Should I buy this house?

[TheAbsentGazelle]

Separating from my DP of 12 years and we're selling our house and going our separate ways.

I've seen a house I really like. Extremely affordable. Lovely garden -perfect for my dog. Really good area which I like and know well, and would feel safe and comfortable in. Close to my work. Close to shops and amenities.

My only issue is its small. Any house is going to feel small because I'm moving from a 5 bed house but this one is very small. I would have to get rid of a lot of my stuff. The 2 bedrooms are a good size but the kitchen for example is only 2.8 x 2.9.

I've seen bigger houses in my price range but they're not in good areas and I don't know how comfortable I would feel there.

Am I right to be prioritising area over footprint? I keep telling myself it doesn't need to be forever and I can always move again in future.

If it’s just you, I’d prefer to be in a nice area.

Always pick the location.

Thank you. That's my thinking too. The other areas, I don't know if I would feel comfortable going out after dark to walk my dog.

I would definitely prioritise area over house size. Most times you can extend if you feel it’s too small after you’ve settled in.

A house that in your own words you feel safe and comfortable in with a lovely garden in a lovely location sounds blissful! Size really isn’t everything.

Is the house only for you? If so I would rather have that house with all the other positives than choosing bigger house with negatives.

Yes, house is just for me and my dog

Is there extension potential? In a few years you could make the kitchen bigger?

I'm not sure if I would get planning permission to extend. None of the other houses on the street have.

Is there enough room to have people over, if you like hosting?
Other than that I’d go for area over size

Sounds perfect. Just one person doesn't need a huge kitchen. Nicer to have a small compact one that can be perfect all the time.

Yes location is everything and makes all the difference.

We picked our house because of the location and it does make out live more comfortable and convenient.

When I separated I bought a tiny house. It's a one bed but a bit quirky. Years of visiting IKEA has helped me with storage solutions in my bijou home...it's in a lovely area and I'm settled but it's all I could afford at the time. Less time spent cleaning means I have more time for everything else and it's just me and the cat 🐱

Thank you everyone. I wasn't sure if I was making a mistake in choosing location over house size.

Is there sufficient storage (garage, shed, attic)? If so and it's just you and your dog then I would go for the small house with everything else going for it. It sounds lovely!

I would go for it. Downsizing and decluttering can be really freeing. Worst case scenario you can get a self storage unit?

Yes it has a shed, attic and 2 decent storage cupboards.

If it's just you and your dog, definitely go for the smaller one in the better area. Having more space means nothing if you don't feel comfortable and safe.

Smaller house = less cleaning and maintenance. Sound perfect t!

This is why the minimalism mindset has really taken off. The realisation that possessions limit your life choices, and take time and money to maintain (and move). In ghis case "stuff" stands in your way.

There's some good minimalism info out there. I radically transformed my life by getting shot of stuff if it wasn't useful (serving a constant purpose), beautiful (art work etc) or very very very sentimental. It's quite free-ing.

Go for the smaller house in the great area. Good luck.

Small and safe is good.
My 3 bed (well 2 beds and a large cupboard) 30's semi is tiny. Bathroom and kitchen only 2m x 2m but have managed to extend kitchen units 600mm into dining room. Fridge freezer under the stairs and another door added to access the lower bit. Big shoe cupboard built in the hall also houses the boiler. All beds have storage drawers. Washer and dryer in conservatory. Bathroom is shiny white tiles and big mirrors with a big P shaped bath and curved shower door that folds back against the wall so it looks a lot bigger than it really is. Attic is boarded and shelved with a proper wooden ladder. Absolutely no clutter anywhere and everything has a place. There is no excess furniture. It is always tidy and it feels spacious and calm.
It's all about the storage.
DH is tolerated and takes up little space inside the house although he does have a large garage🤣

That sounds lovely 😍

Thank you everyone. It's reassuring to hear that I'm on the same wavelength as anyone else would be. I think I'm going to put an offer on the house

Maybe cheaper fuel bills too?

Definitely cheaper fuel bills, that's true!