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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To consider buying a 2 bed

30 replies

spirallingstairs · 08/09/2020 20:51

For lots of reasons we need to move to a new area - it's quite a big move for us, several hours away and we have 2 young DC.

Are we mad to consider a 2 bed house? We currently have a 3 bed, but our DC share a room and the 3rd room, nominally a playroom isn't really used very much at all.

I'm not big on having loads of stuff so feel we could adjust to a smaller space with no problems and the kitchen and lounge downstairs are a good size, and it's in the exact location we're looking in. Better than that, it would mean rather than adding to our mortgage we end up with a small mortgage of approximately £40k. Our monthly payments would therefore be significantly reduced, and we would have much more money to get out and do fun things with the kids.

Long term there's scope to expand into the loft (we think...but you can never be sure obviously). But even so, if we find we're getting on top of each other I'd be happy to move house in a couple of years. I just feel like this would give us breathing space to move to the right area without financially crippling us. Part of me feels like it's mad, part of me things it's the best plan for us. Need some perspective from others though!

OP posts:
Bluntness100 · 08/09/2020 20:55

How old are you children and are they the same sex?

GhostCurry · 08/09/2020 20:55

I would. I think it’s a pity that everything is getting bigger and bigger, everyone needs their own bedroom, their own TV, their own sofa these days. Growing up, we shared a room and 4 of us somehow fit comfortably onto one sofa which feels impossible now. I find it kind of depressing.

I would choose location over dwelling size any day. Good luck OP!

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 08/09/2020 20:56

How old and sex of the kids?

Keepyourginup · 08/09/2020 20:57

Complete agree with the above post - depends on age and sex of children.

lakeswimmer · 08/09/2020 20:57

YANBU - we have 3DC and moved from a 4-bed to a 3-bed so two of them have to share. They're teenagers and it's been fine. There's no room to extend so they're stuck with it but it hasn't been a problem.

StoneColdBitch · 08/09/2020 20:58

I'm in a very similar boat. Currently in big 4 bed detached, thinking of downsizing to a 3 bed flat when we relocate, because like you we would end up with a much smaller mortgage and that would massively improve our quality of life.

In your case I think the kids' ages and sex are a factor. If they're a boy and a girl, they will benefit from their own rooms as puberty looms. If they're the same sex, or puberty is a long way off, you may feel that isn't an issue.

raspberryk · 08/09/2020 20:59

A 2 bed has been fine for us up until last year with the kids being 5 & 8 as they just disturb each other at bedtime now and we have had to seperate them for our own sanity so the oldest is now up til 8.30/9 waiting for the 5 yo to go to sleep. Would kill for another bedroom!
Ours is also a fairly big 2 bed, still feels cramped despite being larger than many of the 3 beds I keep seeing and we are moving hopefully in about a year. I can't wait.

liveitwell · 08/09/2020 20:59

YANBU.

As long as you are open to moving when they're older then of course there's no problem. Most people aren't living in their 'forever homes' at any one time. A £40k mortgage sounds amazing!

zigzagbetty · 08/09/2020 21:00

Go for it! The lower outgoings would be a big pull for me, especially at the moment, and you can put savings towards loft conversion if needed. I shared with my sister until I left home and it was fine.

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 08/09/2020 21:01

Age is also a factor, not really fair to have an 11yr old share with a 6yr old imo

EveryDayIsADuvetDay · 08/09/2020 21:04

I think there's a stamp duty holiday at the moment, but have you thought about the 'extra' costs of trading up again if you need to in a couple of years?
estate agent/legal/stamp duty/removal costs etc.

Babyroobs · 08/09/2020 21:06

I wouldn't . Who knows when the kids will want their own rooms but it's highly likely they will at some point. Also one of you may need a home office at some point so it's good to keep options open with a 3 bed.

Original poster
spirallingstairs · 08/09/2020 21:09

Sorry, both DD's aged 2 and 4

OP posts:
Original poster
spirallingstairs · 08/09/2020 21:11

And definitely open to moving when they're older (or extending if possible). I'm not working at the moment, whereas I hope to be again as the DC get older so moving to a more expensive house would be easier at that point.

