopefully with lodger?

[MidnightDexy]

Sorry if this sounds like I am raining on the parade but I don't much rate this flat even if it were to be used as a one bed: its an incredibly small one bed flat - far smaller than average (I think Pocket flats are deliberately compact), it looks to have very little storage (one small cupboard by the looks of it, and i think like the boiler may take up most of that).

I agree with Jassy you can't split the lounge as then your kitchen would have no natural light or ventilation (imagine how hot it would get when cooking, and the smells lingering). You also cannot split the lounge as your lease would forbid you from doing so. And you'd have no living space for yourself, which is presumably not at all what you want if (I'm speculating here) you have been living in a series of houseshares for years and are finally looking forward to your own little castle.

If parking is relevant to you then note that you will not be allowed a residents parking permit for the borough (unless disabled) - you literally cannot own a car. full stop.

I would look for a two bed, or at least a period conversion that has a separate kitchen that would fit a small sofa and tv, and then you may well have the option of converting your living room into a bedroom.

[purplefox]

Doesn't sound like the person sleeping in the living room would get much privacy, and really would anyone want to be folding away their bed every morning?

[MidnightDexy]

p.s. bear in mind that when you're doing your sums for a possible 2 bed with a roommate, the bank won't take the funds you expect to receive from a tenant into consideration on a residential mortgage (even though yes it's London, and yes you could rent the room in a heatbeat etc etc)

[JassyRadlett]

If you can stretch to a 2 bed I definitely would, and then you can get a permanent flatmate/lodger.

[TrickyD]

If you could go for the flat you linked to by mistake, you could easily let the second bedroom and since the difference in mortgage illustrations is only about £200 a month, coverering it would not be a problem.

[londonrach]

Prefer the first flat you linked by accident. The one you like is soul less and very small. You cant split that lounge as you lose the light.