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AIBU?

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Original poster

To make an offer on this house even though we won't be able to move in for another 6 months?

184 replies

CeaseAndDesist · 28/01/2021 14:51

I've fallen in love with this house:

swoon

We were planning to move after ds has completed A-levels this summer. Obviously there is uncertainty around what form these will take, but we didn't want to disrupt him until they're done and dusted either way.

But I am a little bit gutted because this place has everything we'd be looking for - size, style, location, budget - and these sorts of properties tend to go quickly.

We could, probably, get a mortgage for it. We are FTBers so no chain. We currently live with family.

I'm completely insane, right?

OP posts:
Original poster
CeaseAndDesist · 28/01/2021 17:11

@starfishmummy where have I said I wouldn't view it in person?

My OP, which appears to have got lost in a barrage of sneering about the area and the decor, was whether or not I'd BU to put in an offer on a house I couldn't move into for months. Not whether I should offer on a house I'd never actually seen.

OP posts:
bridgetreilly · 28/01/2021 17:12

I would definitely put in an offer now. The process can take ages anyway, but also you might be able to negotiate with the owners not to take possession until the summer. If the worst came to the worst you and DS could move and DH stay where you currently are for a month or two?

sosotired1 · 28/01/2021 17:12

I don't really understand why you aren't just getting down there right away (if you are allowed to view), and if you still like it, making an offer and getting yourself organised with a solicitor and mortgage etc. As other's have said it will take at least a couple of months to complete, so you stay with family as you already are and could even rent it out as is for 6 months if necessary. I'm slightly bewildered why you aren't just cracking on!

bridgetreilly · 28/01/2021 17:14

There are a lot of teaching vacancies in Kent

Right. And it's not too late to give notice now to leave a school at Easter. Even if he didn't get a job straight away, he would probably pick up supply work.

HairyFloppins · 28/01/2021 17:14

Are you bothered about parking OP? It's a nightmare round there.

But ideal for the town and front.

But wow Ramsgate has gone up in price.

Tier10 · 28/01/2021 17:15

I’m in the process of buying a place for my son. Hardly any estate agents are letting me view until I have anagreement in principle. The mortgage I wasn’t is with a building society that doesn’t have a mortgage person available for three weeks.
It isn’t a case of just putting an offer in anymore. You need to talk to mortgage people first.

stablefeet · 28/01/2021 17:15

@Dutchesss

Why would you post the link on mumsnet if you really want the property? Makes no sense to advertise it....
This
BlankTimes · 28/01/2021 17:16

There are some structural things you need to have looked at OP, as well as the likely water-damage previously mentioned.

The balcony at the front not only has no access, it looks to be balancing on angle brackets, like a shelf. Also, the grey paint on that floor, aesthetic or something else, none of the other houses have a 'stripe' like that.

Pic 5, the rusty coloured stain on the panelling on the loo near the cistern handle.

Pic 8 Why is there a the ventilation grid near the floor-level on the white wall? The floorboards are a mess in front of it, looks like a possible removed fireplace therefore check the construction is now safe.
Also look at the massive gap under the door.

Pic 9, Brown mark where ceiling joins the wall above the windows.

Pic 11, What is that brown and white short curtain hiding?

Pic 13, Stain in centre of ceiling. Plaster uneven where white ceiling joins red 'beam'.

Do make sure to pay for a full structural survey if you want to buy.

Lily193 · 28/01/2021 17:18

Six months is no time at all. Go for it or you'll always regret it.

ArabellaScott · 28/01/2021 17:23

6 months is not very long.

BeautifulStar · 28/01/2021 17:34

Am I the only one that is baffled at a price tag of 400k for a terraced house?! shock

That house would cost one million+ where I live!

HuntingCuns · 28/01/2021 17:36

OP, if you love it and can afford it, then buy it.

No house is perfect, and no area is perfect. The best you can hope for is a house that makes you feel good enough to overlook its inevitable down-sides.

I know nothing about the area, and even if I did, that's not what you're asking.

If you love it, try to buy it. And if it doesn't work out, there will be another house that you will love just as much.

StillCoughingandLaughing · 28/01/2021 17:36

Are you bothered about parking OP? It's a nightmare round there.

FOR THE LOVE OF JESUS FUCKING CHRIST EnvyEnvyEnvy

HaveringWavering · 28/01/2021 17:37

@WonderEwe25

Am I the only one that is baffled at a price tag of 400k for a terraced house?! Shock
Ha ha that’s hilarious. My terraced house cost us £1.15 million!
FredtheCatsMum · 28/01/2021 17:39

Buy it now!!

