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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

I need your help!! Pull out or not?

77 replies

Mightymaniac1 · 29/08/2019 10:58

Thank you in advance for any help!! Opinions needed please. Early twenties buying first house with partner.

We have been searching for a while in the area we currently rent in. (An area of Bristol) we both love the area and it is convenient for both of us for work and places we go including transport links and parking. We viewed many properties in the area on a budget of around £300,000 for a two or three bedroom house. We quickly realised that houses were too pricey in the area we wanted and therefore we were looking at very small two beds that required lots of work still at the top end of our budget without lots left over for necessary modernising.

Therefore when we found a set of 13 new build houses built by an independent development company only 1.2 miles out of this area we were very interested. The house is £25,000 over budget but parents kindly agreed to lend us that extra.

The house is perfect for us- we’d change nothing about it. Apart from its location. Currently it’s in a bit of a nothing area, not much going on etc. We have received the searches to say that the land around it (mostly green areas common type thing) are being built on. Almost becoming a huge development.

So essentially our perfect house is in a location we are not sure on, and we do not know how lots of upcoming building work could affect life here.

The alternative is to continue renting our flat for a year despite being keen to have our own place and trying to find something that has less concerns. Please help!!

OP posts:

Poshjock · 29/08/2019 12:54

Beware of hidden costs in new builds. Although you say you won’t change anything about it, does it come with carpets, window coverings, extras etc. The basic build kitchen and bathroom was very basic. I had to pay more for a dishwasher and double oven and a shower over bath. There were no curtain rails and they were a nightmare to fit due to the style of plasterboard cladding. No television ariel, basic light fittings and no shades. The garden was mud and flooded. There were no fences between properties. The decor is magnolia paint throughout and we’ve had to carry out decorating in all rooms anyway as the house got very boring (and grubby) very quickly and foundation settling causes cracks that need covering. The garden and fencing has been the biggest expense and we had to pay extra to bloc the driveway as it was only one car width.

I don’t regret it, but when people buy houses thinking that they won’t pay more as the house is brand new it is not the case and extra costs should be factored in

Orangesarenottheonlyfruit · 29/08/2019 12:55

Hang on!!! Don't buy yet. There's loads of new development planned in Bristol, plus lots of people have held off selling until Brexit is sorted. Bide your time.

verticality · 29/08/2019 12:57

I lived one road back from a large building site a few years ago, and it didn't honestly affect me that much - there wasn't very much noise or inconvenience really. These things go at a pace, too, once they get started.

If you love the house and don't mind being in a built-up area, I don't think it should put you off. My personal reservation really would be living in a suburb without much going on, but that's a matter of personal preference

Original poster

Mightymaniac1 · 29/08/2019 12:57

I do think this was a good one in terms of a new build. Good appliances integrated including dishwasher and washed drier. Bifold doors to a good garden of paving and grass. Fencing and gate all complete. Carpets flooring etc all done, has tv aerials in all bedrooms and WiFi ports near by. Everything really would have been easy when we moved in as it was decorated to our taste etc.

OP posts:

SeaToSki · 29/08/2019 12:59

Living next to a building site is tough for many months of dirt, noise and construction traffic. Living next to a development that could have building work going on for the next decade (they will probably build in phases) would put me right off.

Are there plans for upgrading the roads, building corner shops, doctors surgeries, schools etc. Think about how many more people will be living there and wanting to drive to places and using the services. If they are adding more amenities, maybe it would end up being nicer, but if they are just going to load all those people onto existing service.. not great

PrincessHoneysuckle · 29/08/2019 13:02

I thought this was a sex advice thread then from the title

Baffy · 29/08/2019 13:03

I do think trusting your gut instinct is really important here.

Is the quality of the house going to make up for possibly living on a building site for a while and not being in the exact location you want. Do you think you'll be happy once you close the door on the rest of the world each night?

