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Turning house down due to garden?

36 replies

linkinhark · 13/10/2023 21:27

I've recently been offered a house through a housing association after waiting years.
The only issue is the back garden has a really low fence.
Im unsure if I'm able to put a bigger fence in
I really don't want to turn the house down but do want more privacy
Anyone have any ideas what I can do to give myself privacy ?
I did see bamboo screening?
Does anyone know how this works ?

Turning house down due to garden?
OP posts:
linkinhark · 13/10/2023 21:27

Anyone give me any ideas how to make this garden nice ?

OP posts:
Beckafett · 13/10/2023 21:28

They should let you improve the fencing at your own cost. Before you turn it down, I'd have a good chat to see what the "refusals" policy is.

TwoBigNoisyBoys · 13/10/2023 21:29

Attaching bamboo screening would be a quick and relatively easy fix. It would be a shame to turn down a house purely because of the fence 😊

isthewashingdryyet · 13/10/2023 21:29

Take it, and ask again how to fix the garden when you are in. House looks fabulous

Movinghouseatlast · 13/10/2023 21:30

It looks like it could be lovely. I would ask them.what you are allowed to do- they may allow you to put your own fence up if you pay yourself.

Avacadoandtoast · 13/10/2023 21:30

Take it - that is such a miner thing that you can fix later!

Anothernamechange3 · 13/10/2023 21:31

Pots with bamboo plants in lined up against that fence would do the job easy.

Uncooperativefingers · 13/10/2023 21:32

And if you aren't allowed to increase the fence height, plant some bamboo in pots, it'll grow huge quickly and provide a good screen.

Make sure you put the bamboo in pots though, it's a thug and will take over your whole garden if you plant it directly into the soil!

linkinhark · 13/10/2023 21:32

The house opposite to the left has a bigger fence but there's a lot of houses on my street /opposite that are bought so unsure if that's why.
The rest of house is lovely
Still has carpets in living room /stairs and blinds
It's just the little garden fence with the issue

OP posts:
Topofthemountain · 13/10/2023 21:33

What's behind the fence? Is it an older house? Newer houses may have additional planning restrictions, not so much in older properties unless it is a conservation area. Most HA will give permission for you to do additional fencing at your cost.

You've been waiting years for this, don't turn it down just for this.

Gro · 13/10/2023 21:36

Even if you can't replace the fence there is plenty of things you can do. Screening, trellis with climbing plants, shed etc.

linkinhark · 13/10/2023 21:36

It's the garden of the other houses
They are older houses

OP posts:
DaughterNo2 · 13/10/2023 21:39

You have been waiting for years and now seem to have an issue with the garden🤷‍♀️

iknowimcoming · 13/10/2023 21:40

Just ask the HA if you can put in higher fencing?

TaxiFor1 · 13/10/2023 21:42

Please do not refuse the house because of the fence. I work for a housing association in Greater Manchester and this would be classed as an unreasonable refusal and our policy is struck off the waiting list for 12 months! Also you need to consider if you were not taken off the list how long would you have to wait again for another offer. You will be able to put your own fencing or screening up.

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 13/10/2023 21:42

@TwoBigNoisyBoys’ suggestion of bamboo screening is a good one, @linkinhark. Don’t turn down an otherwise good house for this one, easily fixed issue.

falalalalal · 13/10/2023 21:43

Sorry OP you sound rather ungrateful. You've waited years for a house and you think the garden is a problem!

Sodie · 13/10/2023 21:44

I've never known housing association or council to have issues with fences. We had a 10ft fence all around our last house. This house also has a huge fence. The person who lived here before us even fitted a huge adapted extension.

minipie · 13/10/2023 21:45

I think you could easily attach some rolls of bamboo or willow screening to the existing fence, in a way that can be taken down if any future resident doesn’t want it (ie no damage or permanent change)

linkinhark · 13/10/2023 21:45

I have found these
Stupid question but do these just go into the ground ?

Turning house down due to garden?
OP posts:
Houseplanter · 13/10/2023 21:46

I don't think anyone ever finds their perfect in every way house.. as a buyer or a renter

If you wait to be offered perfection you'll wait forever.

Celibacyinthesticks · 13/10/2023 21:47

Waiting years for a house and you are considering turning down because of a low fence? Really??

minipie · 13/10/2023 21:48

I’d go for something like this which is intended to be attached to an existing fence

linkinhark · 13/10/2023 21:49

I won't turn it down
I just for a second thought about it
But I don't think I would get lucky like this again
I was number 12 bidding and the others didn't turn up
So no I won't turn it down

OP posts:
catalie · 13/10/2023 21:49

You can add willow and attach to the existing fence. Definitely doable. Go for the house!

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