Which house would you choose?

[Plan36DD]

I’m 57 and downsizing. I want this to be my last move so I need to get it right! Please tell me what you’d do in my situation?

First house is detached, brand new, village location. I love the house itself but I’m worried the location is a bit remote. The village has a village shop, a pub, and a church. It’s about 2 miles away to the nearest small town which, at the moment, is no issue for me. But of course that could change.

Second house is also detached and is a chalet bungalow. Not sure exactly how old it is - perhaps 1950’s? Again I love the house but this time I’m wondering if it’s too central! Its in a small town and is on a corner, right opposite a vet surgery with a pub behind it. Local shops are walking distance. Parking wouldn’t be a problem.

Thanks in advance for any opinions!

I agree with @lunarlandscape. I'm 60 and definitely wouldn't be thinking at this stage of moving to a house that would be suitable for my 80s/90s.

Neither of these two houses sounds quite right, but I'd probably go for the first, accepting that I might need to move again in 20 years or so.

Thank you so much for further opinions. I’m not brave enough to link!

There is no rush, you’re right, but I do need/want to move as my current house is old and costs a fortune to maintain. I’m worried we’re at the stage where a lot of things will suddenly go wrong and I won’t be able to afford large amounts to repair.

There doesn’t seem to be much choice in the areas I need to stay in though.

Neither. It sounds like something in a nice spot on the edge of the town, or in a busier village with more amenities would suit you better.

What's the comparative condition? What's the insulation like and heating costs? You'd expect a new build to be well insulated, with a modern efficient heating system, which might not be the case for the older property.

The main downside of the new build is that it's not in practical walking distance of the town. So think about how you could overcome that - could you cycle if you're not having to carry a lot of stuff? A small amount will go in a back pack or pannier then maybe get some of your shopping delivered to limit what you have to carry?

I like the look of the chalet style house. It is in the centre of town, with access to all the usual amenities. Only drawback is the noise but there are products that can help with that however. Show us photos of both properties OP.

Ok here are pics! They’re literally just pictures though as Ive tried to cut out any other details.

I said chalet bungalow and now having seen the pics I’m saying - chalet bungalow

What’s the public transport situation with both?

I don't think either sound right. Keep looking.

I would keep looking. From what you've said neither of them sound ideal.

The bungalow is a far nicer looking house but I would want the village location, (don't like the look of the village house though).

Based purely on that one picture. First house hands down.

Based on all the other info, I'm still "team bungalow"

I think I've confused myself

I like the look of the first house better. It also sounded like nicer of the two before the pics.

I am not "team bungalow" at all.

What kind of community feel does each one have? Which is friendlier? Is there plenty to interest you locally? Good neighbours and local friends become even more important as you get older.

Option 3 - keep looking.

You also might never need to move. My mum died in her late 70s but was driving until the end.

Both properties look lovely.

Based on pics alone I'd say definitely the chalet bungalow. It's much prettier and looks more substantial. The new build looks a bit flimsy.

Bungalow. Looks lovely.

I’ve actually done a viewing of the new build, and it seems pretty good quality as far as I can tell. I’ve only driven past the outside of the bungalow but am hoping for a viewing on Sunday.

I’m even more torn now! I will keep looking as some of you have suggested, but there has really been very little that has seemed to fit the bill.

You definitely need to view the bungalow!

I’m not a fan of new builds, even if the quality is good. They’re a bit soulless imo

Not the village. My parents live in a nice village a couple of miles from a bigger market town.

At the moment it's fine as they can drive, but they are moving into the town soon. The bus service is dire and local taxi firms get booked up early on market days. If they can't drive they are quite stuck

There is a bus service from the new build village but I don’t know how reliable it is. It’s only a 6 minute journey apparently.

The local high street is just around the corner from the bungalow.

I said neither, but seeing pictures - well they both look absolutely lovely!
So it's down to location really!

Neither, pubs are noisy. Lots of them go out of business but you can’t bank on it.

You need to be as close to a drs surgery and chemist as possible when older.

It sounds like neither are quite right.

I'm definitely planning on staying in locations with good facilities as I get older. I want to be able to have access to my day to day needs without much planning or needing to use public transport.

However, I want my actual house to not be bothered by lots of traffic noise or be close to a busy pub. I lived near one once and kicking out time was awful. Lots of shouting and door slamming. Keep looking.