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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

It’s a house buying one (with listings)

133 replies

Housedebate2 · 22/07/2026 20:46

Posting in AIBU for traffic.

DH and I are going to view two houses on the same road but are already at odds on which we each prefer.

Please can you give your views on each - ignoring the price, as this isn’t an issue for the right house. It’s us + DS with no plans for any more kids. We both WFH, but on different days.

House 1
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/89365290#/?channel=RES_BUY

House 2
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/90660585#/?channel=RES_BUY

Note with house 2, the second sitting room is on a sort of middle/split level, it’s not on the same floor as the bedrooms. We would likely use that as a main living room, and look to eventually knock through the kitchen into the lounge (thoughts welcome on that plan too!)

Thanks all

OP posts:
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GoogolB · 31/07/2026 13:03

I liked #1 better but this is a pointless thread since you clearly need to actually view the houses. You shouldn’t be ruling things in or out from an online viewing except on a factual basis (e.g wrong number of bedrooms).

Mymyi · 31/07/2026 12:55

Number 2.

Lougle · 31/07/2026 12:50

Housedebate2 · 31/07/2026 12:47

There’s a HMO for sale opposite - the property you’ve linked was on with another agent for ages previously too.

Show quote history

Is it a bad HMO? I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing automatically, is it?

Of the two you linked, I'd choose property two.

Original poster
Housedebate2 · 31/07/2026 12:47

Lougle · 31/07/2026 12:44

I'm confused. Why either of these two? There are so many properties for sale in that area which look better value for money.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/88998033?utm_campaign=property-details&utm_content=buying&utm_medium=sharing&utm_source=copytoclipboard#/&channel=RES_BUY

This one has 5 bedrooms, nice garden, plenty of parking - you could have an office each and a playroom.

There’s a HMO for sale opposite - the property you’ve linked was on with another agent for ages previously too.

OP posts:
dapsnotplimsolls · 31/07/2026 12:25

Hollowvoice · 31/07/2026 12:17

You need to go and view house 1 anyway, purely to explain that picture to us!

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Exactly, the mysterious green thing needs to be explained!

Hollowvoice · 31/07/2026 12:17

Housedebate2 · 31/07/2026 12:03

House 1 ruled out after a walk by. Really narrow drive, no option to widen it. Next doors drive right next to it so would be opening car door on to theirs, may seem a minor thing but it would annoy us.

House 2 looks to be in a good position, but we’ve had to hold off viewing - it remains on the list.

You need to go and view house 1 anyway, purely to explain that picture to us!

Original poster
Housedebate2 · 31/07/2026 12:03

House 1 ruled out after a walk by. Really narrow drive, no option to widen it. Next doors drive right next to it so would be opening car door on to theirs, may seem a minor thing but it would annoy us.

House 2 looks to be in a good position, but we’ve had to hold off viewing - it remains on the list.

OP posts:
MayaPyjama · 31/07/2026 12:00

House 2 by far. House 1 made me feel claustrophobic just looking at the pictures, although I really liked the decor. But you could easily use the saving you get with house 2 to get that to a similar standard and exactly your taste.

I’d be ripping the bathroom out in house 2 and redoing that as a starter though. The rest would probably be cosmetic.

I would need to see both of them to make a decision though.

averythinline · 31/07/2026 11:42

Prefer house 2 ..like the room proportions better.. although sqm is less.. having the extra reception can be really handy.. in house 1 very narrow rooms...

ThereIsThunderInOurHearts · 31/07/2026 11:31

House 2 has better room proportions. That is what makes it more homely and comfortable. It has amazing potential. With house 1, you would need to spend a lot of money to make most of the rooms a better shape, so it is not worth it.

House 2 100%!

JMSA · 31/07/2026 11:23

I much prefer the first one. Clearly I’m in the minority though!
Just have someone check out that ivy, as it’s potentially a red flag. I would honestly have its removal a condition of the sale.

Hollyhobbi · 31/07/2026 11:17

House 2. You can always convert a garage or use the storage space! Is it bigger or smaller than house 1?

jennikr · 31/07/2026 11:02

Much prefer house 1 which looks lovely, but would probably be practical and go for the cheaper and bigger house 2 if size was an issue (if you're taking lots of furniture with you or have lots of kids to fit in), then regret not buying house 1!
Which did you go for?

DancingFerret · 24/07/2026 13:02

House #2. I couldn't cope with the narrow rooms in #1.

Member984815 · 24/07/2026 12:49

House 2 , the garden is lovely

Buscobel · 24/07/2026 11:36

The photos, especially in house 1 are not good. I wouldn’t want a house with three or four bedrooms that has square footage of less than 1000 feet.

sassyclassyandsmartassy · 24/07/2026 09:22

As an agent I would say that house 2 has been photographed and presented far better in the listing, but don’t believe everything you see. Viewing is a must, listings can be highly deceptive and you may feel entirely different after you have actually viewed.

VerbenaGirl · 24/07/2026 08:12

I’d have to view them both to call it, as that gut feeling is so important with houses. The strange things the photos in house 1 are focusing on is not helping. Maybe done that way to disguise odd proportions (lots of long thin rooms, whereas house 2’s proportions feel better). Which way they face and when the garden will get sun is also something to think about. I think they both have potential, but I’d absolutely live with whichever you choose for a while before doing any major works - as that can really clarify what you want/need. An extra bathroom/en suite is great when children are getting older. In house 2, could you sacrifice the small bedroom for a lovely second bathroom (with bath)? Enjoy the viewings. Do let us know how they go (and what picture 11 really is all about!)

Seacatt · 24/07/2026 02:33

I like house 2.

Sinkysocks · 24/07/2026 00:01

That’s a lot of money for Swindon…house 2.

LeftoverLolly · 23/07/2026 23:55

I don't like drives that slope towards the house so that would knock out #2 for me.

Notashamed13 · 23/07/2026 23:48

Absolutely a no brainer for me..... number 2. All day long.

wellstopdoingitthen · 23/07/2026 23:46

House 2 has a much more spacious feel to it.
Think carefully before knocking rooms together.