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Original poster

Where in the country could we get a family house for around £160,000?

52 replies

WannaBeWildCosMyLifesSoTame · 01/02/2012 09:13

Due to DH being made redundant we are considering moving as we don't need to be commutable to London any more and need to rethink our finances. Our current house is worth around £180,000 so to cover moving and free up a bit of cash to pay off some debts we'd need to buy something around the 160,000 mark.

We have family in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire so would need to be within reasonable travelling distance of those although that may not be practical. We'd like to be in a village or small town with decent schools and access to countryside. We've looked at a few areas (I grew up in Norfolk/Cambs so know that area quite well) but wondered if there was anywhere we hadn't thought of.

OP posts:
SianBB · 02/02/2012 09:18

Ohhh Market Harborough might work. Really good transport links and lovely town. Bet you could get a 3 bed for 170k easily off to check Rightmove.

EdithWeston · 02/02/2012 10:48

I think Oakham is a lovely town, with no "catch".

Here's a link to the Grantham Journal if you want to have a look at what's happening in the town.

SianBB · 02/02/2012 11:02

Agree Edith Weston (big clue as to where you are from :)), Oakham is a town with no catch. Uppingham also.

Original poster
WannaBeWildCosMyLifesSoTame · 02/02/2012 11:08

Thanks very much for posting those Edith, I will look forward to having a read!

OP posts:
Original poster
WannaBeWildCosMyLifesSoTame · 02/02/2012 11:21

And, having just looked I have realised where you got your name!

OP posts:
EdithWeston · 02/02/2012 11:39

I am not from exactly there, but yes, it's an area I have known well, on and off, for many many years.

FriggFRIGG · 02/02/2012 12:52

We have just bought a lovely 3 bed Victorian terrace for just over 160k.
We are in Hampshire.Smile

Gonzo33 · 02/02/2012 12:58

Ooooh Frigg I hail from that area (well if I hail from anywhere that is).

I am moving Oakham way with my husbands work this year, so there may be a downside - RAF Cottesmore! Not quite sure quite how close they are though.

lottiegb · 02/02/2012 17:05

You could consider south Nottinghamshire - Vale of Belvoir, West Bridgford. Good schools (Wolds in Keyworth, both secondaries in WB), not cheap but you will get three bedrooms for that price except perhaps in the lovelier villages. Countryside is flattish but fairly pretty.

joanofarchitrave · 02/02/2012 17:11

Louth is lovely in itself, but rather far away? Nice 3 beds for 160 in some cases.

queenrollo · 02/02/2012 19:57

Louth is beautiful and is a thriving Transition Town if that sort of thing interests you.

Ikeatears · 02/02/2012 20:06

How about this? Conservatory is separate from the house - could be an ideal office.
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-36690125.html

Original poster
WannaBeWildCosMyLifesSoTame · 02/02/2012 20:32

Wow I really like that! Much to think about...

OP posts:
joanofarchitrave · 02/02/2012 20:41

louuuth mmm oooh aaah bet they'd take an offer

Original poster
WannaBeWildCosMyLifesSoTame · 02/02/2012 20:43

That's a lot of space for your money - look at the size of the garden!

OP posts:
mellymooks · 02/02/2012 20:47

frigg !!!!!!! congrats on the house buy Grin sorry for hijack OP!

FriggFRIGG · 02/02/2012 22:21

melly!!!
Yes, just happened,fingers crossed and all that!
x

sodapops · 02/02/2012 22:37

There is a catch with Oakham and that is the Rutland council tax is very high.

If I were you I would prefer to live in Stamford than Grantham. Melton Mowbray would, also, be on my list. There are some really nice villages just off the A1 between Stamford and Grantham. You get quite a lot for your money in South Witham and Colsterworth.

Bigsighfeelingupset · 02/02/2012 22:41

You do NOT want to live in Louth.It's near nowhere - and it's pretty far from that!

sodapops · 02/02/2012 22:44

This house, for example, is in walking distance of a very good and very popular primary school and a secondary school (where my DC go) that is rated outstanding by OFSTED.

One of the best things about Rutland is there are no bad schools. The 3 secondary schools are now acadamies and they are all excellent, with really good results at GCSE.

sodapops · 03/02/2012 08:07

Another option would be Bourne in Lincolnshire. You get a lot for your money house wise and there is Bourne grammar school which is excellent.

mumwhereareyou · 03/02/2012 08:37

Another here, I also live in South Lincs in a village 1/2 between Grantham, Bourne and Sleaford.

Love the fact that can get to London quickly on train from Grantham or Peterborough.

Def get far more for your money up here and also far less to spend your money as well.

All the towns mentioned above have excellent Grammar schools and the comprehnsives are good as well.

EdithWeston · 03/02/2012 09:38

There's not much difference in Council Tax. For Band F (£120-160k properties) in Grantham it's £2038 and in Oakham it's £2066.

SianBB · 03/02/2012 10:47

I would look at Oakham (and the rest of Rutland) over Melton Mowbray or Grantham.

But that's just my opinion.