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AIBU?

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Original poster

To buy this House

277 replies

TherapyRocks · 25/09/2023 08:02

Head vs. heart issue.

I’ve fallen in love with this house but it’s on the small side for me & two teenagers.

It’s at the bottom of my price range so the alternative is a big, four bedroom new build type with all modern bells & whistles.

I’m worried that this house will suit me down to the ground but will be too cramped / too much of a compromise for two growing kids.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/132915815#/?channel=RES_BUY

Check out this 3 bedroom detached house for sale on Rightmove

3 bedroom detached house for sale in Wrexham Road, Malpas, SY14 for £349,000. Marketed by AJ Reid Estate Agents, Whitchurch

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/132915815#/?channel=RES_BUY

OP posts:
OneSugar1 · 25/09/2023 11:16

If you think it will be your ‘forever’ home after the kids have left then I would get it. It looks like it has tons of character and a rare opportunity. There is a study downstairs which I think is important fit your kids given that the house is quite ‘cosy’. I would be particularly mindful to check out if the land at the back will be developed though.

Myfabby · 25/09/2023 11:17

BabaPixi · 25/09/2023 10:55

I'm obviously not engaging again after this answer as you are just looking to pick an argument with someone. I posted a question, a genuine question, the OP has answered. No problem at all. You've came on saying what was the point of this question, just looking for a little MN battle like I see so often on here. So yes, grow up and enjoy your day.

Show quote history

No desire to engage with anyone this uncouth. Zero desire for a MN battle- whatever that is..

Sunshinenrain · 25/09/2023 11:17

I've found that surprisingly it can be harder to go for walks in the countryside than in towns/villages because it's all A roads with no verge, and farmers' fields.

I ended up doing more driving and less walking than ever before!

As someone who lives in Cornwall I can confirm that this is true.

In most areas you need a car and you cannot do much walking unless you drive somewhere and go for the walk.

24HoursFromTulseHillEstate · 25/09/2023 11:18

I would put a fence between this house and the alley with the neighbours bins.

And a fence or hedge and gate across the front.

And hang a thermally lined curtain across the first stretch of stairs (I do this in my small terrace with stairs of the front room, in winter. Makes a big difference). Look at mezzanine storage above the landing, re-do the kitchen to make the best of space and storage.

I would find out why this and the two next door terrace houses are all for sale at the same time..

24HoursFromTulseHillEstate · 25/09/2023 11:19

Love the floor!

garlictwist · 25/09/2023 11:19

Too small? What are you talking about? There's loads of space. It's a lovely house. I'd definitely go for it.

thegreylady · 25/09/2023 11:24

It is beautiful. I know the area it has excellent schools and amenities. In your position I wouldn’t hesitate.

SurprisedWithAHorse · 25/09/2023 11:24

TherapyRocks · 25/09/2023 09:34

For people questioning the definition of small, it’s the small third bedroom & lack of storage which is my main concern.

The downstairs is perfect.

What do you need to store?

I'd discuss it with the kids. They might not mind a smaller room and may be able to resolve that issue between them. If they're happy with it, no reason not to go for it.

HarrietStyles · 25/09/2023 11:25

Are you looking for a forever/long-term home or would you look to downsize after the teens have moved out? If it’s to be a long-term home then I would go for the house that you love and is better suited to your long-term needs. It’s very expensive to move. And in a few years the teens are likely to move out.

Marmite17 · 25/09/2023 11:27

Beautiful, love it. I would definitely go for it. Looks like enough room, plus you ( in my mind you've bought it!) have the study downstairs for teens to entertain friends/ do homework/ put a bed settee.
Also, not sure on age of teens but they will eventually fly the nest.
It looks infinitely better than a new build to me. I think you would regret not buying it. It's unique and full of character.

loreau · 25/09/2023 11:28

Really lovely - but I would be concerned it would be cold. Look at the heating bills.

SequentialAnalyst · 25/09/2023 11:30

Sunshinenrain · 25/09/2023 11:17

I've found that surprisingly it can be harder to go for walks in the countryside than in towns/villages because it's all A roads with no verge, and farmers' fields.

I ended up doing more driving and less walking than ever before!

As someone who lives in Cornwall I can confirm that this is true.

In most areas you need a car and you cannot do much walking unless you drive somewhere and go for the walk.