Its gorgeous. I may snap it up myself :-)

2018SoFarSoGreat · 28/01/2021 17:45

I love it, so much space and near the sea! Go see it, OP, as soon as you can get what is needed to get in the door. Keep us posted!

silverbubbles · 28/01/2021 17:46

Go for it - can you ask for a delayed completion?. You never know it might suit the seller. Or buy it and rent it out for 6 months until you want to move in....

MiddleClassProblem · 28/01/2021 17:48

@CeaseAndDesist

I would think that the importance of saying they are chain free means they want to move quickly. Obviously, the paperwork and surveys etc are where it could slow up but if you are able to have it vacant for a few months then that’s not an issue for you.

I’d work out what’s viable and if paying rent now, how much that hits you financially for 4 months paying for both properties (worse case scenario).

We’ve done a gradual move in and it’s lovely to be able to decorate/do work without living in the property.

altiara · 28/01/2021 17:50

It will take ages to do the conveyancing so don’t worry about not moving in for 6 months!

StillCoughingandLaughing · 28/01/2021 17:50

Why would you post the link on mumsnet if you really want the property? Makes no sense to advertise it....

I know, it’s ridiculous. Before the OP started this thread, the property was hidden away on the country’s most popular property website. All potential buyers could do to find a house there is filter by postcode, price and number of bedrooms. But now it’s on MN, in front of the world’s biggest audience of potential house buyers looking for four-bed terraces in Ramsgate priced at £400k, the OP has no chance. The floodgates are well and truly open.

silverbubbles · 28/01/2021 17:53

@BlankTimes

There are some structural things you need to have looked at OP, as well as the likely water-damage previously mentioned.

The balcony at the front not only has no access, it looks to be balancing on angle brackets, like a shelf. Also, the grey paint on that floor, aesthetic or something else, none of the other houses have a 'stripe' like that.

Pic 5, the rusty coloured stain on the panelling on the loo near the cistern handle.

Pic 8 Why is there a the ventilation grid near the floor-level on the white wall? The floorboards are a mess in front of it, looks like a possible removed fireplace therefore check the construction is now safe.
Also look at the massive gap under the door.

Pic 9, Brown mark where ceiling joins the wall above the windows.

Pic 11, What is that brown and white short curtain hiding?

Pic 13, Stain in centre of ceiling. Plaster uneven where white ceiling joins red 'beam'.

Do make sure to pay for a full structural survey if you want to buy.

This is hysterical - you must be an absolute nightmare when viewing houses!!
TheLetterZ · 28/01/2021 17:53

Given how long it can take between offer and completion why not go for it. We are looking at 6 months for us and if you look on the property board it is similar for others.

Go and look it over and then see what you think but now is the right time to start looking if you want to be there for next academic year.

cultkid · 28/01/2021 18:03

@CeaseAndDesist

If you don't have school age kids and don't need a car often, seriously go for the house if you like it!!

I think it won't be possible to move in very quickly anyway as solicitors locally have been dragging their feet (from what I can see on local groups)

Make the offer on it and enjoy yourself. Idk why people have taken it upon themselves to comment on the house itself

People seem to get a massive kick out of slagging off Thanet on the internet, even though there are much more dreary places to live

If I was buying now in this area I would 100% consider Minnis Bay, have a look and see OP, if the house is your taste in terms of the actual era it was built in and the interiors, then you are going to be spoilt for choice here as it's a fairly common type of building.

Look up Birchington as well as it's got good houses and now even though I'm not sure I would move here again (moved here for love, still married etc but my parents live in Switzerland so closer to my sister or to airport would be my choice) I think Birchington and Minnis have got some real corkers!

Have a look at let me know if you have any questions... I am always around to help with anything local

My friend is an estate agent and I can put you in touch with him as he is amazing. He will likely be able to get in touch with you with houses before they go on right move ( I don't know if he uses that platform atm it is expensive)

If you look up Votta Sales and Lettings he is a great agent with local knowledge and understanding

But yes.. if you see a house you like, yanbu to buy it but not move in right away! Go for it

X

Dee1975 · 28/01/2021 18:05

If it is really perfect go for it. It would 4 months at least anyway. If not longer (solicitors are stacked out at the moment because if the current stamp duty change).
If it does through in 4 months, could you afford 2 months rent and mortgage?

Heyahun · 28/01/2021 18:05

Deffo wouldn’t have shared it either 😂 someone from the thread might buy it now!!

I don’t know where everyone is here tying there info from though - I viewed heaps of houses over the past 6months and never was allowed see them all no questions asked

I didn’t have to prove I had agreement in principle either when I offered on my property in buying - they did ask what our max budget was! A it e even if you have agreement in principle you still have to go and get mortgage approved anyway so it doesn’t even matter.

Also people being so sure these thin gas take 6 months - depends on the chain - we offered 16th December - completing end of feb (no chain though) so 2 months is all it took.