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Original poster

Would you buy next to half-way house?

13 replies

mrsmandm · 06/03/2012 21:34

OK, here is our dilema. We have seen our perfect house, ticks every box, although total top top of our budget (we're not talking cheap here!).

Only one problem, it's next to a half-way house for adults with mental health problems. We know people on the street who say it is not a problem, but they don't live next door.

I wonder if it's not a responsible thing to do with two small children. And whether it would be hard to sell. Anyone got experience of this?

Any feedback v welcome - and feel free to tell me I am being unreasonable and everyone deserves a shot at living independently in the community. :)

OP posts:
Devora · 06/03/2012 21:59

I think if the other people on the street say it's not a problem, it's probably not a problem. Yes, they don't live next door - but they would surely know if the vendors had had struggles with this.

When you say halfway house, do you know any more about the clientele and why they are there? Are they people who have been in a secure unit? A forensic unit? A drug and alcohol unit?

Perhaps it's easy to say, but it wouldn't be a no-no for me.

uggmum · 06/03/2012 22:03

I lived in the same street as a halfway house. It was more like a bail hostel.

Most of the residents in our street fell victim to petty crime. The contents of my garden were stolen, furniture etc. the final straw was a full line of washing being stolen. It was all found by the police in the halfway house.

The police were raiding it constantly. I moved as I didn't feel happy.

Original poster
mrsmandm · 06/03/2012 22:11

Devora - Owner has said it's adults with learning disabilities. Think there is a manager there full time. Is it cheeky to see if we could meet with them?

They have been there 15 years so can't be too bad...?

Uggmum - that sounds awful, couldn't live like that. Poor you

OP posts:
deste · 06/03/2012 22:16

One opened up next door to my brother. They never once mentioned it being a problem. It is now closed and up for sale.

amistillsexy · 06/03/2012 22:22

If it's a house where people with learning disabilities live, then that's not the same as a half-way house for recovering drug addicts or whatever.

I know some very lovely disabled young poeple who live in social housing (shared house betwen 3 or 4 people, with PAs/paid workers to come in and help them out). They would not give you a moment's grief, whereas some of the non-disabled adults I have known who have lived in 'half way houses' after being in prison or hospitalised due to mental health/drug abuse/alcohol abuse would be a differnet matter.

I would have a word with the manager if you can, and see if you can meet the residents. It is alot of money to risk for the sake of a bit of embarrasment. Put it this way, if you aren't happy when you meet them, you never need to see them again as you won't buy the house. If they are nice and lovely, all's good, and you can go ahead and purchase!

oreocrumbs · 06/03/2012 22:30

I don't live near one but my pub has one very near by and the residents are adults with mental illness, they all drink in my bar.

There has not been a pick of bother from any of them. One man is a bit obsessed with my DP and is always telling him about life there and and his treatment, and from the sounds of it as soon as their mental health deteriorates, they are taken into somewhere with more care.

I think if its assisted living for people with these issues it will be fine.

I would check though because if its not and its for people coming out of prison or drug addicts you might have more problems.

campergirls · 06/03/2012 22:34

Mental health issues or learning disabilities? You need to find out which, I think, those two different client groups might have very different implications as neighbours. (It's not impossible to have both, of course, but I think it's more likely one or the other in this instance)

My best friend lives next to a supported living house for young(ish) adults with learning disabilities, they are excellent neighbours and there have been no problems at all for her or her kids.

Original poster
mrsmandm · 06/03/2012 22:41

Thank you so much for your sensible advice. I do need to find out more about the nature of the residents' problems. As you say, a bit of embarrassment is worth it!

OP posts:
Yawner247 · 06/03/2012 22:41

Do not be fooled into thinking that learning disabled people would be a better group of people than people with mental health issues....there are people with borderline ld that can be quite frightening and can have carried out some pretty scary things that you wouldn't think imaginable! I would find out as much as you can about the home and then make your decision when you have all the facts, if you have any doubts don't do it..Wink

Vickles · 07/03/2012 14:18

i think speaking with the manager is the best thing, and totally acceptable.
i have to say, with 2 kids, i wouldn't.
major red flag for me... sorry...x

MrsJohnDeere · 07/03/2012 14:36

No

deste · 07/03/2012 16:45

I work with clients with mental health problems and I have never in the last 8 years had any problems with any of them.

cantspel · 07/03/2012 17:58

The very fact that you are asking the question means the answer is no.

They might not be a problem but if and when you go to sell and move on any prospective buyer will be asking the same question and so you limit your buyers pool.

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