The trials of house hunting.

[Lonelymum]

I went to look at a house today. It was built in the 1930s and looks like it has had nothing done to it since, especially the kitchen and bathroom. The windows were broken, the ceilings had holes in them, the walls needed replastering, there was no central heating, the garden (admittedly a good size) was a jungle. It was every bit in the worst condition you can imagine except that the floor boards looked good. The loos and bathroom were so disgusting, I held ds3 in my arms afraid he would get typhoid just being there. It was completely unlivable in. Now I am prepared to take on a house that needs refurbishment but this was something else. Also, it wasn't actually big enough for us so it would have to be extended. And the price? A cool (and non-negotiable it would seem) £400,000.

It is the only house on the market I have even considered viewing. What a disappointment.

How much would it be worth when referbed? go away and do you figures and make them an offer, you maybe surprised at the outcome, what a challenge

Oh I forgot to mention, there is a funny condition mentioned in the sale particulars. I quote: " The vendors reserve the right to include a development uplift provision in any future sale contract."

Anyone know what that means?

does the estate agent have a website, go on do us a link, would love to see how they're marketing this!

I don't know. I would ask the estate agent to clarify. Where are you looking Lonleymum? We're househunting in south London with a very small budget. It's such a soul destroying experience. I found somewhere I liked last week and arranged for dp to see it and then noticed on the estate agent's website that it was actually under offer. The estate agent completely forgot to mention that. It's now sold.

Sounds like it means they want a share of any increase in value as a result of the purchasers' improvements when the house is sold on! Is that possible???

Or are they expecting the house to be demolished and the land sold on with pp for a block of flats or something?

Please tell us when you find out, LM!

'development uplift provision' isn't that something to do with if you sell the land the property is on they would be entitled to any profits made, say you demolished the house and then built two in its place?

We thought it meant what Jan said - that they would want a share of the profit if we did it up and soldit on. We wouldn't be planning on selling it on but you never know what the future holds. I can't believe it is possible to impose such a condition on a sale myself.

Honestly, you have never seen such a grim place. I know I should have the vision to see it all done up, but I was defeated, I must admit. I shall look for a website and do a link if I find it but I warn you, there are no internal photos!

What a weird condition, never heard of it but it sounds such a rip off!

And such a cheek! They must think there are a lot of mugs out there.

the most desirable house?

Well I am glad you said that irishbird as I thought the same myself. No one is mug enough to buy a property under those conditions surely?

The background as I know it is that the family lived there many years, the parents died and the son now lives in a "home" (don't know what sort). The house is being sold by the trustees and they are not looking to accept lower offers. Apparently someone has offered the asking price, so I suppose my interest is immaterial, though it has not been accepted yet.

the house has brill potential lonelymum - dont forget to try the nethouseprices.com and upmystreet.com to check on other local and relevant price comparisons.

Well it is the only house we would consider that we have been able to afford, but I just think there is too much to do to it, plus the need to extend it (we need 5 bedrooms! alright, don't need, but want)

I'm shocked at the development uplift position - what a cheek. The only thing I would like to add is that it can cost a huge amount of money to do up a property as much as you describe, particularly with an extension. Friends who did the same completely underestimated how much they would have to spend, and certainly didn't feel they made a profit on the work (not that they want to sell). They didn't do anything themselves, though, so it depends how involved you would want to be. I can't believe how much properties cost now in Thornbury.

it looks lovely

These vendors have the cheekl of the devil. I have to say that no matter how much I loved a house, I would not be preparedto buy it with that sort of condition attached. Cheeky b*stards

Lonelymum - Off on a tangent here but....there is an awful lot of evidence building that suggests there is going to be a recession soon starting with a house price crash. Have you considered that as a possibility?

Lonelymum, would you consider moving slightly further North and East of Bristol/Thornbury? (35-40 min commute to Bristol)

I know of a very nice, up together 4-double bed- 3-reception house with a price tag to meet your budget.

It?s in a tiny hamlet North of Swindon called Inglesham.
It?s also going to be on ?Escape to the Country? soon. Did the filming yesterday.
Had a brilliant time with the film crew and presenter. Really good fun.

If you think you may be interested, CAT me and I will give you further details.

Lonelymum, would you really need more space than that - there are three separate reception rooms downstairs - how big is your family?
I think it looks a snip myself - and I'm in the NE so not comparing with London prices. I am looking around on a similar-ish budget and haven't found anything remotely as nice. Don't know anything about the location though.

vala, sorry to disappoint but Thornbury is the area we have chosen as being good for communications for dh's job and future jobs. He actually works in Wales, but if that job falls through, we need to be accessible to Wales, Bristol, Birmingham and Swindon to maximise his chances of getting another job which will not require a change of house (we have moved too many times already).
I can never see the point of "Escape to the Country" - they never buy any of the properties they are shown! but I hope you sell soon.

Azure, I am not sure that properties in Thornbury do cost this much. There are plenty of 4 bed houses for nearer £300,000 but we want either a 5 bed house or a non-estate 4 bed house with potential for extension - not many of those in Thornbury, as we are now finding out!

elliott - we have 4 children and would like them to have a bedroom each - doesn't have to be big, but do want one each.

The reception rooms were tiny. We want a sitting room, a playroom and or study and either a dining room or a very large kitchen/diner.

This house would probably have enough room for us if we could erect a double storey extension somewhere - one downstairs room and a bedroom above, but TBH, there is no obvious place to put an extension and the house is honestly completely unlivable in at the mo so we are talking loads of work before we could even move in.

Anyway, the bottom line is, I am not buying anything with such a ludicrous condition attached.

No problem Lonelymum.

Know what you mean about EttC, I had my reservations when they contacted me. However, according to the crew who turned up yesterday, they are filming for a new series and so far they have sold 2 out of 2. Ours is the 3rd in the series so here?s hoping for 3 out of 3. Anyway, I will know by next Friday. Fingers crossed - for both of us and anyone else out there buying or selling - Not a good time I know.