House dilemma

[FlossieTreadlight]

After the house we were buying fell through, we've been looking in vain for a house (we have 2 kids, need more space, wanted to move from a v busy main road). Criteria were 4 beds (MIL stays frequently) or 3 with poss of extending, decent garden, parking. Ideally a garage. Quiet. We have seen so many houses. Loads.

Today we've seen two that have stuck with both of us but both flawed. I'm interested in your opinions as we are not seasoned house purchasers and need to ask

1. Gorgeous house. Both loved it. Loved it. 4 bed, loads of living space, in budget, no visible nasties or work needed on house other than tittivation. Poxy garden. 2 mins from beach. Nice area. No off street parking but has permits Longer commute for both of us, might make London working problematic if this was needed 5 days a week. Good schools nearby. Quiet.
   

1. Lovely house. V well presented and renovated. Both liked it. No more living space than we currently have bar a lovely utility room Planning secured for extension and conversion. Near top of budget so only one would be poss in immediate future. No issues with commute, is future proof if London crops up. Good schools. Quiet. Has off street parking. Nice area.
   

We have a cash buyer who is happy to wait but house hunting with 2 small kids is breaking us a bit. Dearest Mumsnet, what would you do?

[PotteringAlong]

I'd go for 1 l think. What's the outside space like in 2?

[ENtertainmentAppreciated]

Tricky. Perosnally I'd keep looking.

Sounds like house one is much better but has deal breakers really with the garden, parking and commute issues.

Do you think a loft conversion would be a better solution than the extension with house two? if so would it be more affordable?

[ENtertainmentAppreciated]

*personally

[FlossieTreadlight]

Same garden as we have now - c40ft so not enormous. Hmmm

[FlossieTreadlight]

I can't decide ENtertainment - we want and need more living space. An extra room would give us the capacity to comfortably give MIL somewhere to sleep but we would still be on top of each other and drowning in plastic kids crap

[FlossieTreadlight]

Probably cheaper than an extension though...

[ENtertainmentAppreciated]

So, that would solve one issue but not one of the more priority problems though.

Always remember that your home has to suit the people who are spending the most time of it best and then accommodate people who spend less time in it.

I think you should keep on looking based on what you've said.

Can you say any more about area and commute? MN is a fantastic resource for ideas, straight talking real advice.

[Oliversmumsarmy]

I actually think number 2 because if commuting to London was ever on the cards which I think is a big possibility as you mentioned it as a possible requirement then you can change the house at some point in time but you can't move it.

[Oliversmumsarmy]

Could you not put a cabin in the garden of number 2 for MIL.

[MooseyMoo]

I would also keep looking as neither meet all your criteria. We had an offer accepted on a lovely house which ticked all what we wanted. It fell through in August and had to wait and view lots of houses but finally one (which we had discounted as above budget but was reduced) came on the market we both liked and is actually nicer than the previous house. Luckily our first time buyers were very happy to wait and we've just exchanged

[FlossieTreadlight]

Sorry to disappear - family party today

Interesting re keep looking comments - I actually feel really sad about not having that house when I consider that. Maybe a sign.

Love the idea of a cabin for MIL. I'm not sure she'd go for it though!

The area is South coast - near Brighton where we currently live and have been pretty much priced out of. It would mean a near to or just over an hour car drive to work for me, including childcare drop off/pick ups. OH goes by train to another part of Sussex currently.

[jevoudrais]

I would keep looking. No off road parking is a big issue for me!

[ENtertainmentAppreciated]

Flossie, by that house you mean No 1?
Be careful because yes, if you love a house, it will always stay in your mind if you don't get it, but nagging thoughts about what you've missed aren't as bad as horrible practical problems if you live there. You look back with rose tinted glasses.

Obviously lots of people live with permit parking, how much would that bother you?
How likely is a five day commute to London?
It wasn't on the cards at all when we bought our house, but it happened.

Remember with house 1 you can't ever do anything to change the garden or the parking situation, or make your commutes easier.

I really think you either have to make realistic sacrifices criteria wise, or, you get more creative with the search area.

[Oliversmumsarmy]

Cabins can be really up market. I am having one put at the bottom of the garden.

[SwedishEdith]

An hour's commute, although not great, is pretty standard. But, do you mean if you ever worked in London it'd be much longer than that?

2 minutes from the beach would be a big pull for me

[wickedwaterwitch]

House 2 sounds more sensible and future proof in terms of commuting to London and re sale. Off street parking is a big plus too. You could do a garden room for MIL, I agree, that sounds possible.

[wickedwaterwitch]

I'd also keep looking as well though! What PP said about being unable to change the location is true.

[ENtertainmentAppreciated]

I agree the garden cabin could be great, even more expensive though with plumbing, which Mil would need. But OP said as it stands that wouldn't solve their overall need for a more spacious home with the DCs