Small semi in a nice area or large detached in an o.k. area?

[PenTheUltimate]

Small semi in a nice area or large detached in an o.k. area?

Both areas have good schools.

Detached.

I would go for the nice area unless it wasn't enough space

Probably large detached unless it was in a bad area as opposed to just ok.

An easier day to day living and having more space would be more important.

Also, I live in quite a rough area but the people I've met are absolutely lovely!

I live on the edge of a rough area and like it, I wouldn't pay the same money to live in another area of the town for half the size of property. Our neighbours are lovely too. "nice" can mean snooty neighbours and lack of community spirit!

My lot collect junk and have house, garage, severak sheds and garden filling hobbies.

Also, with the best will in the world, in a semi either they wake your DCs or the DCs´ noise annoys nextdoor.

If OK is OK, I'd go for space everytime. We have space, because I suspect our down market neighbours put people off. In a manner of speaking they make nice only OK.

They are actually no trouble and good entertainment value.

if you have a growing family, detached is better, and large is better.

Detached

detached - pretty much always

Detached - unless area really grim.

The detached area is good, very nice even, but I'm just not feeling it! I think I like the semi-detached even though there is less room! Its illogical, I need to think with my brain not my heart!

Detached unless area awful.

You could still get an arsehole neighbour in a nice area which in a semi is more of an issue.

Location, location, location. Always better area for me.

It depends on the area. I live in a small house in a nice area, but I am within walking distance of just about everywhere I might want to go and have all sorts of nice things on my doorsteps. I have less space inside my house but all sorts of things to do on my doorstep. If that's what your good area is like, then I'd say it is worth going for a smaller house. If the quality of life in general would be the same in each area then go for the house you like best.

Semi- location is everything. imo

There is no such thing as too much space. You spend your life inside the house not looking at it from across the road. Buy the biggest you can afford unless the area is truly dreadful.

Detached every time.

Neighbourhoods change over time and the not so nice may well be up and coming within a few years. So for day to day living the extra space and no NDNs to consider noise wise wins out for me.

However,it is said to be preferable to have the smallest house in a good area rather than the biggest house in a bad area by those who have an eye to making money.

Since both areas are decent I'd go for large detached. Unless the house is actually really not very nice.

Always location as long as the semi is large enough for your needs. Only time I hear our neighbours is if we are both in the garden.

Local amenities are worth trading space for.

Also there definitely such a thing as too much space. People fill there homes with crap they don't really need. Having extra space you don't actually use cost more to heat and maintain and more time to clean etc. only occupy the space you really need in the best area you can afford in my book.

Smaller house, better area every time.

Another vote for better area. And for detached!

I learnt the hard way that location is everything. The last house was beautiful and perfect but I never felt settled because the area just wasn't where I wanted to be. We ended up moving, and although I still miss that house a bit I am so much happier in the right location.

That said, you do need enough space not to feel cramped.

Location is SO important.

I learned this the hard way. Bought a not-so-nice area (huge council estate) and as soon as the novelty wore off I hated it. Really hated it.

Next time around we opted for the nicest part of town, even though we could have got a larger house for the same price (or even slightly less) a couple of miles away. I haven't regretted it for a moment.

Watching the replies with interest here as I am buying a lovely old detached house in a nice part of a poor town after living in a posh suburb for twenty years. I am hoping the fantastic house will be worth leaving my familiar and fashionable enclave for the wilderness! But I make friends easily and I can still go back to socialise... unless they cut me dead for moving out!

I would always prioritise location.
Remember, even in a detached house, your neighbours could make your life pretty hellish if they're playing loud music with windows open, or partying in their garden til late (just read some of the threads on this!)

Also - consider how the semi is actually attached. An older property where the front doors and hallways are adjoining (but living rooms on the outside walls) can feel as though you're pretty much detached... We've lived in one and apart from about a square metre by the front door where we could hear our neighbour calling 'bye' when she was on her way out (and bear in mind this was only if we happened to be by our front door too) we heard zilch from next door. Whereas I've visited friends in detached houses on estates where there's a constant din from DIY, music etc when sitting in the garden.