WIBU to turn down dream flat because of the area?

[jammygem]

Long story short, trying to get my foot on the property ladder, and I have a chance of maybe buying a beautiful flat in a converted church - the layout is great, it's so beautiful, modern fitted kitchen and bathroom, and the garden is lovely for my cat too. All modern and crisp and clean inside, but outside a beautiful impressive old church. All in all, it is the dream first place for me, and right in my budget as well.

Only problem was the location - it is slap bang in the middle of one of the roughest areas of the county and there's no way I would have felt safe living there alone.

My DSis is shocked that I'd give up the opportunity to buy such a lovely flat "just because" of the area. It's officially Sold STC but the estate agent has warned me that it's likely to fall through and I have a good chance if I want it.

Don't do it! Feeling safe is so much more important

And think of how easy, or not, it would be to sell the flat.

I think that some areas of the Country can get a bad reputation due to past histories (I live in one and it's really great, despite people thinking otherwise). I've also been lucky to buy in a shabby area before it became a really sought after place to live and saw it change almost overnight.

However in both places I have always felt safe and confident in being there and leaving my house unattended. This will be your home and I think even a Palace will quickly sour if you can't relax. The problem could also snowball if you move on quickly; people aren't daft and you may end up either losing money or being unable to sell.

It's a tricky one though, when you really love somewhere.

The golden rules of house purchasing: Location, location and location.

If you wanted to sell, future buyers would also need to overcome concerns about the location... It would put you at a huge disadvantage.

And really, feeling safe is of the utmost importance. Your DSis is being weird. No way would I encourage my Dsis to buy in a dodgy area. I'd be concerned for her well being.

There will be other opportunities to buy.

Why is Plumstead so cheap then ?

Sorry, didn't notice all the new posts!
Thanks everyone for your thoughts - and thanks Merel for pointing out the map on the police website - I think that'll come in handy!

Although a lovely building, I think you are all right about how feeling safe has to be my first priority. It doesn't help that I occasionally have to work late nights (think 2/3am finish) and I don't think I'd want to be walking through that area at that time of night.

I've lived in some of the rougher areas of town when a student, but living with a group of others made all the stabbings/shootings seem less... unsafe, I guess. I'd be on my own if I moved, so I really do want to be in a 'safe' area.

I would prefer a crap house in a good neighbourhood than a good house in a crap neighbourhood. if you wouldn't feel safe it's a no go

Keep looking!

Area is far more important.

You need to live in an area where you feel comfortable and safe, especially if you're finishing work at 2 am. Pay no attention to your DSis, she doesn't have to live there.

If the agent already thinks the sale might fall through then it will be pretty hard to shift when you're ready to move odd. Better to look for a crap flat in a better area. It's cheaper to change the flat than the neighbourhood!

My number one priority when looking for somewhere to live is whether I would be happy walking there from the station/bus stop alone at midnight. If you're not, don't even consider buying it. You'll end up dreading going home.

Yanbu. I currently live in a place and i am embarrassed to tell people my address because of the connotations. There is nothing whatsoever wrong with the house but its not somewhere i would like to raise children.