OP posts:
BigChocFrenzy · 08/09/2020 21:19

@Babyroobs

I wouldn't . Who knows when the kids will want their own rooms but it's highly likely they will at some point. Also one of you may need a home office at some point so it's good to keep options open with a 3 bed.
... Exactly and you cannot be sure you'd be able to move within a reasonable time of you want to

The home office could be important as you are planning to return to work - more jobs now are likely to involve this

Swingbin · 08/09/2020 21:20

Really depends on the layout, with some 2 beds you get more. You could
Get a 3 bed with one bathroom and minimal outdoor space or a 2 bed with a large garden and 2 x WCs. Look at both and pick the best in your price range.

Eatyourbanana · 08/09/2020 21:22

Definitely not BU. Same age difference between my DDs (3 & 1), they share and will share for the for seeable future. Tbf we only have a 2 bed, but even if we had a 3 bed, they would share. They sleep better, together. Maybe when they’re older children/teens they’ll want their own rooms, but that’s years away...

Merryoldgoat · 08/09/2020 21:24

I’m normally anti kids sharing rooms where possible (bad experience growing up) but at those ages and the same sex I’d definitely consider it.

You’d be saving at an expensive stage (childcare costs etc) and once funds are freer then you can upsize if necessary.

Ideally I’d get a 3 bed doer upper and add as much value as I could.

Original poster
spirallingstairs · 08/09/2020 21:59

Thanks all, I'm really reassured to hear that it's not all totally skewed one way. Though I do take on board the other opinions. Still, it's enough to convince us to make the journey to go and have a look round. I feel like it could be a really positive move, but let's see!

OP posts:
DontTouchTheMoustache · 08/09/2020 22:02

I think in those circumstances it would be fine as long as the room is big. You might even be able to put a divider up or extend into the loft?

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 08/09/2020 22:02

I will say that advice that always stuck with me from the god of property Phil Spencer Grin was that to “succeed” at property you aim to get to your forever home in as few steps as possible.
The age and sex seem fine but personally I would want the extra space to open but more options. Lockdown taught me space is important to me!

Burnthurst187 · 08/09/2020 22:23

We have been looking at two beds recently and viewed two. The issue for us is that (unless extended) the downstairs mirrors the upstairs

Downstairs you'll tend to have hall, front lounge and kitchen with maybe small dining area. Upstairs, two bedrooms and bathroom

We really want a house with the front and rear lounge joined (wall knocked thru) or at least with French doors. A two bed won't have a rear lounge unless it's extended and has a different layout. Therefore we're looking at three beds

One thing that will go in your favour is that two bed houses seem to have less demand so you may have less competition. When/if you sell it may be harder to find a buyer though

Abitofalark · 08/09/2020 22:44

It all depends on the house and whether you will get, say 8 to 10 years out of it to enhance your finances ready for the next move when the children are into the teens. What size are the bedrooms and is one big enough for twin beds and enough space for wardrobe and desk(s) for doing homework? What sort of bathroom facilities are there? Is there more than one wc, say a downstairs 'cloakroom' and an upstairs bathroom? The second loo is a good thing to have for a family, even in a small house. Is there outside space such as a reasonable size of garden which would make living in a small place easier? Is there a garage or a private parking space for car or bicycles, or adequate street parking? Again those facilities can make living so much easier.

If it's only going to be for a couple of years until you move again it's probably not a good idea because of the substantial costs involved each time in buying and moving. You can find online estimates of the likely costs of moving and work out the balance between those and your savings through the smaller mortgage over a couple of years. I suspect the savings would be wiped out.

Saz12 · 08/09/2020 22:45

What you’ll loose in potential future fees and stamp duty will be (partly? Fully?) offset in reduced interest as mortgage is lower, lower council tax, lower electric and heating bills etc.

Personally I’d buy the 2 bed if is suitable, it’s a huge move at a very difficult economic time so I’d want to keep borrowing lower and location good.

Saz12 · 08/09/2020 22:47

Sorry - should’ve added that I was assuming you’d be staying for at least 7 years!

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