Anyone recommned some nice affordable parts of the UK? Should we move?!

[cheekymonk]

Hi there. Just wondered as we are a bit stuck! We are a family of 4, dh, ds aged 6 and dd aged 9 months and I. We live in a 2 up 2 down terraced house in Portsmouth that is valued at 126k. We have an IVA and so assumed we were unable to move but on talking to Northern Rock today, we may be able to transfer our mortgage. Snag is we'd need to find a bigger house (the point of wanting to move) for less- 100k most! is there anywhere nice you can buy a house for that amount in this country. DS goes to an excellent school and we have good docs etc so we'd be bad to give this up for a bigger house in the middle of Beirut but there is just no space. We have no money so can't extend. The 100k prices us out of Portsmouth and most of Hampshire. My folks are in Herefordshire, Dhs are in Scotlad. Would be nice to be a bit nearer to both. DS likes portsmouth but craves bigger house and garden and the kids sharing a room is proving stressful as the one often wakes the other. Have thought about selling up to rent a bigger place too. Any suggestions or ideas??

Sorry re my earlier post- have just seen your folks are in Herefordshire not Hertfordshire

How long do you have left on the IVA?

NE England is very cheap good value. Job situation not great though, but perhaps although CS jobs are being cut up here, there are still a lot of them (IYSWIM) you'd be better placed than a lot of people.

Yes there are some poor schools/neighbourhoods in these areas there are also great schools and great neighbourhoods. Just saying

Yes I know it is risky, and its so much different with children isn't it? Need to be cautious. Have less than 2 years left on IVA. Original plan was to wait until IVA completes and then look to upsize once credit file has recovered a bit but will still be priced out of Hampshire as will have next to no deposit. Our mortgage is currently 102k but have 30k unsecured loan with NR on top of that. That will eat into any deposit we would have had. Also thought by waiting house sale would clear loan and mortgage...

I heard of someone buying a 3 bed newish house on the outskirts of hull (kingswood) for £77k and it's not that bad, we live 20 mons from there.

Perhaps I should also add some reasons for wanting to move. Its not just about space but also being closer to our families and also we are unhappy here in portsmouth. I have lived here for approx 16 years and find it a very hard and unfriendly place. The Mums at the school are vile on the whole and I often intiate chat at supermarkets etc and people look genuinely amazed that I am trying to talk to them as if 'how dare I?'. I don't mind hard/salt of the earth type people but its just not like that here. In all my time here, i have very few meaningful relationships to show for it apart from the most important ones-its where I met my dh and had my children! Also apart from the really hard people are the superior ones. I feel dh and I don't fit with either and I have this image of some people just being a bit nicer and friendlier up north but I may be being incredibly naive??!!! Trouble is ds loves it. he plays with most kids in the street and I know we would be turning his world upside down. I find the idea of being in portsmouth even another 5 years unbearable but I would stick 2 to get the IVA finished.

Get the IVA finished. Honestly, it's a legally binding contract and if you get into a situation where you have to default on that, it can have serious ramifications.

Also, once it's finished, you can see what the interest rate is like.

National Debtline has recommneded that we go bankrupt but we think that we can continue with IVA just need to juggle finances more. Even so, we do intend to move from Portsmouth as soon as we are able.

It's possible to go bankrupt, but going bankrupt as a homeowner means you really need to get some expert advice about that. And you will not be moving any time soon if you do chose this option.

Get whatever debts you have under control first because if you are a homeowner and go bankrupt, default on the IVA it can have serious consequences.

absolutely (what eminence said) - the trustee in bankruptcy will look at your highest value assets.

How about Lincolnshire, I've just had a look and there are 5 properties under £120k with at least 3 bedrooms in the village next to mine.
It's within 3 miles of Lincoln and has an outstanding primary and secondary school.
If your DH can manage to get a civvies job at RAF Waddington then it would be ideal.

I think we will research a few areas. Hadn't thought about Lincoln area. Towns/villages near Blackpool or Manchester or Liverpool definitely appeal. Astley Village looks nice but I notice there are alot of houses for sale in that area? Thanks everyone for your tips.

.

Hi,

I dont want to out myself but I'm origionally from the northwest and GreatHarwood is my home town- the town is nice and ppl r friendly

some houses 1
2

3

Thanks skinnygirlbethany x

I was just going to suggest Lincolnshire as quite rural and cheap! A family member has just moved there to get better value for money than Bucks..

If you want friendly - Lancashire is your ticket.

Cheap property - South Wales, with good commuting to Cardiff and Swansea, maybe Bristol, for work.

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-30978352.html

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-30870610.html

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-7747839.html

Ive just had a look at where I live - newcastle. Am suprised actually as there is a few 4 beds under £110k. Admittedly some of the areas are awful, but some are places I have lived and would live again. This ones not bad!

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-19972800.html

South Wales seconded - if you can get a job. Loads of houses for

Ah - not Port Talbot - head of a valley. Anyway, gorgeous but wonder what it's like inside...

I was surprised noone had mentioned Wales but thought maybe it was due to lack of jobs. I could spend all day on rightmove but best not as my dd would have something to say!!! Thanks again everyone

I think we like the sound of Chorley area the best but as I said, lots of houses for sale in Astley village. Is that something to worry about??

I come from Chorley, though I live in Scotland.
You will certainly find the friendliness that you are after. The big problem is jobs and that is why there are the houses for sale. My brother lives in Astley village.
It is just about possible to commute to Manchester to work.
there are some good and not so good schools in Chorley, Coppull and Euxton.
My Dad is a school governor of one of them.
As with all pretty closed communities, there will be problems settling in, but certainly not as much as West Dumbartonshire. I would not live there and with an English accent in Clydebank, well.
Good luck in your search.