Scared to buy first house

[Rockyroadtodublin]

Hi!

just thought I’d post here for some 2nd opinions because I’m completely undecided haha

Basically this is my first time buying a house and moving out and I’m SO apprehensive of it. I’ve found a house I really quite like, but I’m just not sure but I don’t even know why I’m not sure!

basically I’ve been desperate for a semi rural property- think country cottage vibes. I’ve always loved the idea since I was a wee girl of buying a gut out and doing it up however I want to and making it mine, but as I got older I’ve sort of realised how expensive and time consuming that is and it’s not as straight forward as it seems

i saw a house in an area which is quite mixed- some nice parts and some rough parts. The house in question is a bungalow but with stairs in it and the attic has been converted into another bedroom and office room. It’s in the nicer part of town, although it’s one of the last ones of the nicer part and it’s next door to a set of flats which I wouldn’t say were rough but were maybe slightly neddy and the garden didn’t look the best state. But it didn’t look terrible and it wasn’t so bad I was put off.

i LOVE the layout of the house itself- it’s huge, the garden is huge. But there’s SO much work to be done. Everything needs done. It’s reflected in the price (it’s just under 100k).

The only thing I’m unsure about is there’s a patch of wasteland behind the garden but the way the houses are built nobody has access in or out of it other than the back gardens. It’s strange- it’s just a small patch of grass and then some bushes and bramble shrubs and then there’s about a 20ft drop to a small river below. I was initially worried the waste ground might be somewhere dodgy people would hang around but realistically if there’s no paths in/out I can’t see how anyone would hang around there unless they swam up the river and climbed up the banks!

I still live at home with my parents and can continue to do so while I do up the house which is obviously super helpful. I’m buying myself, not with a partner etc, and my salary is mid 50s, so I can afford to get work done etc but obviously not immediately or all at once.

I went to view it today and left even more unsure- but I don’t know if that’s just normal nerves for possibly buying a first property or if I like or dislike it. Of course I’ll have the cost of renovations but realistically the mortgage would be soo reasonable and I could do whatever I want with the place but at the same time I’m worried about it and I don’t even know why!

has anyone ever bought a renovation property for their first house?? Do you have any advice?? Thanks so much in advance!❤️

Contact the estate agents, get your lawyer to Note interest. Look over the survey, download the title deeds from the land registry.
A fixer upper could require large scale expensive construction or could need updating. Painting decorating and work that a reasonably capable person could do.
Do you know any good trustworthy contracts if building work is needed.
You may want to get a fence around the back of you do t have the waste ground to secure the property.
If you are in england can you do a crime search around the dodgy flats.
Cameras, CCTV would be a wish list item.
You are in a good position to be able to do it up whilst living at home.do you have parents, family, friends who can help do the place up?
Good luck.

Thank you very much! I checked the home report before viewing and it was a lot of 2s for general aging wear and tear, there was 1 3 for the wall in the garden boundary which is apparently learning and basically needs fixed by a builder. No unfortunately I don’t have any tradespeople as friends or family- I’d be able to do the easy stuff like painting and papering but I’d have to get experts in when it comes to the bathroom, kitchen and flooring etc. I guess I’ll just have to save and do it as I go and stay at home until it’s done. Yeah I’ll definitely fence off the back- there’s a wall but it’s small (maybe 4 foot) but I’d rather a tall fence x

My first house wasn't a total wreck but it wasn't great. Didn't bother with a survey as there were holes in the roof 🤣. Price was reflected the condition. No "handy" people in the family so paid contractors for a new roof, bathroom, kitchen, double glazing, doors, and radiators. Loved that house as it was all mine, to my taste and made a good profit when I reluctantly sold it.
First question is the area, would you feel safe there alone at night. Mine was a cheap house in a "good" area because I knew I'd be living alone.
You can live there if you focus on the right rooms. Obviously the roof for me was the priority closely followed by the bathroom as I had to shower at the gym until it was sorted. Made one room habitable for living and sleeping then everything else was just done as and when. If you move in during spring, you've got months to make it cosy before winter. I didn't and that first winter was FREEZING as the front door was rotted through and the heating didnt work. Fun times, good luck.