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Original poster

Which house would you choose?

61 replies

Plan36DD · 10/11/2021 22:24

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!

OP posts:
Disfordarkchocolate · 12/11/2021 08:58

I've just seen the pictures. The bungalow looks lovely, nice size plot by the look of it. We have houses like the new build near me, the houses are nice but they are just so close to each other all your views are of other people's houses. It makes me feel claustrophobic.

Original poster
Plan36DD · 12/11/2021 09:20

Thanks again for more opinions.

The new build is only one of three, and the gardens are actually a perfect size, ie not too big or too small. I have a dog so need some sort of garden.

I will report back (because I’m sure you’re all on tenterhooks!) after I’ve viewed the bungalow!

Thanks again.

OP posts:
MrsSkylerWhite · 12/11/2021 09:22

Town for me. Might not be able to drive one day.

HelebethH · 12/11/2021 09:48

If its any help we lived rurally for many years. Although fit, healthy, acive walkers we moved into town to future proof. I will admit it has tken some getting used to, but now iI really aporeciate having facilities. Within 6 mths of moving my husband needed a hip replacement. A week before his surgery I tripped and broke my elbow. I really appreciated a regular bus service as neither of us were able to drive for several weeks. I have shops, doctors, dentist, church and a lovely park around the corner. The one thing we have found really surprising is the community spirit, Far more than we ever encountered in the village. No village politics either. Also our old village has lost its pub, shop and post office,

shinynewapple21 · 12/11/2021 10:27

I think 57 is too young to be planning your last house move, unless you have a partner who is a lot older than you. There is plenty of time to make a final move to a retirement flat, bungalow, whatever .

From your original information I was going to suggest to go with the village if that was what your heart was telling you now, and reconsider in 10-15 years time. But looking at the pictures the bungalow is far nicer than I imagined, with what appears to be a largish garden . If this is definitely your final move I would go with this one . I'm not keen on the new build although I'm obviously not seeing in its surroundings .

StillWalking · 12/11/2021 10:30

We live in house one (detached in a village location - pub nearby but no shops), and I would love to live in house two and be able to walk to get everyday basics. Currently have to drive to a shop and it gets more of a pain as you get older I can assure you. I'm a fit, active 67 year old, if that helps.

Twizbe · 12/11/2021 11:56

@shinynewapple21

I think 57 is too young to be planning your last house move, unless you have a partner who is a lot older than you. There is plenty of time to make a final move to a retirement flat, bungalow, whatever .

From your original information I was going to suggest to go with the village if that was what your heart was telling you now, and reconsider in 10-15 years time. But looking at the pictures the bungalow is far nicer than I imagined, with what appears to be a largish garden . If this is definitely your final move I would go with this one . I'm not keen on the new build although I'm obviously not seeing in its surroundings .

I don't think it's ever too young to plan your last move.

Moving is expensive and stressful, you don't want to do it more than you have to. Plus the older you are when you do it the harder it is to do.

I'm 37 and already planning the type of house I want to retire into. Partly that's because I want to build it myself and it's going to take 20 years to persuade my husband to do that lol

Purplewithred · 12/11/2021 15:25

57 to 90+ your strengths and needs will change massively. From what I see your needs at 90 are likely to include easy access to carers, gps and hospitals, good public transport and vigilant neighbours = town location.

RedHot22 · 12/11/2021 15:45

57 is a great time to plan your last move

Moving when you’re old makes it incredibly hard to have a support network. The friendships and links you have at 57 are the ones who will help you on years to come.

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 12/11/2021 15:49

Love that you say you are downsizing then the pictures show big family sized homes Grin

The bungalow is gorgeous. I'd go for that.

CormoranStrike · 12/11/2021 16:21

First one all the way.

I would never buy near a pub.

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