Right, so we ha( d )ve our hearts set on a fab village in Sussex. It seemed perfect but... prices have gone up four fold in the last 15 years. So, for our v v stretch budget of up to £800k we can get a manky chalet- 2 double beds, 3 dormer singles, can't stand straight in. Repossession offered at 550k went at 570k with a baby boomer bidding war.
Problem is it is full of old people who have tons of equity and no need to move. So prob no chance of a collapse in price, sob. We have posted leaflets and put up ad in local shop but nothing useful yet.
We know that we are unusually lucky in having this as a dilemma, but would be v grateful for advice.
We are thinking of giving up on the dream and trying to find another village. Our criteria are that the village has:
- primary school (nurturing, not keen on hothousing one). Bus to decent senior school or private school with generous scholarships!
- local shop- so no need to drive to get milk
- sense of community- dream village has several pubs, good WI, active local committee organising summer festival and Christmas fair
- near decent size town and with eg supermarket deliveries and train to London- tho' prefer not a commuter dormitory place
- pref near natural beauty- original village is on the Downs
- a fairly relaxed vibe, our home villages are a bit posey and very status and wealth conscious.
We are pretty easy re location, both parents are in Warwickshire, husband will retrain in engineering is the plan.
We are looking to move in next year or so. Can spend our weekends looking at ALL your suggestions!
Thank You!