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AIBU?

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Original poster

Declining townhouse layout?

574 replies

notintowoo · 31/07/2023 08:43

Hello,

I have been on the council register list for about 12 years. It is just DD and I (12). Over the course of those years, we have viewed four properties. I declined two properties due to price and unsuitability and the other two properties I was outbid.

I recently received a call from the council to view a property, which was declined by the first person. I went to view the property and although the location is great (for work and DD travelling to school and not far from my parent's house) and the rent is quite decent. The townhouse layout is what is putting me off. It's a terrace conversion flat. I am on the first floor (a neighbour below but no one above me) but it has a townhouse sort of layout. I have my own entrance door, the hallway/entrance is on the ground floor, the bathroom is on the first floor. The kitchen and living room is on the second floor and the bedrooms are on the third floor.

Also, a friend recently told me that if I was to consider buying the property (which I wouldn't), it would be very difficult to sell as townhouses are unpopular.

I feel a bit disheartened to consider turning this down but I wanted to gather all of your thoughts before I speak to the council. What should I do?

OP posts:
FarEast · 02/08/2023 11:16

This is entirely your anxiety putting in blocks.

Well, this is what I meant upthread about the OP being unwell. I’m assuming she doesn’t work and maybe is too narrowed down in outlook on life.

To be so anxious about a very good offer (oh that I could have had a 2 bedroom flat over3 floors for £300 a week in London!!) is really not “well” behaviour.

DeeLasVegas · 02/08/2023 14:01

notintowoo · 01/08/2023 18:42

Yes our kitchen is part of our living room.
In our borough, a child over 10 cannot share a room with their parent/s.

So you currently live in a one bedroom flat with an open plan living area. I would accept the new maisonette. Both you and your daughter need your own private areas, as she gets older it will become even more apparent. Due to the state of the current housing/rental market you could wait another 12 years before being offered a home again. If in the future you don’t like living there you can always do a housing swap.

CecilyP · 02/08/2023 14:11

Well, this is what I meant upthread about the OP being unwell. I’m assuming she doesn’t work and maybe is too narrowed down in outlook on life.

Why are you assuming that? It says in her OP that is convenient for work! Just because someone doesn’t conform to your idea of making a logical choice, doesn’t mean OP is unwell!

RedToothBrush · 02/08/2023 17:31

FarEast · 02/08/2023 11:16

This is entirely your anxiety putting in blocks.

Well, this is what I meant upthread about the OP being unwell. I’m assuming she doesn’t work and maybe is too narrowed down in outlook on life.

To be so anxious about a very good offer (oh that I could have had a 2 bedroom flat over3 floors for £300 a week in London!!) is really not “well” behaviour.

Quite.

Imagine your anxiety OP if your landlord raises the rent or sells underneath you?

Then you will have zero options.

This is a good option. £300 a week in London isn't real life for most.

Lalalalala555 · 03/08/2023 08:25

You can't change location but you can change layout over time if you buy, perhaps.

If location and rent are good, then take it as it sounds like an upgrade from your current situation :)

With different floors you'll have pros and cons.. Pros is probably it's quieter in the bedrooms, better views, keep you fitter.
Feels more like a home than a flat in that the bedrooms (rest area) and located away.

WinterDeWinter · 03/08/2023 16:06

CrabbiesGingerBeer · 31/07/2023 14:30

My guess (from the description of only the bathroom being on that floor) is that the downstairs flat isn’t single story either and its bathroom is on the same floor.

Much cheaper to run plumbing to two bathrooms side by side on one floor rather than running plumbing all the way to the top floor.

Show quote history

exactly @CrabbiesGingerBeer . And also - do you lot only pee at night?! And do you pee a lot at night? I pee mainly during the day so I'd say 95% of my trips would be only one flight...

Sugarfree23 · 03/08/2023 21:19

@notintowoo have you made your decision?

MysteryBelle · 03/08/2023 21:33

Yes, did you take it, Op?

AgentCarter009 · 04/08/2023 01:47

DD's 12 - being overly picky will leave her aging out and bang goes your eligibility for a 2 bed property (or any if your council is typical).

1982G · 04/08/2023 07:30

Council housing is for people in desperate housing need. I would be grateful for what you have been offered. A lot do people would give their right arm for a chance to rent a council flat at lower than market rate rent.

Viviennemary · 04/08/2023 07:51

Having read the new replies take the house. Good point about thecpossibility of rent being raised on your private rental.

