Aibu to ask your opinions on these houses?

[PhDPepper]

1st time buyers.

DH likes this one www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-48999540.html

I think it has potential but would need a bit of redecorating and a new bathroom etc!

I like this one www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-65445908.html

Bit more finished but smaller, we can’t decide!

First one.

Much bigger, you are planning a family and so the second house you would outgrow quickly.

Only issue would be location of each, parking proximity to work, shops schools etc.

First one.
And it doesn't need completely gutting out.
Worth having a look at the local schools if you're wishing to stay there long term. Something I regret not doing.
Also which area/location do you prefer?

The first one, without a doubt. Its much more spacious bright and homely looking.

I can't put my finger on what it is, but There's something about the second house I really don't like.

The second one looks lighter and more airy with a larger kitchen. I would not like to live in the first one as it looks dark and dingy. Of course it could just be the lighting in the photos?

Hmmmmm tricky. 1 looks bigger and has the extra bedroom. But, I hate the stairs coming off the living room. It completely discounts it for me. We lived in a house like that and the living room was constantly cold and drafty.

Which one has the better area?

From the pictures, the first one.

First one if it’s in a better area just because you can fit two children rather than just one before thinking of moving

First one, but don't know the area.

The bathroom on the 2nd one is tiny - no room for an adult and child for nappy changing or bath times. The 1st one has a pirch which means more privacy, less mud and cheaper heating. And they've designed their kitchen diner well, though lack of light in dining area would need consideration.

porch

I’d go with the first unless the second is in a much better area.

Are they both nice areas? Definitely number 1, space space space. Always but the biggest house for your money in the area you prefer most.

The first one as the second one is just so tiny. The first one is livable (oh, but all that grey, so unimaginative). It has a lovely garden and outlook and is very attractive from outside. You could certainly make it your own over time.

Assuming other factors are the same ie transport, amenities, etc. I would go for the first one. As others have said, you can't add space but you can always redecorate. The bathroom looks allright and I've seen worst. What's the blue box thing in the corner? Could squeeze in a separate shower if space permits.

The only thing I would do is put in a proper fence between the houses. I like my privacy and just in case next door neighbours might have unruly pets. The field at the back, have you checked is it council own or private? Is there any previous planning application? I would have a look over the weekend/school holiday if there's any rowdy/dodgy behaviour at the park.

It really come down to area & commute to work.

What's the industrial looking building close to the first one? The second one appears to be v.close to a dual carriageway - how busy is it?

I would check the schools too - being in the catchment for one of the top 5 state school's in Wales added £££'s to my parents house. I (along with many people) would never buy a house in an area with badly-rated schools, so consider the resale value for each house too

The footprint of the first is 35 square metres, (plus the porch) and the second is 32 square metres. That makes quite a difference over 2 floors.

The info also says that 8 Ash Row sold to £150, 000 last year, so you should be able to add value if you buy the first house for £127000 ish

If area/schools etc are all OK, I would buy the first one.

Is road noise a problem with the second?

Are both equally walkable to places? It's really nice with a baby to be able to walk. Or at least be near enough somewhere that might have baby groups etc.

I would definitely go for more space. Redecorating is relatively easy and it's a lot of fun to make a place your own. I love the garden, too. If you were retired, I would say whichever one you like the best, but you say you want to start a family in the near-ish future, so absolutely the 3 bedroom.

Actually, I think the second one has the wrong postcode in. It doesn't match with the road name.

1st one. Much more potential. Great space, more rooms, more family friendly. You can put your own stamp on it.

I prefer the first, but is the second in a better area?

All the indicators point to the first one for me. I particularly dislike the busy dual carriageway shown on Street View for house 2.

Being effectively on a small industrial estate would also put me off house 1. Do you get any boy racers hanging around out of working hours, is there much petty crime or break ins. Can you check that on the up my street website? More importantly are there any future redevelopment plans or potential? A site like that could change quite radically in the short, medium or long term future and change both your enjoyment of the area and the property values.

I prefer number 1, but it looks like you need to install central heating?

Prefer www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-61028227.html

Second, the view!

I prefer the second though it's more expensive & lacks a bedroom. The first one I'd want to rip out all the built-in wardrobes, remove the wallpaper, repaint completely. If you take out the wardrobes you might find yourself with re-plastering being necessary. But the 2nd bedroom in no 2 is narrow and looks pokey.
I'd carry on looking!

1st property, better area, better schools. You will make money on the 1st once it is better presented.
Happy house hunting.