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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Would you accept this council house?

378 replies

Ashkey234 · 19/07/2017 18:12

I'm currently renting a house for £360 per month from a housing association.
Not in the best location.
I bidded on a house (through council ) it's only 7 years old,much better location and massive garden ,£380 per month.
I went for viewing today and I was the only person who turned up.
Anyway if I get offered it,do I take it?
It's going to mean new carpets,decorating.
Luckily the council have just painted all ceilings and all walls white but I would want to put my own stamp on things.
What would you do?
It's great rent price and still leaves us with a lot of spare money in the month for other things.
Is it worth moving for better location ?
Its bigger too.
I'm in two minds

OP posts:
SillyMoomin · 19/07/2017 18:35

Well in the time you've taken to wring your hands and wail at the hardship of life op you could have already rung two companies. Hmm

It doesn't take long.

Either take the house or don't. Either way, as it's clearly a no brainer that you should take it, if you cancel your sky then that's at least £40 a month to put towards the new carpet Hmm

MatildaTheCat · 19/07/2017 18:35

Sounds as if there might be someone out there who wants or needs this house more than you TBH.

Original poster
Ashkey234 · 19/07/2017 18:35

I'm not being ungrateful,I'm really not
I just struggle with decisions ..especially when partner tells me to do what I want then I worry il choose to move and he won't be happy

OP posts:
Lj8893 · 19/07/2017 18:36

When we moved into our house it cost us £400 to fit laminate in a lounge and hall, and carpet on stairs and 3 bedrooms. Would have been cheaper had we just had carpet throughout as the fitting for laminate is more expensive.

Original poster
Ashkey234 · 19/07/2017 18:36

I don't think there is Matilda as I was the only person who turned up to view it so can't be many interested

OP posts:
Gooseygoosey12345 · 19/07/2017 18:37

If you don't go to the carpet wholesaler you'll find carpets for peanuts. Fitting is about £40-£70 a room in my area

Gooseygoosey12345 · 19/07/2017 18:37

If you go**Hmm

StormFrontage · 19/07/2017 18:37

Ok, so the real issue is that you have a DP who puts all the blame on you for everything that doesn't suit him?

Is he a bit of a knob?

Floggingmolly · 19/07/2017 18:38

No, you definitely shouldn't.
Is that what you wanted to hear? Hmm

AndNowItIsSeven · 19/07/2017 18:38

Pain on floorboards is fine , carpets are only essential if you have concrete.
I find your post quite insensitive tbh.

StormFrontage · 19/07/2017 18:39

Lj Christ when did you move - the 1980s??

ALemonyPea · 19/07/2017 18:39

Some short term inconveniences for a (possible) lifelong tenancy? Go for it.

AndNowItIsSeven · 19/07/2017 18:39

*paint

MrsBobDylan · 19/07/2017 18:40

You don't need to redecorate before you move in. Wait until your boyfriend is home and he can do it.

Also, your housing association may have a list of all the utilities you might need to ring.lots of them will have websites so you can do it online.

Intransige · 19/07/2017 18:40

Instead of focussing on the downsides write an honest list of all the good things.

And if it helps you to decide, get some facts. For example ring a local carpet place and ask them how quickly they could be available to install new carpets and how disruptive it might be. Don't imagine the issues, get real information for your decision.

MumIsRunningAMarathon · 19/07/2017 18:41

I don't think you should take it either

MumIsRunningAMarathon · 19/07/2017 18:41

Stick with what you've got

Glumglowworm · 19/07/2017 18:41

Of course you should move

It's short term minor difficulties for major long term gain.

stitchglitched · 19/07/2017 18:42

Ashkey there will be people further down the list who weren't offered a viewing at this stage. That's what happened with us last year, 10 others (fools) turned down our beautiful brand new build before we were offered it, 2 months after our initial bid. Like I said, if a few phonecalls are putting you off then your need for it can't be that great. There will be someone further doen the list not getting anywhere who would be extremely grateful for it I'm sure.

Starsandwishes · 19/07/2017 18:44

So the house your in is suitable? So how comes you were allowed to bid if you already have a suitable home Confused

Lj8893 · 19/07/2017 18:44

storm ummm no, I moved last year. Why?

RedastheRose · 19/07/2017 18:47

Yes UABU. Don't miss out on a lovely home over a few carpets and a bit of work! You should b snatching their hand off not being undecided,

WorraLiberty · 19/07/2017 18:47

Ringing every credit card/bank/sky/broadband changing details etc

You have no online access?

Ekphrasis · 19/07/2017 18:48

I know it might seem trivial to some but I do have a health problem too which can get in the way of certain things so that makes me slightly worried about things.

I totally understand this. I can have health issues that limit me and it affects my desire to do things as I can't waste the energy at that time.

I think you could live with floor boards for a while, take your time etc. Yes it would be tough but it absolutely would be worth it. Take it. It will take you further in the long run. Your thinking is holding you back.

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 19/07/2017 18:49

Some people really struggle with change, even when it is a change for the better. It can all feel overwhelming.

OP - break things down into small steps.
Do you need carpet /flooring in every room straight away or can some rooms wait?
Which services do you need to move / change first
Electric / Gas / Water / Broadband?
Contents Insurance?