Older houses

[Postmanpatisarubbishpostman]

I'm about to complete on a 1950s house after a year or so of searching.

I'm having a bit of a wobble having always lived in newer properties.

Does anyone live in an older property without too many problems?

I live in a 60s house and it's great! Much, much bigger than the modern houses around here, and very low maintenance. It's just a lovely big beige box that you can decorate any way without needing to be "sympathetic" to period features. Don't wobble, it'll be grand!

1950s?

That's not old

I wouldn't worry to much about a 1950's house and wouldn't class that as old at all. Have you had surveys done or shown a trusted builder round to point out any potential problems?

All my properties have been old (Tudor, Victorian, Medieval). None of them so far have had major problems. I think any property can have problems if not looked after carefully. Just budget for any ongoing maintenance.

Good luck with your purchase.

My house was built in 1870 so 1950s is new to me!

1950s isn't old. That's a modern house by my standards and I would expect a solid build from that period.

No it's not that old really. Just older than I'm used to I guess.

Although newer properties aren't without their problems.

I suppose I'm just nervous being so close to completion.

It'll be things like cavity walls that may be different on a mid century vs new build...... basically the things you don't see

Doors: mid century houses can have a 70's update that was done poorly and I had a mid century place where in the 70's they messed with every door frame - that was a pain

Electrics and plumbing- normal stuff for any house over 20/25 years old really

On the whole mid century to late 80's houses are pretty solid and offer bigger room sizes, new builds are more energy efficient but a bit tight here and there

Victorian or older are where things are really different as lime comes into play (pre cement) and no foundations and and and..... the list goes on

Just enjoy your new place :-)

It'll be fine but if not recently modernised I'd be looking out for possible asbestos - it was common for floor coverings to be made with asbestos pre-1980's, as did ceiling artex. Also polystyrene ceiling tiles - horrible drippy fire hazards, take them down immediately if you do have them.

We are about to move to a 1750s house in Belgium, and our UK house was built in 1835. 1950s is not old, and is probably a damn sight more solid than some of the new builds today.

Hank you for the reassurance and practical advice.

The house has been fairly recently done out so all new windows and doors, plastering done.

As previous posters has said, I think your house sounds pretty solid and not built that long ago, in house terms! And been recently redone, so will be great!

My house is nearly 300 years old, and still going strong! Had a little work recently but no big problems

I don't think you have much to worry about, regarding age, with a 1950s house

I've moved from a small 30s terrace to a 60s semi. Room sizes are fabulous, well built and lovely smooth plastered walls. It's a joy!

We have just bought a house that is 80 years old and the only slight problem we are now coming across in the fact that the outside walls are solid brick. So now we are getting the new kitchen in its abit more complicated to for wires and pipes etc. But all the fitters and plumbers we have had round have dealt with this many times before so they aren't bothered by it. The keep using words like "wrangle" that mean nothing to me but they seem to be happy enough. Perhaps a slight extra cost on time for fitters but they have all said it's a better built house that you'll ever get new now!! Hope that helps!!