How do you decide?

[Angelicabean]

We've recently decided to move. With 2 large teenagers and pets we have outgrown our small 3 bed. We have accepted an offer on it which will give us a good deposit to move on but we still can't decide on our priorities. basically our choice is a larger house where we currently live, on the edge of a not so nice town, or a 3 storey new build in a nice location. The first house seems much more spacious, the second is big enough but it doesn't seem it because it's split over 3 floors. It is a step down again in some ways - it's a semi, has no utility and doesn't have a garage which we've come to rely on for storage of bikes etc. It is walking distance from the high school, currently a 10 minute drive. The 3 floors is putting me off I think. Are we going to want that in another 10 years?

I too would want a utility and somewhere for storage so would discount the three storey place, unless you can create a utility and add a garage fairly straightforwardly.

In the current climate I would be wary of buying a new build as they tend to be overpriced and are a bit like new cars which lose value when you leave the forecourt. If you are thinking you might be looking to move in another ten years you could be in negative equity. Are there lots of new houses in the area or is it a small development?

Forgot to add that it seems as though neither house is quite what you are looking for - I'd keep looking.

I would try to find something more suitable in the nicer location. How old are your teens? Does the school have a sixth form or would they be going elsewhere if they go to college? Allowing them to be independent, to get to school, and to see their friends without needing chauffeuring around can make a big difference to you all.

In ten years time you'll be what, in your forties or fifties? Why would three floors be a problem? If it is, put the teens on the top floor.

Keep looking.

Where would those bikes go? What about noise from the washing machine?

Just because you've accepted an offer on yours, don't be pushed in to buying a house which isn't suitable for you.

I agree with accepting neither. As the holidays are over, more houses will come on the market with people hoping to move by the end of the year, due to school applications etc.

We kept an eye on the market, but didn't look until our buyer had done their surveys and searches. We were then in a strong position to get the right house.

Given you have accepted an offer on yours, I'd contact the local agents and tell them what you are looking for and where so that they can tell you about any new instructions they get after the holiday period.

School doesn't have a sixth form youngest is going into year 8. We don't want move again ideally. I'm reluctant to take on a huge mortgage given our age. I'm thinking we'll need to compromise space or location. Can't have both without potentially crippling ourselves financially.

You've lived in your current location for a while at least, and it seems the reason for the move is because you need more space. So house A makes more sense. If you need more room for 'stuff' then choosing a house with no garage or utility makes no sense.

In the 3-storey house, do you ha r back garden access that's not through the house? Shed for bikes etc is easy enough then.

I'd live without a utility but depends - do you have muddy dogs, for example etc?

3 storeys tho not necessarily my personal preference I think is good for families with teens - separate living spaces can often be good, and I assume as it's new it will have en suites etc so that's also useful as they get older. Walking distance from school is a big plus.

But if you'll never want to move again - this is intended as your last move- then you should think e en longer term about mobility, upkeep etc?

Keep looking. Surely new better options will come up.

The 3 bed town house doesn't sound like it gains you more space though? Why not extend your current house or do a part garage conversion on your current house instead? Then down size to your 'forever home' than can be smaller in a nicer area when the kids leave home in a few years.

I also don't like the idea of buying a large house in an area you're not keen on, as your forever home. Your kids will leave soon enough, but you will be stuck with the area and a too big house as you get older.