Posting here unashamedly for traffic.
We are being given a large sum from family to help us move out of where we live - run down town where we see drug activity, and schools are in a sorry state.
The money is being gifted to help us get DC into a really good state secondary. But the area is very expensive and there’s not loads on the market, and we are average earners.
We made an offer on a house that clearly was a fixer upper, and the survey has brought up several extra issues- costly roof repairs that weren’t clear (awaiting formal estimates and possible re-negotiation with sellers), and the need for trees next to property to be maintained. It’s taken me weeks to get answers on these trees - and it’s apparent they are on unregistered land. We thought they formed part of the play park. No one is responsible for them. They are as close as 2-3 meters from the house, and whilst most are hazel (shallow roots) I think there’s a sycamore there too.
I think we should pull out. This house is going to stretch us - mortgage will be 25% of our income taking us right up to retirement age, with about £3000 a month left over before all other bills, do-able, but the idea was to downsize/ relocate in 10 years when schooling is done so that we don’t have to work beyond 70.
Having spoken to a tree surgeon I’m not worried these trees will damage the property in the immediate future- they are smaller trees and we’ve had surveys done to check drains etc are clear, but I’m very worried that they will make the house hard to sell in the future.
I’m very worried if we pull out now that we will end up in a long chain and miss the school application deadline (this oct).
Should I suck it up and accept the risk for the sake of my child’s education? Or try and find something somewhere else? we love the house and the area, but I’m loosing sleep over this (and yes, I’m very prone to anxiety and struggling to work out if it’s just me or not). Gift givers have made it clear that they think we should just get on with it and will be very disappointed if we take the money and move but don’t get a place.
YABU - crack on, it’ll be fine, you’ll sell
YANBU - find something else