To base a half a million house purchase on what my 7 year old wants?

[Batwomanrisesagain]

We live in a new build property which is lovely, loads of other kids around, lots of green space. However all very 'on top of each other' and can feel a bit like being back at school with petty neighbour disputes that belong in the playground. I crave solitude as a result of said disputes but equally am very outgoing and sociable and on the whole enjoy the community feel.
I'm also keen on moving up the property ladder should the right house arrive. And it has, beautiful big old cottage with lots of land. No neighbours, beautiful house.
My child is distraught that their friends won't be around, it really is lovely how everyone plays out together. I'm seriously considering pulling out of the purchase as I think my child may have a point about being isolated.
Has anyone been in a similar position or live without neighbours? Or am I being ridiculous letting a young child decide our future?

Think about how he will get about when he's 15..

Our house has risen significantly in value and DH often talks of selling to repay the mortgage and moving further out. The area we live in now has great access to public transport or n our doorstep which means my DCs can get to secondary school independently and also they can see friends without having to rely on us a chauffeurs all the time. My feeling is that with teens it would be crazy to move away from the things that give them independence and make our lives easier. So OP just consider how things will be for your kids when they are older.

We have totally changed our home aspirations since moving to the ME. Here we live in large houses on a compound and the children have so much freedom. The purpose of coming here was to save for a big country pile, but we've decided we cannot deprive them of the independence they've gained and are looking to buy on a new build estate in the suburbs when we return to ensure they can still have plenty of friends and go to the park, town and shops on their own as they get older...

Large house or a stealth boast btw...meant to put and then forgot that even during hottest weather they have space to have tens of the compound kids in one house (not that great when it is your turn!)

You've had some great advice but the one thing I'd say is it doesn't have to be this extreme a choice. You could still live in a great house, with more privacy/space but without going totally rural - perhaps there is a happy medium.

Really important you are happy with the decision - it's not a question of satisfying one part of the family and not the other - there is a way to keep everyone happy!

Any update on this op?

Hi all, sorry for the delay in update. We cancelled the viewing after lots of thought and booked a few holidays after deciding to stay where we are for the kids and not stretch ourselves. I still have a niggling desire to buy that house though...

Look for s halfway house instead. So somewhere with rural views and a bit hidden but a 20 minute walk from some civilisation and transport links.

I've just reached 50 and I've got to have a small mortgage for house repairs. I wouldn't want "a sizeable mortgage in my 60's", if I could avoid it, tbh.

Most of my friends, who love their Careers are wanting to work less, now they've got to their 60's. You can be well, but as your friends start to have serious illnesses/die, it does make you revaluate how you want to spend your time.

Then there's the taxi service for your teens. Or how would you feel if they wanted Mopeds, to get about on?

Now my DDs are all over 19 and independent, I'd take lifestyle over the style of house, any day.

I have an only. I wouldn't do it. He will need his friends to be easily accessible unless you want to be his only source of entertainment.