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.

Oh good luck Vala. We are also trying to sell. I thought we had cracked it when a viewer (our only one so far!) went for a third viewing this week, but then I heard nothing. I rang up the estate agent to find out what happened, and she told me she is sure they want to buy it, but they have only just put their house on the market! Groan! Could be months away then!

ah, I see. Then you do need a lot of space (we are looking for 4 beds or 3 with 2/3 receptions with only 2 kids). I agree about the development uplift provision - never heard of that before.

Lonelymum - I'm not trolling, really I'm not!
Have you thought about renting and looking again in the summer when the market sorts itself out?

Mrs Doolittle, sorry, I didn't mean to ignore your first comment. We are renting now courtesy of dh's company. Of course we will continue to rent until the right property comes up but I wouldn't want to pass up a house now on the off chance that the market falls later. Anyway, if it does fall as you suggest it might (insider knowledge?!) I hope we have sold our other house first and can benefit from lower prices. Looks like we are going to need to win the lottery to afford anything nice.