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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask which property you like more?

309 replies

PeachFam · 19/07/2018 10:58

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 :(

OP posts:
Mummyoflittledragon · 19/07/2018 12:34

I agree with blueanchor. The houses you’re showing us are at the top of their game. You’d get a darn good kitchen for 20k and be able to knock down a wall, change the flooring and make it a big kitchen if you wanted either by making the kitchen/ living / diner / conservatory one room or blocking off a front room and having a kitchen / dining / conservatory space. The front room could be smaller or bigger depending on whether you wanted it as a formal living room, dining room, office, playroom etc. You could also possibly nibble an ensuite between 2 bedrooms (half/half) and use the recess created for fitted wardrobes.

MinesAWhitMagnumPlease · 19/07/2018 12:35

House 1 for layout, size of rooms, second bathroom.
House 2 for being detached. The conservatory is small and when we were looking recently most conservatories were not in best condition so would look at that closely if you think it is swinging you.

sockunicorn · 19/07/2018 12:35

number 1 :)

clarabellski · 19/07/2018 12:37

If you can afford detached and all other points are equal between the houses then I'd say go for detached

Tinkobell · 19/07/2018 12:37

Option 2, detached, smaller but less dated than option 1. Option 2 more resealable.

Keepcalmanddrinkcoffee · 19/07/2018 12:37

I prefer no 1. Ready to move into.

WhenOneDoorClosesAnotherOpens · 19/07/2018 12:37

I'm just Shock at £300-£310,00 for a 3 bedroom house with garden and parking!!!! I've been living in/around London for way too long!! It makes you realise how completely ridiculous the house prices around here are.

If I were picking between these houses, I would buy number 2 (Tamar Close with the yellow front door). Best of luck with your search and 1st home purchase!! Smile

FatBarry · 19/07/2018 12:38

Number 1 on the face of it. Absolutely nothing to do and it's rooms seem more spacious, number 2 despite being detached seems boxy, however this may depend upon the photographer's skills, only you know the difference in size in reality.

Not number 3.

mayandjuniper · 19/07/2018 12:39

House 2!

beachysandy81 · 19/07/2018 12:40

No 1, bigger garden and new kitchen and bathrooms. Can always add lawn if you like. Semi but plenty of potential to extend to the side too.

No2 - looks cosier but I think that is down to sunny photos. Kitchen tiny and old units - I would want to knock it into room next door. Less option for extending unless you knocked down garage. Garden looks smaller. Detached but so near house next door this fact is pretty irrelevant.

House 3 - Back of house looks strange like it is missing an upstairs window! Is garden bigger than others? Kitchen small but nice and new, bonus having separate utility. Maybe grim living room diner decor putting me off!

CecilyNeville · 19/07/2018 12:40

OP this is very close to house 1, and similar. I guess you saw it on Rightmove - can you identify why it's not a contender? As that might help work our what matters most to you.

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-55168635.html

Eliza9917 · 19/07/2018 12:40

The outside of house 1 is nicer, but the inside & garden of house 2 is nicer then 1.

Of those two, I'd choose house 2 as you don't sit looking at the front of your house. Plus house 1 looks like its on one of those modern estates where you can get neighbours resident groups that are funny about lawn cutting/god knows what other rules etc.

ChristmasTablecloth · 19/07/2018 12:40

Definitely house 2. That grey kitchen in house 1 - urgh. Also, the garden in house 2 is much nicer and the house itself has a more interesting layout. And it's detatched. It's a no-brainer really.

Mrscog · 19/07/2018 12:40

House 1 looks way better for life with young DC. House 2 looks cramped, and it's much better to be able to do painting/crafts/weaning in a kitchen diner than lounge diner.

Puzzledandpissedoff · 19/07/2018 12:44

I agree about the benefit of lots of green space around house 1 ... also just been on Google Earth and the surrounding gardens look well kept, which IME can be a sign of decent neighbours

alphajuliet123 · 19/07/2018 12:45

House 1: not as pretty overall but great garden and huuuuge kitchen, very handy to be able to cook while keeping an eye on a toddler!
House 2: smaller rooms (love the living room furniture but that won't be there)

I'd say it depends on how long you'll be there. As a parent for whom the last decade has gone in a flash and with the power of hindsight, I'd be looking at secondary schools as well as primary, being able to walk to school, being able to play out with neighbours or go on bikes/scooters, being able to walk to their friends etc etc. Might not seem important now but I wish these things had crossed my mind when buying our house. Much as I love our actual house my kids have to cross a busy (at school times and rush hour) main road to get anywhere and it puts the fear of god into me!

Also consider storage space, you might not have much stuff now but before you know it there'll be brightly coloured mess everywhere. I suppose it all depends on how long you intend to stay, if it's long term I'd go with house 1 just for the size and space.

You know you have to come back and tell us, right?

drearydeardre · 19/07/2018 12:45

House 2 - only because house 1 looks to be on a fairly busy road (and is a semi)

Trumpodious · 19/07/2018 12:47

Number 1. Much better space and in the places needed.

bunnyrabbit93 · 19/07/2018 12:48

No 2 Smile

Wellthisunexpected · 19/07/2018 12:48

The property Barbaro linked too is good, but ex-local authority, so even with improvements won't go in value at the same rate as an non ex-LA property.

alphajuliet123 · 19/07/2018 12:49

Just seen no3, no. Where the hell are the windows at the back? That's just weird!!

nocoolnamesleft · 19/07/2018 12:51

1 Better kitchen, bigger garden, more usable indoor space year round, no storage.

2 Better layout, lovely conservatory, some storage

restingbf · 19/07/2018 12:52

House number 1 is lovely..ready to move straight into and looks really spacious. Although House 2 looks 'nicer' on the outside I feel it needs a lot of work in terms of decor imo

alphajuliet123 · 19/07/2018 12:52

Also, the room with the striped wall and sofa in house 2, is that the third bedroom? If so I'd rule it out as it's tiny!

FlyingElbows · 19/07/2018 12:55

A good thing to bear in mind is that children do not stay small for long. If you're looking for "an it'll do for a while" then it's not such an issue but if you're thinking longer term and buying at the top of your budget then get as much room as you can.