This is certainly true in some places - Norfolk is another one - but I presume OP knows the area she's moving to?

When I lived semi-rurally in the Co Durham Mineral Valleys to the west of Durham City, I could just step outside and go for a nice walk. Now I'm on the edge of town, I have to drive for a few minutes (only a few) to go on a similar walk.

Misunderstoodagain · 25/09/2023 11:35

How old are the teenagers? If you think they will only be around for another 5 years before they fly the nest then it's worth it. If there near age 12 and potentially quite a few more years ahead staying in the house then maybe not.
I personally hate new builds but the space during them teenage years can be a godsend.
Check that the land - your view can't be built on in the future as that could spoil what you love about the house and greatly devalue it down the road

JudgeRudy · 25/09/2023 11:36

Seems fine to me, much 'better' than I've been used to. My 2 concerns would be Proximity/transport - it looks pretty rural and I wouldn't want to be ferrying teenagers around to accomodate social lives, but if you already do that...
Fields - are they likely to be built on any time soon? Does anyone suffer with hay-fever?

The garden is low maintenance but it's small and not very private. The whole house would probably be costly to heat. Does it have (could you fit) a combination boiler?
Will there be arguments about who's having which bedroom?

Your children are older now so id be picking a 'forever' home....for you!

bemorebernard · 25/09/2023 11:36

How is that too small for 3 people? How much space do you need ?

SlightlyJaded · 25/09/2023 11:37

If it's at the bottom of your price range, maybe you could start saving to extend. Buy the house OP - it's lovely. And teenagers won't be around forever.

GettingStuffed · 25/09/2023 11:39

I wouldn't say it's too small

Towdalinenow · 25/09/2023 11:42

It would be a big no for me due to the sloping ceilings in the already small bedrooms. I think this is what makes the house feel small.

Even if you don’t mind sloping ceilings, a lot of potential buyers will. So you would need to consider whether the size of the resale market is important to you or you’re cool with it.

Dodie66 · 25/09/2023 11:44

Go for it. Decent sized rooms, lovely views. Love the stained glass windows
i bet the kids will love it too

Lifeomars · 25/09/2023 11:51

It's a gorgeous house, I am guessing it might be expensive to heat. As for size, come down my way to a poor inner city area where people like me manage to raise kids in two up two downs with no gardens. Yes, I do feel a bit jealous but if I could afford somewhere like that I would consider it spacious and a wonderful family home. That land is great, the house looks so light and airy. New build depends on the quality, I have a mate in a new build and she has had issues with things already going wrong, older houses do tend to be more solid. Whatever you choose I hope you are all happy there

Someoneonlyyouknow · 25/09/2023 11:54

Looks lovely but see how it feels with you and your children in it. Are they likely to grow into 6ft plus? They are not going to disappear with all their possessions at 18, even if they go to uni. They need a bed, workstation, storage in their bedrooms (smallest bedroom does have cupboards).

The living room doesn't seem to have much seating, could that be improved by layout?
EPC is bad but potentially a B - would that mean installing double glazing which would either be very expensive or lose the lovely stained glass, or both?
Check local plans carefully that fields front and back are not designated for housing.
There is some attic space (storage?) and the additional room downstairs is useful. You could also fit base units around the walls in the dining area for more 'household' storage.
Consider car parking and travel to school and other teenage activities.

It does look like a home with heart though.

Warringahvoter · 25/09/2023 11:59

Just looked at the measurements. Those bedrooms are tiny. The third bedroom is the size of a cupboard. Can you even fit a double bed in it? And no built in robes in two of the bedrooms.

nice place but impractical. Maybe as a weekender or air bnb.

cardibach · 25/09/2023 12:04

Anewest · 25/09/2023 08:19

The house overall is nice, and I'd never advise going for a new build!
The bedrooms aren't that big and the lounge looks tiny, but if those wouldn't be issues it looks fine otherwise!

have You looked at the measurements? It’s over 17ft long! Not narrow either…

AlwaysPrettyOnTheInside · 25/09/2023 12:07

It's lovely but it looks like it will end up poky with 3 peoples stuff in it. Its nice while its staged like that with no belongings around but wait til you fill it.

piscofrisco · 25/09/2023 12:12

I love it! New builds are not for me, and if I were you and moved to the new build, I would always think about that house and regret it!