Bigger house or bigger garden/footprint?

[Froxfield282]

We're torn between 2 very different houses. We have 2 DC 7 and 9 so we're thinking ahead to the teen years

House 1:3 story semi, living room, family room, large kitchen diner, 3 bedrooms, downstairs loo, ensuite and family bathroom, drive for 1 car (Street parking nearby), small garden (big enough for a large shed, decked area, grass and some planting).

House 2: 3 bed semi, 1 bathroom, 1 living room diner, small kitchen with small breakfast bar, large garden with summer house, green house and shed, driveway for 2 cars, garage.

We couldn't afford to extend house 2 at all, we'd be living in it as it is.

So the question is really, if you have teens whats more important-larger garden, parking etc or more living space.

living space

I’d definitely go for house 1 if there’s no way of extending house 2. You’ll spend more time in the house than the garden. Teens won’t be that bothered with a garden but they will want space to hang out with their friends.

Could the summerhouse be used as a teenage den all year?

How do bedroom sizes compare?
School catchments?

House1 sounds more attractive overall initially

If there is no option of extending in the future, then house 1.
But house 2 sounds perfect for family life right now, is there absolutely no way of funding an extension is say 4-5 years?

Aroundtheworldin80moves yes it could be used as a den for the teens. Bedroom sizes in house 1 are bigger but not significantly.

House 2 would be perfect for retirement, I could see myself in the garden pottering about all day but I think you're all right and living space for the teens would be more valuable.

Absolutely no way that we could extend, we want to try and pay the mortgage off early, that's the priority.

Agree with PP, could you not get a summer house in 5 years time for your kids?
But don't just think about them. Where would you like to live for potentially the next 20 years? There kids will make the most of either place.

soundofsilver if it were just DH and I I'd want to be in house 2 but I'm not sure I fancy sharing 1 bathroom with 2 teens. Maybe neither of these are right and we keep looking.

This is a rainy country, gardens would not be used more than indoor space.
I would choose house 1 because a downstairs loo is very useful. You are so far off retirement yet and these days children stay with their parents to 25 or older. you can move again later in life.

I'd prefer the additional living space.