Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Stuck in a house dilemma and going round in circles… help!

35 replies

getoutofmyhead · 09/01/2026 12:49

We’re torn between two houses we genuinely love, and I cannot seem to land on a decision.
House A makes complete sense on paper. It’s near the countryside, close to school, with friends living literally across the road and a really strong community feel. The layout is practical and adaptable (ie could make it lovely and homely internally), and there’s potential to create an annexe that could generate additional income in future/ host visiting family. It’s also cheaper, which would give us far more financial breathing space. The city centre is a short bus ride or drive away. Thought it’s not pretty on the outside and never will be a beautiful period house. As someone who really cares about aesthetics, this niggles more than I’d like to admit.
House B is the opposite. It’s a lovely Victorian house with lots of character, walkable to the city centre and very much city living. However, it’s less practical day to day (lots of floors), and while still affordable, it would stretch us a bit more financially. Resale value is probably strongest on this one.
I keep swinging between the two. One feels sensible, supportive and future-proof. The other match better but comes with less flexibility.
Has anyone made such a choice? What I am missing to decide on the spot?
YABU – House A
YONBU – House B

OP posts:
itsthetea · 09/01/2026 13:26

I can’t see putting teens out of sight and sound as an advantage !

Madcats · 09/01/2026 13:25

Georgian townhouse dweller here. How many floors are you talking; 5?

When kids are older it is much nicer to have separate living areas/floors so you don’t disturb one another (quite useful when you don’t want to disturb toddlers too). Some of our neighbours have converted either top or basement floors to what is effectively a self-contained apt for their adult children to enable them to afford to live close to town.

Once children hit their teens don’t underestimate how brilliant it is to have them walk to school/friends/(bus)station rather than always begging for lifts.

Original poster
getoutofmyhead · 09/01/2026 13:23

Shinyandnew1 · 09/01/2026 13:02

walkable to the city centre

Who is in your family? That one sounds better for young teenagers/adults.

With the house near the countryside, will you be having to give kids lifts all the time for them to be able to get anywhere? We are fairly central but still forever giving lifts as the buses aren't terribly reliable!

we have two young kids. I can imagine being easy enough to reach town centre as they grow up. both house are 20mn walk apart from each other. so first one is 20mn from town centre, second one is 40mn walk (10mn ish bus ride).

OP posts:
LittleRedFoxy · 09/01/2026 13:15

Soonenough · 09/01/2026 12:53

House A . You can deal with the cosmetics of it as you live there.
House B . Pretty but impractical.

I know this because I lived in a beautiful Victorian home . Bloody freezing, too many stairs. Moved to a soulless new build , five years on it's been painted , planted and so easy to run .

Exactly what I did - would never go back to an older property now. I'd avoid Property B unless you've got strong DIY skills and a very deep renovations budget. Plus you can't put a price on community and having friends close by. Property A all the way.

Scottishskifun · 09/01/2026 13:02

As an owner of an old property (1850s fisherman cottage) I say this kindly if property B already stretches you financially you cannot afford it.
Any works which needs doing cost a lot and we have to save triple the estimated cost as something else is always found.

Roof = 40k
Windows = 20k
Pointing/chimney = 10k
Rendering (depends on if it has this) = 20k

We are between 5-15k per room to insulate up to standards and decorate.

I absolutely love my house but accept its a money pit and have been here 12 years and still not had the funds to touch the kitchen!

Shinyandnew1 · 09/01/2026 13:02

walkable to the city centre

Who is in your family? That one sounds better for young teenagers/adults.

With the house near the countryside, will you be having to give kids lifts all the time for them to be able to get anywhere? We are fairly central but still forever giving lifts as the buses aren't terribly reliable!

itsthetea · 09/01/2026 12:58

I love my new build

the outside is still a bit plain but inside - let’s just say as you visit the neighbours you sharp realise we all have our own styles that make the same houses feel so different after such a short period of time

and it’s warm and cheap and in a great location

I laugh inside now at people liking the look of old houses and talking about their character

user1471538283 · 09/01/2026 12:56

I believe to go with your gut but temper it by affordability. Of all my homes the two I've been happiest in I've known as soon as I walked in.

You sound like you've fallen for the Victorian one but how much will it stretch you financially? Might it stretch you so much you resent it?

Original poster
getoutofmyhead · 09/01/2026 12:54

Soonenough · 09/01/2026 12:53

House A . You can deal with the cosmetics of it as you live there.
House B . Pretty but impractical.

I know this because I lived in a beautiful Victorian home . Bloody freezing, too many stairs. Moved to a soulless new build , five years on it's been painted , planted and so easy to run .

Do you love the new built?

OP posts:
Soonenough · 09/01/2026 12:53

House A . You can deal with the cosmetics of it as you live there.
House B . Pretty but impractical.

I know this because I lived in a beautiful Victorian home . Bloody freezing, too many stairs. Moved to a soulless new build , five years on it's been painted , planted and so easy to run .