FWIW we bought a house 4 years ago about 2 miles from where I wanted to be. In the end, we went for it as the house was absolutely perfect and exactly on budget. My gut said we wouldn't get any better.
Truthfully now, I would still rather be in the village I wanted. But in 4 years I have never seen anything close to our house in terms of size or budget (we have a big family so needed lots of space!). I'm so glad we got this house and we really have enjoyed every minute in it.

SirGawain · 29/08/2019 13:04

A clear case of NIMBY Syndrome. It's OK for the OP to have a new build house where she wants it, but quite unfair that any further development in the same area be carried out!

Original poster

Mightymaniac1 · 29/08/2019 13:08

Hmmm @SirGawain think it’s ok to decide whether I want to live near one? I’m not suggesting it’s not acceptable for any more houses to be built.

OP posts:

brownbreadicecream · 29/08/2019 13:10

Remember a lot of new builds will have been built by the contractors that pitched the lowest tender... Ie the cheapest rate.

We had some good but expensive builders doing some work for us and they were next off to correct a load of shoddy work on completed new build flats in a premium part of Clifton.

Juells · 29/08/2019 13:11

A clear case of NIMBY Syndrome. It's OK for the OP to have a new build house where she wants it, but quite unfair that any further development in the same area be carried out!

Did you miss the fact that it isn't where she wanted it? And nobody wants to be living on a building site for five years.

milliefiori · 29/08/2019 13:19

OP, I see. Most of the W-o-T houses listed are actually in Southmead.

What's Brentry like? This one seems to be near a golf course, so clean air and quiet, and is a nice house in good condition

GabsAlot · 29/08/2019 13:39

New builds arent great structurally dsis partner is a builder said they use the cheapest materials possible

LittleAndOften · 29/08/2019 13:46

I was there on Monday visiting friends. They bought a project about 6 years ago as its the only way they could afford that area. Its stunning now they've finished it. Would you consider a project?

Juells · 29/08/2019 13:47

This one seems to be near a golf course, so clean air and quiet, and is a nice house in good condition

Oooh, looks nice!

justasking111 · 29/08/2019 13:48

DS is an architect he says new builds vary tremendously in quality depending on the budget of the builder (how much he paid for the land) versus the cost of building and the price the market will stand.

MRex · 29/08/2019 13:51

Just wait, this isn't the right compromise for you. Try to extend your lease with a one month break clause given that you're existing tenants and keep looking. You'll know your home when you find it.

boymum9 · 29/08/2019 14:01

@Mightymaniac1 I wouldn't op. I'm in Bristol also and have quite a bit of experience buying and selling properties in the area, I would find somewhere like a flat in the area you want that needs work and make that happen, you'll be better off financially in the long run!

boymum9 · 29/08/2019 14:03

@Mightymaniac1 just read you're looking in westbury area, I'm in Clifton so not far, would def try go for a flat that needs work!

mushroom3 · 29/08/2019 14:14

Check your Council's planning portal. Speak to the local Councillors for the area where the new house is. They may know what exactly is planned for the new development.

Blubluboo · 29/08/2019 14:38

Where is the new build property roughly? I'm also close by, we could be able to help you with finding out long term plans and whether the distance from WOT is worth it or not :) I sympathise, it is expensive here! Feel like I'm never going to buy.

Original poster

Mightymaniac1 · 29/08/2019 14:46

It’s in Brentry, thank you for your help!

OP posts:

InterestingView · 29/08/2019 14:56

Dont do it
My advice as an experienced mortgage broker - don't buy a new build. You have no idea how good the build we be OR the area. Once areas are established and houses standing for 10+ years you know what you're buying into.
Stop rushing, keep looking and the right house will be there when you're ready.

InterestingView · 29/08/2019 14:56

*build WILL be

selfishcrab · 29/08/2019 15:01

We moved from Catbrain ( the old cottages at the bottom) a year ago because of all the new development behind our old house, if its the new builds behind there unless they've sorted the road situation I wouldn't bother because it will be a nightmare!

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