MN Jury - little or no storage space, would you still buy?

[Storagehunter]

First of all, I've name-changed but have been around MN for years, on and off - for example, I remember the poster called Cod and also the classic thread about someone taking bathroom products from a posh hotel.

Anyway, I would really appreciate some wisdom as I'm wondering if I'd be completely mad to consider buying a property which appears to have little or no storage space.

I'm going to look at it later today and, on paper, it appears almost perfect for what I can actually afford on my budget, in a ridiculously expensive area. Great location, close to station, walk to town centre, good parking, etc. However, I've only just noticed from the floor plans and description, there appears to be no built-in cupboards, wardrobes, airing cupboards, sheds, outside storage, loft space, etc, whatsoever!

Even if I got rid of loads of stuff, I'm left wondering where I'd put essentials such as vacuum cleaner, tool box, towels, linen, Xmas decorations, and so on?

I'm sure that this property will get snapped up anyway as I am competing with BTL/investors who probably won't care about lack of storage. But should I even bother going to look in case I love it, and then let my heart rule my head?

Think very carefully. Storage space is essential when you don't have any but not something you realise until you've moved in. Can space be made with the help of a joiner?

Ok, much to consider.

1. How big is it?

1. How many people in your family?

1. How many bedrooms do you need?

1. Where exactly is it? Don't need to link to it, just the area

1. Is there outside space?

We need more info to see if this can work for your family!

I am OBSESSED with storage after ten years in tiny London flats and houses so I'd be really reluctant, but it depends what scope there is to improve. Is it a house? If so, is the loft converted? Would you need all of the bedrooms straightaway, or could you use one for storage while you get yourself sorted? If it's that perfect, would you consider renting a storage unit?

Thanks for the quick replies. To answer some of the questions:-

1. Not very big, it's a ground floor maisonette.
2. It would need to accommodate three adults, but only temporarily and not all year round, but until both my DCs at uni.
3. I would like three bedrooms, but realistically can only afford two. Property prices where I live are, IMO, astronomical - not quite London, but not a million miles away either.
4. See 3 (don't want to be too specific).
5. there is a communal garden but no mention of sheds or outbuildings.

I guess a quick call to the agent would be a good idea, but I suppose I want to see what my money will get me. I've only looked at one other property since selling my house, and I wasn't quick enough off the mark even though, in hindsight, I should have gone for it :(

I'll update later when I've viewed - might as well go and look!

Hi Mara, I know what you mean, I feel like I'm becoming obsessed about storage. Also, the absolute deal breaker for me, would be lack of parking and I need two spaces, which this property does have - not easy to find where I live. So I'm obsessed about that as well!

All (two) bedrooms would be in use and I can't see where I can 'add' storage space either. I would definitely consider renting storage, but not sure about costs - I may look into that.

Thanks again.

3 adults in a 2 bed maisonette, no storage, no shed does not sound like a good idea. You haven't said how big it is but sounds like theres no way to create storage, or extend, either. I'd say no and look elsewhere.

No way.

Is there room in the bedrooms for decent sized wardrobes? You can get really tall ones with storage for things like Xmas decs etc at the top. However, we live in a decent sized 3 bed semi (2 adults and ds, 8) and despite being ruthless with what we keep/use we have just built a summer house in the garden...primarily for storage!!

Don't forget underbed storage. You could get cabin beds for adults. Gives you a tiny bit of storage. Get a bath panel that has doors in it, for storage under the bath. A bathroom sink with a cupboard under it.
Under sofa storage boxes?

Just trying to think of solutions, apart from being very minimal, and becoming Kondo fans...

Waterproof garden storage bench for your christmas dec's?

Whats the square footage? How old are your DCs?
I've been in Dutch apartments where there were ingenius storage solutions however they had very good ceiling height. Ikea are excellent for tight storage spaces too.

Yes go and look

If it's what you can afford it's what you can afford. You get rid of a load of stuff and you utilise space really well

Get big built in bookcases/cupboards/wardrobes , under bed storage, cupboards up high in the hallway.... There are loads of great storage solutions

Thanks for all the useful advice and tips - it is all very much appreciated. However, fortunately, the decision about the lack of storage has become unimportant, well in respect of this particular property at least.

I went to view it earlier this afternoon and wanted to love the place, but found I didn't really like it much at all. The main thing that attracted me originally was that it has a dining room that could easily be used as a third bedroom, which was all well and good. But, the living room felt dark and gloomy due to having one tiny window (with no scope to enlarge the window) and the entire place just didn't feel 'right'. Also, the estate agent showing us round admitted that even she could not envisage where I could store my upright vacuum and other essentials.

Therefore, my property search goes on, but I will probably pop up again on the homebuyers support thread!

Have you thought about doing a government scheme to buy if you are struggling?
I saw a new build a few months ago and was surprised at how much storage there was. A massive double cupboard and two single cupboards in the hallway and built in wardrobes/cupboards in both bedrooms. Loads of cupboards in the kitchen. Big bathroom with space for more storage. I've been comparing old and new and floor space is up to 15/20 sq metres in new two bed flats

Worth a look?

communal garden would mean no outside storage anyway.

noting the sneaky bit of anti-landlord mention. FYI I just took one look at a possible BTL and walked away because it is a 2-bed with a tiny 42sq m in total. I wouldn't live there and don't expect anyone else to do so. No scope at all to extend so even at a cheap price it is a non-starter.

from an investment point of view it would also be a poor buy; new builds are getting bigger so these shoe boxes are going to drop in value.

for future ref you can see the area on the EPC without viewing.

Ihatemyphone99 - I hadn't really thought of government help to buy scheme, and it's probably worth a look, although I may be a bit old for it, but I will definitely look into it - so thank you for mentioning it.

Specialsubject - there was some kind of shed in the communal garden but the estate agent didn't seem to know which property it belonged to - I assumed not the one I was interested in, as no mention in details. Also, my BTL comment was borne out of frustration at not really being able to compete with BTLers (or at least plenty of anecdotal evidence of it being an issue in my area). If I had the cash to invest in a property to rent out, I might well be tempted myself - and fair comment from you, about you being just as picky as I am.