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AIBU?

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Original poster

Would you over extend yourself with this house purchase if you were me?

106 replies

Proopo · 16/03/2025 12:39

Dh and I have found just the most gorgeous home. It needs some tlc and modernisation but it could be absolutely spectacular. Location is superb, dog walks would be like a page out of The Wind in the Willows. It feels so rural but it is only a few miles from a very pretty town. Well several. Plus excellent transport links into London

It is at the extreme end of our budget. Dh and I have had some tough few years and were really planning on the next move bringing peace into our Iives. But this opportunity with the house is so compelling.

We would probably put in a brand new kitchen before we moved in and then just do a room at a time. The reception rooms and bedrooms don’t really need doing and the bathrooms are in good nick just very ugly

We really wanted to move somewhere that didn’t need a lick of paint if we were to go towards the top of our budget

OP posts:
BarneyRonson · 16/03/2025 12:48

You are romanticising the property. Stay grounded and stick with your ‘kind to ourselves’ plan.

mindutopia · 16/03/2025 12:48

I would as long as you could live in it without doing anything if you needed to.

If it’s really at the extreme end of your budget, I wouldn’t be putting in a new kitchen straight away. Live in it for a year and then make a decision what to prioritise.

We extended our original budget by about £200k to buy our house. 😳 It’s absolutely wonderful. It’s been such a solid investment. And it’s given us such a wonderful lifestyle. Money very well spent. It does need work but we’re doing it slowly and living our best lives in the meantime.

Hollietree · 16/03/2025 12:48

Does the house purchase require a mortgage? If so, I would never stretch myself to the extreme top of my budget. Especially since the house needs lots of work on top. Your income could reduce, the interest on the mortgage could go up, you could find hidden expensive work that needs doing to the house in the future. If you want a peaceful life then keep looking for another property.

biscuitsandbooks · 16/03/2025 12:47

Don't. If you can only just afford the mortgage, the work will never get done and you'll live in a half-done house forevermore.

Pinkhat123 · 16/03/2025 12:45

What’s the purpose of your move? Downsizing? Upsizing for kids etc? Location?

verycloakanddaggers · 16/03/2025 12:43

Dh and I have had some tough few years and were really planning on the next move bringing peace into our Iives. I'd say respect your needs and look for something that actually meets your brief. Peace is priceless.