1970s maisonette - your experiences

[justaftb]

Hi all,

Anyone bought a 1970s maisonette? I've seen one that I like that needs a little, mostly cosmetic, renovations. It has been done up since the 70s - so modern plumbing, wiring etc.

I quite like the look and layout of these types of 70s builds - sensible size rooms, efficient use of space but the kerbside appeal isn't strong.

Any regrets from anyone who bought this type of property?

I live in a Victorian terrace and would give my right arm for a 1970s house. I’m not sure that’s helpful

We lived in two - same design - as renters. Great spaces but terrible damp problems in both. I know a little more about ventilation than I used to but we had the windows open as much as was possible (downstairs flat) and the mould just grew up the outside walls.

Damp doesn't seem to be an issue in the property I viewed. Has been empty for a few months and there was no musty or dank smell at all. And I don't think the estate agent had been around to air it as there was a build up of post inside the door as we went in.

First home was a 1970s flat, not maisonette. Similar to you - not great to look at but the rooms were huge! That did mean the heating cost a bit more though.

If I could have transplanted that flat into a nicer environment I'd still be there today. It was pretty grotty outside. And the neighbours were pigs, but that's not everyone!

My boyfriend lives in one. Cheap to heat, good storage, no wasted space. Yes they are not pretty but they are very practical

I live in a 1970s house and it's the best house we've had. Big rooms, good layout, cheap to heat, roof is still good condition, decent garden, not overlooked, it seems really sensibly designed. We've always said our next house would be 1970s too.

Also forgot to add, yes I agree with good storage, we've got a few good sized cupboards. We haven't had any damp problems.

Thanks, everyone. Reassuring. My boyfriend (who won't be living with me, buying this solo) thinks it is terrible!

Decorating - thinking a modern, minimalist Scandi vibe?

We live in an ugly 60s house and have done for a few years now. I do groan slightly whenever I think about what it looks like from the outside but, certainly in recent years, my heart always lifts on seeing it as it is home. More importantly (and the reason we bought it) is that it is much bigger than prettier houses we looked at and I spend thousands of hours inside my house and only moments outside it.
The saying is true. It is all about location. For my first home, I bought a Victorian rather than 70s mainsonette as the Victorian one was on a side street whereas the bigger 70s one was on a main road so much noisier and parking would have a nightmare.

Scandi vibe, Yes! That's what we have. White walls, low furniture, light wood, green plants, a few bright coloured accessories, I love our house!

Very late to this conversation but interested if you ended up buying the maisonette as we bought a 1970s maisonette in September 2020. We were lucky as it was renovated but the concrete walls and some floors means that inconsiderate people diagonally above us who let their kids run riot means we hear every crash and bang in every room! Not good!

Hi. I ended up buying the property - it was actually older than I thought, built in 1959. I absolutely love it. The space is amazing, no issues ever with damp. It is very, very light. Easy to keep warm.

The set up is that the block looks like a row of terraced 3-storey townhouses, with 1-bed flats on the ground floor and 2-bed split live flat above with attic access. I have a 2-storey flat so there is a 1-bedroom flat below me. That has been vacant since I moved in, so have no idea how the noise would carry if someone was there. Either side of me are both 2-storey flats and I do hear some noise from them, but nothing terrible. However, if really noisy people moved in, I imagine it could be bad. I wasn't able to do a full refurb when I bought it and will have to wait a couple of years, but my priority will be to add some soundproofing on the party walls as I am very sensitive to noise and that would make me feel better.

It just seems to be a lottery really with any kind of flat/block/terraced/semi-detached property depending on who the neighbours are. When I first moved in, a woman lived next door with her 2 pre-teens and they made a normal amount of noise but ALWAYS were in bed/quiet after 10. When they moved out, I was nervous to see who moved in. It was another woman with 2 children, much younger, but again, they keep very normal hours. It's always going to be at the back of my mind that that could change...

Hi, glad it’s all going well. I think I may invest in sound ‘proofing’ as well. I think it takes up about six inches from the wall. Good luck!