Am I too snobbish if I say I don't like the outside of this maisonette?

[HolyParc]

SW London area, lovely neighbourhood and location is perfect, I just think it's looks really ugly and shabby on the outside, would I be mad to not consider it?

https://www.onthemarket.com/details/14443886/

A Quick Look in street view shows the back. It's quite close to Claremont road. It's a very busy junction where Claremont and maple road meet... one thing I learnt about being near traffic lights is to check to see there are any significant vibrations from passing busses, and any sirens from emergency vehicles. . Great location though. I love Surbiton.

It's not ugly, it's certainly not shabby, you just may not like the style.

Personally I think it's lovely, and a big tick for me is it has its own ground floor entrance.

Yes it doesn't look pleasant from the outside but that might be an advantage as burglars might not bother with you.

The kitchen is tiny. Teeny tiny!
Kids playing on the communal grounds.
Leasehold.
That whacking great big tree looks too close.

These go round our way for 850k +, on the London borders. You can dislike the frontage all you like, but it's the market one operates in. One can always choose to pay more or renovate more if frontage is the overall preference, over condition, location and position.

Looks fine to me OP .Dont have a link but a semi in London going for 3.5 mil (Ex council!)

It is lovely inside but if you don't love it then don't buy it. It makes me so sad that it costs so much. You would get some house in NI for that cash!!! For example!!
https://www.propertypal.com/5-megarrystown-road-moira-craigavon/917639
https://www.propertypal.com/the-gatelodge-the-demesne-country-estate-kilmore-road-lurgan/299229

It's ridiculous to be snobby about what a house looks like when all you can afford is a 2 bed flat. Surely space should be a priority, particularly if you want to live in one with children.

It's not shabby at all. It is also quite green. It's just a standard block of flats. If you can afford a period flat or house go for it, otherwise this is a good deal. It is spacious and well maintained.

@Irishmama100 , it would be a bugger of a commute to London though.

Oh FFS. The OP doesn't want to live in bloody NI. These posts about how much you can get if you live in the backside of nowhere are really tedious.

You're not going to stand outside looking at it are you? No.
It's lovely inside, I could definitely live there, it looks bright and spacious and I love the little balcony, I could just see myself sitting there with a coffee.
It also sounds like a nice area near to amenities, definitely go and see it.

That house is a horrible pastiche, though, pretending to be an old country house but with nasty plastic windows, and the soulless, out of character tarmac and plain lawn to look at. I would genuinely rather the OP’s honest, post-war suburban flat than that.

Speaking as a building historian.

Don't buy it. You will never get over it as an issue. X

I agree.

Location, location, locatjon!

It's very similar to my first home which was an ugly 80s house in a beautiful part of south London, right on the edge of a conservation zone. I loved the area and couldn't afford a period property. Honestly you stop noticing it pretty quickly. You decorate the inside how you like it and enjoy the location. You don't notice the exterior when you're at home.

Also you'll never have to worry about needing to put a new roof on it and the plumbing and wiring are probably in good nick.

OK, it's boring outside but you'll be inside most of the time so not looking at it. Much better than having a great looking house which overlooks something like this one, you'd see it every time you looked out of the window!

I'm sure you can find ways to pretty it up more if you lived in it, anyway.

Book a viewing. I bought my place despite not really wanting to view it.

Don't buy it. I don't think you deserve it. Leave it to someone who is going to appreciate mid-century architecture with a lovely green space and tree outside. Peace and quiet and great location.

Go and find your flat with a nice front door and I hope your neighbours have tidy windows.

I think these are like 'Span' properties. Light, airy and hold heat well compared to draughty victorians. I think you can decorate with a New England or Scandi vibe. I like them.

Woah. Calm down. The op is considering parting with half a mil. They are allowed an opinion

I’d think personally I’d like to come home each day and think “my house looks nice”, so it wouldn’t be for me, no.

I always associate Surbiton with Surrey, not London. So for that reason, I'm out..

Nice house and good price.

If you can afford more keep looking.

I've seen a lot worse. My worry would be that you won't be able to do anything to improve it.

You also have to be realistic if that is your budget.

I live in one now. Previously had a Victorian house. This is much easier to live in and a lot less expensive to run. Better design inside really does count!