Mumof2girls2121 · 04/08/2023 11:50

Do you have to bid on these properties? Some councils will remove you for a set time if you keep bidding on and declining properties.

Tiptop3 · 04/08/2023 13:23

notintowoo · 31/07/2023 09:06

The cleaning. Going up and down the stairs. Feeling worried (someone breaking in and I wouldn't be able to hear I'm all the way upstairs).

Show quote history

Ive not read all comments but I live in a 3 storey house, you get used to it. I sleep at the top so have Ring plug in cameras on the ground floor (£34) and a Yale house alarm (battery powered and easy to put up, no wires £120)
Good luck with your future.

Original poster
notintowoo · 04/08/2023 15:40

Thank you everyone for the advice.

We have decided to take the property.

I took DD to see it yesterday and her face was beaming.

But there's so much work to do. Painting, new flooring, skirting boards, lighting, window repairs....

OP posts:
JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon · 04/08/2023 15:44

notintowoo · 04/08/2023 15:40

Thank you everyone for the advice.

We have decided to take the property.

I took DD to see it yesterday and her face was beaming.

But there's so much work to do. Painting, new flooring, skirting boards, lighting, window repairs....

Congratulations on your new home!

All the work is exciting, you will be able to make the place your own in a way you can't in private rented!! It will be great fun deciding on colour schemes even if it takes a while to get sorted!

I am really pleased for you, I hope you will both be very happy there

CaptainMyCaptain · 04/08/2023 15:47

notintowoo · 04/08/2023 15:40

Thank you everyone for the advice.

We have decided to take the property.

I took DD to see it yesterday and her face was beaming.

But there's so much work to do. Painting, new flooring, skirting boards, lighting, window repairs....

So pleased to hear that. I wish you both much happiness in your new home.

toomuchlaundry · 04/08/2023 15:48

Do the repairs etc get done before you move in, or are you responsible for that?

Mayhem3 · 04/08/2023 15:57

Yayyy!! I’m so happy for your DD 😁😁

If there are major repairs then your landlord should do them but if it’s things that just aren’t to your taste or flooring, they are your responsibility.

This is the fun part where you get to have it how you want it.

I was unable to afford to do my entire house at once and so I focused on my DDs room and getting flooring in and the rest I just had very basic second hand stuff.
Moving was the best thing I’ve ever done and I don’t regret it for one minute.

You may feel a bit overwhelmed at first but I promise you you won’t regret it.

You’ll look back and wonder why you were even worrying.

I’d love for you to keep us updated with how you’re getting on in your lovely new home.

Sugarplumfury · 04/08/2023 16:25

So pleased for you and your DD OP. You can do things to make it your own and will have a secure tenancy as well as the extra space you both need. It might not be perfect, but nowhere is, but I’m sure you will be glad you accepted it. Good luck

Original poster
notintowoo · 04/08/2023 16:54

toomuchlaundry · 04/08/2023 15:48

Do the repairs etc get done before you move in, or are you responsible for that?

No. We have been told that the place is ready to move in. There's a lot to be done a d which I don't have money for but I'll take one step at a time.

OP posts:
toomuchlaundry · 04/08/2023 16:55

Can you take photos of things that need doing?

Sugarfree23 · 04/08/2023 17:00

Good move, glad your DD likes it kids can be really funny about moving.

Happy Days, 😊 all the best for you both in your new house.

Ted10 · 04/08/2023 17:01

notintowoo · 04/08/2023 16:54

No. We have been told that the place is ready to move in. There's a lot to be done a d which I don't have money for but I'll take one step at a time.

Show quote history

Is it actual repsirs that need doing or cosmetic? If it's repair then they should be done for you . I could be a possibility they have missed the by accident. Especially window repairs that could be a safety issue. If cosmetic then that's different

Heronwatcher · 04/08/2023 17:08

That’s great news!

My tips for getting somewhere nice quick/ cheaply-—
live with the big stuff for a while. If it’s not broken and you don’t hate it, keep it;
get yourself on free cycle/ facebook marketplace/ eBay for cheap furniture. Don’t buy new. Try to get it all at the same time and hire a van for a weekend.
Window film (that you stick on the windows) is excellent if you hate the curtains but can’t afford new.
Floor paint works well.
Other paint- there can be a massive difference in prices. Look for good deals/ buy in bulk or get it online. Dunelm also does paint which is decent value.

viques · 04/08/2023 17:23

“Her face was beaming”

That tells you you have made the right decision!

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