To ask which property you like more?

[PeachFam]

It's a tricky one. Trying to buy our first home after renting. I'm scared and want to make sure we make the right choice. Haven't viewed the houses yet but can't help looking at the listings.
I want your honest opinion and why you like/dislike them.
About us: couple in their late 20s/early 30s. No kids yet but potential start thinking of having kids in the next couple of years. Location wise both houses are perfect. Please MNers I need all the help this is already so bloody stressful :(

House 2.

chain smokers whose smoke leaks through into your house? Yes, forgot about that one.

I prefer the first, particularly the downstairs layout

I didn't realise 2 was detached! I thought it was a semi too. Now I prefer that one

Can't believe how many people would go for a semi-detached over detached.

Definitely no 2.

In a 1970s semi (which the 1st one looks like) you will hear everything from next door.

House 2 isn't actually detached though. You can see quite clearly on the pics that it's a semi. It's just wrongly listed. That happens loads on Rightmove. If it's still not clear from the photo, always chack with the agent before going to a viewing if you'll only consider detached.

House 2 is a detached. We drove past it last time we were in St Ives.

House number two is the best buy. It's detached and has an attached garage so you could convert that into extra kitchen space if you needed.

Am I the only one who likes house one??

Number 2 because:

• it’s detached
• it’s a quieter road
• it looks more ‘homely’ to me (but may feel different to others)
• the kitchen in number 1 is hideous!

You said you’d get rid of the conservatory but if you’re planning on having kids then you might appreciate having more space (to store the mountains of crap that come with them/to sit in and drink while they trash the lounge on a rainy day...)

House 2 may be detached, but it looked very overlooked from the garden, whereas house garden 1 felt private. There just seemed more space at 1. Neither had any sign of character imo. 2 is a typical new build, 1 a. It older. 1 is probably better built.

First one

I wouldn’t buy a house with a conservatory without a solid roof. I bet when you got into that 2nd one on a viewing it would be really shabby - esp the kitchen

House 1! Totally gorgeous and just feeling a little bit jealous....

At first I was put off number one as it looks extended and developed within an inch of its life. But after I saw the second one, I preferred it. Much bigger and lighter. But for me, it's always about location. So I'd pick the one with better school catchment and nicer area.

I prefer number 1!

Kitchen looks great- modern, functional & lots of space.

The outside of 1 is not as aesthetically pleasing but I think the inside makes up for it.

Also, number 2 looks to be semi-detached rather than detached?

I know how you feel OP, it's v daunting as FTBs!

Wish we could buy a 3 bed house for 300k here in SE London!

You should book in to visit both- it's amazing how seeing it for real helps you realise what you like/dislike...and also realise how much trickery is involved with the promotional photography!

I prefer number 1. Suspect that number 2 is really pokey inside and that the 3rd bedroom is so small as to be almost unusable.

From the photos and location (cul de sac) I would say House 2 - except for that bloody awful carpet up the stairs .

I prefer option one.

Things to consider

Replacing boiler, windows...when and cost
Schools, catchment area although a lot can change in five years
Running costs
Commute costs
South facing garden preferred?
Neighbours....who are they? Ask vendors for details.
Private garden?
Busy road?
Parks to take children to?
Safe neighbourhoood

House 2 - detached, parking out the front, quiet front
House 1 - semi, potentially nightmareish parking out the back, faces busy road

I prefer house 2, but the rooms are too small.

I prefer the decor in house 1, especially the kitchen we have the same units but I do like the carpet and decor in house 2 to the extent that I will be pasting that picture in my pinterest and shopping for a carpet like that.

Slightly astonished about how fussy some people are and what people see as deal breakers/would change.

Does no-one buy a house to move into and live in any more.

Hallway/stairs carpet/decor that is. The blue and stripy one.

My house is quite similar to #1. I love living in it - love the larger than usual windows.

Number two

House one has a much nicer family bathroom , a more modern kitchen and a far more spacious living room. House two has an odd layout but the bedrooms are much nicer- though this can all be rectified for house one with improving the decor .
So house one wins .

Option 1 is much nicer