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Original poster

what's wrong with this house?

75 replies

hoorayforharoldlloyd · 22/07/2020 19:53

Decided to take the plunge and move north so we can buy a house and live by the sea.

Having a look today and saw a house that isn't perfect but is a 3 bed semi, near coast, by park and nature reserve, big garden. No bath and conservatory is ugly but we would have a tiny mortgage so would free us up to make all sorts of different life/career/training choices.

We've one toddler and won't have anymore so small 3 bed is fine, it's a tree lined street and near the metro.

But it seems to be about £15k under what I'd guess they'd be asking - anybody with more house buying knowledge know why - likely just not great area? Smaller than looks in pictures?

I don't know the area well, we were visiting different coastal areas and both fell in love with Whitley Bay/Cullercoats. We could go up to house worth around £260k if it was a better fit for us.

All thoughts appreciated!

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-95145782.html

OP posts:
Babyroobs · 22/07/2020 19:56

Looks fine to me with some cosmetic work. you certainly get a lot more for your money up north ! I'm shocked at the price.

Srictlybakeoff · 22/07/2020 20:02

Is it only this area you are interested in op - or is it a nice house by the sea

MrsGrindah · 22/07/2020 20:03

My guess is the tiny bathroom without bath, that kitchen looks cramped too ( but it’s a bad photo) . Priced low for quick sale and a lot of viewers will say it needs work.

PickAChew · 22/07/2020 20:03

It's right next to a school.

toteswingingit · 22/07/2020 20:06

I have family near and around whitely bay/cullercoats/tynemouth.

I would say perhaps the school might bring the price down a little?

But lovely enough area, everyone I have ever come into contact with is so friendly and so close to the shore.

Original poster
hoorayforharoldlloyd · 22/07/2020 20:06

@strictlybakeoff - we've definitely decided on Newcastle and preferably by the coast, although Gosforth has been recommended to me - not been to that part, so don't know.

Tynemouth is too expensive, Cullercoats and Whitley Bay are more affordable but also a bit quieter. We need to be by public transport as hire cars rather than own.

The houses in this part of Whitley Bay are quite small, so it could be fairly cramped, which would be offputting. It seems to be garden and smaller house or high ceilings/bigger rooms but a yard.

OP posts:
crosser62 · 22/07/2020 20:07

Oh yes, 0.1 miles from a school.
Parents parking over your drive twice a day, noise, busy road. That’s why I’d say.

BentBastard · 22/07/2020 20:07

Came on to Mention the school. You will have that road blocked twice a day every school day and cars on/across your drive every time I expect

Original poster
hoorayforharoldlloyd · 22/07/2020 20:10

@toteswingingit - sounds nice! Maybe school is seen as an issue - it wouldn't put me off, I've lived right next to schools before and it was fine - plus it's only up to age 13.

We just both had such a strong positive reaction to the area - and now I'm feeling a bit out of my depth to move to a new area and buy our first house - eeep

OP posts:
Original poster
hoorayforharoldlloyd · 22/07/2020 20:12

ah, school run cars, ok, that makes more sense. Not sure how I'd feel about that as not currently car owners, we just hire when we need - but obviously, that could change.

OP posts:
Pocketofsmiles · 22/07/2020 20:15

Hi OP, I know the area it is nice but there are better parts of Whitley bay I’d say the price is right for the area

MairzyDoats · 22/07/2020 20:16

I think a move north will be a wonderful, positive thing OP - I grew up in the NE and while there is poverty the people are just lovely, warm and friendly. You get so much more for your money, the countryside is gorgeous, there's loads to do roundabout. I'm excited for you!

Original poster
hoorayforharoldlloyd · 22/07/2020 20:19

@pocketofsmiles - thanks! We looked at a couple the other side of the ice rink a while ago and they were £15k more, so this surprised me.

What areas would you suggest looking at with a budget 220 - 240?

Still tempted to go and look at this house while we are allowed to travel!

OP posts:
Original poster
hoorayforharoldlloyd · 22/07/2020 20:20

@mairzydoats I'm excited too! And yes, the friendliness is real, my partner said how he felt he fitted in much more than where we are now, people were more expansive/relaxed.

And it's so gorgeous! The beaches just blew me away.

OP posts:
MrsGrindah · 22/07/2020 20:21

Definitely go look. If you like it, Then any extra budget you have could be spent on making it right for you.

Climbingallthetrees · 22/07/2020 20:26

It’s ex council.

Lockdownseperation · 22/07/2020 20:31

People can be snobby about the ‘rougher’ side of the ice rink.

What is the high school catchment area? People pay more for Whitley Bay High catchment than Monkseaton High.

Laura0120 · 22/07/2020 20:33

I'm from the NE but a bit further down. I don't know alot about that particular area but the price doesn't surprise me at all. Not sure what you were expecting but we're looking at moving house soon, probably a 4 bedroom detached in the £200k-300k bracket in a good area too. Prices are lower up north but so are wages 😩

beautifulxdisasters · 22/07/2020 20:38

It's not the nicest part of WB as others have said, not horrendous though. Think it probably backs onto the school's grounds which would put a lot of people off.

dotoallasyouwouldbedoneby · 22/07/2020 20:38

Is it an end-terrace rather than a semi, as the house next door has a different configuration rather than being a mirror image?

RaeCJ82 · 22/07/2020 20:42

I lived in a 1930s semi for a couple of years. If that house is anything like mine was, you'll probably spend the rest of your budget heating the place in winter!

rwalker · 22/07/2020 20:45

I'd say area where we live houses can vary but 50K by being
1 1/2 miles away from each other needles to say cheaper area shithole . house built at same time they are identical .

frumpety · 22/07/2020 20:45

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-94058216.html

Also near to the beach, not far from Newcastle on public transport ?

Whathewhatnow · 22/07/2020 20:46

School across road and parking will be awkward although there is a drive.

Ex-LA. Not necessarily a problem but check out the tenure of neighbours.

Is it in catchment for the better (on paper) high school?

Second and 3rd beds are small.

Is it a freehold house??

FatherBrownsBicycle · 22/07/2020 20:46

Definitely the school. This house, looking at the street view, is right opposite the school gates so the traffic & parking will be horrendous. You will have people in their cars half an hr before pick up every day with their engines to keep warm in winter & for the air con in summer.

You will never get a lie in during the week but it will be quiet at the weekend.