To buy a small new build instead of a bigger old house?

[ThisModernLove]

Fresh out of an interminable traumatic divorce and starting to think about next steps.

Need a new house, I’ve been a sahm for a long time and am only just getting back to work so my earning potential not great.

Im seriously considering buying a new build outright instead of an older house that would probably require me to take a mortgage or if not likely need a lot of work.

In this area there’s a real lack of cheaper, older houses so new build is the only real alternative that would allow me to buy it outright.

reasons for

• it’s been a really hard couple of years, new build is lower maintenance and easy.
• No stress about money and would be financially comfortable.
• Means l don’t need to worry about job hunting in the same way and can take the right thing

reasons against

• it’s much smaller than our current house (though still a bedroom each for dc) I wonder if this would bother me and if I should try and buy something bigger
• i don’t really like new builds! Lack of storage etc and I like pretty old houses (what we have now)
• is it better in the long run to have a mortgage that you’re paying off - I doubt I’d save the same amount of money even if I intended to. I’m pretty young.

Would really appreciate peoples thoughts? Current house is old and stressful because things go wrong all the time, it takes a lot of cleaning.. I’m leaning towards new build even if only for 5 years to get back on my feet 🤷🏻‍♀️

I would also absolutely go for a new build in your case.

I feel the same as you about new builds vs period properties. I prefer the ceiling height / storage / pretty features etc of period places. But, having lived in both, new builds are so easy to live in! SO easy. And so much cheaper to run!

On a new estate, there might be other kids who play outside that your kids might like too? As a benefit to them?

You can always sell up and move again one day if you don’t like it. (But I suspect you will!)

I also agree with less clutter - that in itself will feel freeing. I bet you don’t need / wine miss half the stuff you have!

I've done it and it's been a good decision. It won't be a forever house but it makes recovery from divorce a lot easier not having house maintenance stuff to worry about and to not be fretting over money.