Good house or good catchment area?

[duke]

I'm choosing between 2 houses, one really big and is in a nice area right next to a great park, it has good infant schools but not so good secondary schools. The other is smaller and in a not so nice area, busy rd etc but is in the catchment area for the best schools. I'm torn, Help please!

Neither. Wouldn't buy house in area you don't like

Someone once said to me you should always buy the worst house in the best area, not the best house in the worst area. That way you can attempt to protect your investment. However, I'm not sure this helps you much, unless you fancy moving again in 5 years time? If you don't, then stick to the catchment area you want and just keeping harassing the estate agents until something you do want comes up and make sure you're in a position to move immediately as you won't be the only one.
Good luck.

this is the problem the great schools are surrounded by a 60's estate with ok houses but all really pricey because of catchment area. I think the catchment house would hold it's value, and it does have a nice garden. But I can see the ds's tootling off on their bikes round the park from the other. Oh I'm going round in circles.

Go for catchment area and move once they are in teh good school to the bigger house?We did although a bit embarressed to admit it

Always buy the worst house in the best street, location is everything.