First time buyer - need guidance!

[BuffyChiro]

I’ve been lurking on the property board for a while and have noticed that, when an actual property listing is posted, mumsnetters notice a whole lot more than I do. I’m hoping you could give me an option on this property.

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-72110903.html

It matches what I’m looking for in that its 1 bedroom, is in a good condition, with not much needing to be done, it has a garden with direct access from the house.

Things I’m not such a fan of are the location - I live in a seaside town and would like to be closer to the beach, and I don’t really like being in the middle of a housing estate. Also, I would immediately replace the gravel in the back garden with turf.

Not a lot has come up suitable in the area, and I know I have to make compromises on some things.

Anyway, I’d really like to hear your opinions on it, if you could spare some time. As I said, im always amazed at the amount of times I’ve seen mumsnetters point out something about a listing that I hadn’t even considered before.

[BuffyChiro]

Link fail! Hopefully this one will work www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-72110903.html

[JoJoSM2]

I'd think twice about compromising on the location. If you get a property where you want it (closer to the beach, not the middle of a housing estate), then you can work with it. E.g. if the location is great but decor dated, you can always do it up over time to achieve the perfect house in the perfect spot. However, the linked house will always be far from where you want it and the decor will only get older.

[wowfudge]

Can you stretch to a two bed place? The market for one bedroom houses and flats is small and you may find it difficult to sell on in the future when you want a bigger place.

[niceberg]

It does look nice and tidy. Are you happy not to have a bath?

I do support previous posters' comments though.

[KitKat1985]

It' a nice little bungalow, but I'd say always think about the long term. I don't know how old you are but I'm guessing 20's or 30's given that you are a FTB. In particular it's always worth considering if you want children in the future. How long will you be able to live there if you meet someone and decide to have children and need more space? It's worth bearing the children issue in mind as moving is expensive so sometimes it can be worth paying more at the outset to get somewhere with 2 or more bedrooms if children are possibly on the cards in the next few years.

Also the lack of a bath can be off-putting from a future re-sale point of view so it may be worth considering how feasible it would be to put a bath in.

[UnimaginativeUser]

I would add two things:

1 - to me, that fridge is in a bit of an odd place, but I'm not sure where else it could go. Also, does the kitchen window look out on to the "sun lounge"? Strange that they've not taken a photo where you can see the units better.

2 - the "sun lounge" looks old and single glazed. That and a polycarbonate roof means than in anything other than perfect weather it's going to be too cold or too hot. If it's a room you're relying on for space, I'd factor in the costs of having to re-do it.

If it's just you, or a couple, I think it's otherwise lovely. Do think about the location thing though. If it's bugging you know, it'll bug you even more after living in it for a few years.

[Drum71]

I think there are better properties in Lossiemouth. I’d look at the two bed on Macdonald Drive. It’s very cluttered but a better size. Also it’s been on since October last year so you may be able to offer less.

Also look at Ptigavney Court. Yes, it’s a flat but it’s two beds.

While the one you have linked it’s nice a bungalow will always achieve a bit of a premium.