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Original poster

This is bad isn't it? - House Selling

347 replies

rickandmorts · 28/06/2019 10:57

My mum has had her house on the market since February and is struggling to sell as it's a really unusual home and perhaps not everyone's cup of tea. It is one of 3 houses of the same style on drive and yesterday her NDN said they were also putting their house on the market Shock. It's very similar to my mum's house (same architect designed it). The EA tried to put a positive spin on it and say if people were coming to see NDN it might attract more attention for my mum's but in reality, you'd think they were both selling for some reason wouldn't you? Either something up with the house or something happening in the local area? My poor mum is so stressed about it all and we just want it sold Sad.

OP posts:
tmh88 · 28/06/2019 14:51

Oh sorry op thought it was HD8, I’m sure it will sell but probably not for that price with Huddersfield going the way it is. Best of luck Flowers

WhatchaMaCalllit · 28/06/2019 14:52

I've only read the first 100 posts (and I will go back and read 101-onwards) but what I would like to say is that it might be expensive for the area (I don't know) but it looks like it was decorated in 1970 and hasn't left the 1970's at all décor wise.
I don't like the tongue & groove on the ceiling and would have to update the décor and perhaps do some structural changes (as in fit a different ceiling) in some of the rooms. I realize that the furniture isn't included but it does date the house a lot.
If your neighbours have a similar aged house but their décor is more modern, it might suit buyers to buy theirs instead of your mum's place as they might be able to walk right in and not have to do very much work at all to it.

I was trying to work out what the dome is in the garden (couldn't see it in the description and it didn't seem to be 'featured' in the photos of the house).

All of that said - I love the views and for them alone, I'd be willing to buy it and fix the rest (if I could afford it).

Original poster
rickandmorts · 28/06/2019 14:53

Yes it is HD8, sorry was responding to the links about another house a lot cheaper but that was HD4 which isn't as desirable round here.

The dome is a greenhouse Grin

OP posts:
WhatchaMaCalllit · 28/06/2019 14:54

Sorry - just after seeing that it is a greenhouse. Is there any scope to have that introduced into the house to be able to sleep under the stars??? Probably not.

LizB62A · 28/06/2019 14:56

Lovely house !!

diddl · 28/06/2019 14:57

Can you only get in through the garage?

Overall I quite like it, but for me there would be compromises I think-so too pricey!

Original poster
rickandmorts · 28/06/2019 14:58

No you don't go in through the garage, you get in through the room at the bottom or can do from round the back.

OP posts:
WildfirePonie · 28/06/2019 14:58

Omg, I love it... and I love the Orla Kiely throws and accessories!

Ursaminor · 28/06/2019 15:00

Can I echo what a pp said about getting the planning permission reinstated - would be well worth doing, and shouldn't be a big job - might make all the difference!

BarryBarryTaylor · 28/06/2019 15:00

I think it’s drop dead gorgeous.
I don’t know anything about buying and selling houses (I rent in London) but if I could buy that I would love it. Seems like a wonderful family home to me. So inviting and peaceful.
I really hope it sells OP x

JoJoSM2 · 28/06/2019 15:00

It's a funky house and I can see that someone would pay a premium over a standard house of the same size. It's just a question of what premium. The house doesn't look that practical for a family so that also narrows down the market.

ravenshope · 28/06/2019 15:01

Re next door neighbours, I viewed three houses on the same estate recently and just picked the one I liked best. I can't imagine its putting anyone off. Might even make them more likely to view if they can do two at the same time?
Lovely house btw.

StinkEye · 28/06/2019 15:09

Bloody in love with that house. My only criticism would be to change the wood panelled ceiling. Maybe paint it white. But WHAT. A. HOUSE. Like something off Grand Designs.

Ursaminor · 28/06/2019 15:10

Also wondering about the estate agents - that was a very passive comment re the lapsed planning permission, just saying it couldn't be mentioned. Did they not suggest that it should be reapplied for? If not, that signals to me that they might not be the most dynamic of sellers. As others have said, such a unique property might need a more national seller - with a bit more oomph. (When I was a solicitor in Scotland, we did estate agency too, and I have to say that looking back , we were totally crap at it. Really worth getting that element right.)

Tuktuktaker · 28/06/2019 15:11

Sorry to keep coming back and commenting again, OP, but thinking about it and what a lot of posters on here have said, your mother's decor has a lot to do with the love it or hate it factor - I wonder if she would be prepared to sell it almost lock stock and barrel to someone who loves the mid-Sixties style and how she has interpreted it?
OK, I'm going now, sorry not been very helpful!

Girlwhowearsglasses · 28/06/2019 15:12

I’ve seen lots of house particulars mentioning ‘lapsed planning permission’. If I were buying I’d like to know this and then apply myself for what i might want. No reason you can’t state that. Change agent

LillianGish · 28/06/2019 15:15

Just looked at HD8 on Rightmove and actually the price doesn't look far off. It also has a viewing advised notice which is good. Maybe there just aren't many mid-century fans looking in Huddersfield. If next door goes on sale it will invite comparisons, but that might work in your favour - someone who can't afford next door, but could extend your mum's. I think that modern houses website could be the way to go.

SuperSara · 28/06/2019 15:15

@NewAccount270219 You can't really compare OP's mum's house to others in the wider area just by looking at nearby houses.

We live about 5 miles from it and pass the end of its drive almost daily - I've actually never lived more than 7 miles from that house - it's in a lovely place compared to many others at similar money in the vicinity.

Difficult to comprehend for others who don't know the area, probably, but we're also in HD8 and paid vastly more than OP's mum is wanting for her house. There are lots of fantastic houses near it and loads of lovely places in general.

Ursaminor · 28/06/2019 15:15

Me and @girlwhowearsglasses are totally on the same hymn sheet here!

Get that planning permission and change agent!

Borntobeamum · 28/06/2019 15:16

Fantastic house. I can imagine it being In A Bond film!!
When we got married In 1983, we bought a semi-detached which was one of 4 in a row for sale. Apparently. There had been some wife swapping going on and all 4 couple split up and sold their homes.
I'm sure it will sell. There will be someone who can see potential for the land if they dont want the actual house x

bilbodog · 28/06/2019 15:23

How come i cant see a link to the house?

Strugglingonagain · 28/06/2019 15:26

Gutted I'm too late to see it!

AlbertWinestein · 28/06/2019 15:38

If you skimread the thread, there’s a link to a Guardian article that includes a link to the house. Which I was very pleased about as I also missed the original link!

It’s a lovely house! I did lol at the knock it down comment though.

Disfordarkchocolate · 28/06/2019 15:46

Some very harsh comments on the Guardian website, lots of Poundbury types. Love the house.

Original poster
rickandmorts · 28/06/2019 15:53

Sorry I asked for it to be pulled as I was getting twitchy the cunting DM would get hold of it. But hopefully this is mundane enough!

OP posts: