Which property?! Head vs. Heart

[headvsheart]

DP and I have one DS and I'm currently pg. We have totally outgrown our one bed flat which we're putting on the market next week.

The problem is there are two properties that we really like. One makes sense for us as a family (3 bed house with enclosed garden), is cheaper but the location isn't as good. The other is a fantastic 2 bed flat with loads of light in a great area (especially for schools and a 20 min walk to DPs work) but it is £20k more expensive (had to go in way above AP) and has v high maintenance fees.

I know it makes so much sense to go for the house but my heart says the flat, despite all the drawbacks.

I'll link them both below and any opinions would be gratefully received.

The house: www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-80801591.html

The flat: www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-60866394.html

Well on purely aesthetics it would be the house for me, it's much nicer. Plus more privacy and no fees.

I would go with the house. Makes more sense with kids.

House it's much nicer x

Would always take a house over a flat. Having a third bedroom would also sway it for me.

Plus two bed op, means your kids have to share. If you can avoid it easily then do so. Hence once again the house wins.

Having any kind of garden is great for children. Also can you see yourself living on farquar road 😂

I love living on one floor with my kids. I'd also choose location and light. What does your DH think?

Are you prepared to move again 10 years down the line if you need an extra bedroom for pre-teen/teenager?

Do you know if you are having a boy? My kids (boy and girl) shared a room successfully for about 5 years.

I was expecting the flat to be nicer. Definitely the house. The kids get their own room.

With two small kids, getting out and about is important. Depends on your budget, but I understand why you're keen on the flat

Even though I think the flat is stunning internally and almost looks bigger. I would say the house. aDon't forget with the flat you will have service and ground rent and its leasehold

I would go for the house. I'm not sure there's much in it for location, we used to live near there. For me with a young family the third bedroom, separate kitchen and secure garden would be essentials. The flat is stunning though!

Wow thank you for all the replies so far!

Pretty sure it's a boy @Notonthestairs but not 100% yet. The study room can be enlarged (apparently upstairs have done this and it's all stud walling) to make a 3rd bedroom. I'm self employed and WFH so would be my office short term but when the DC get older I think I want to have an employer so could change it.

Love love love love love the flat.

But with two kids, I’d take the house.

Oh if you can make a third bedroom - the flat. The spaces are so workable.

@Justtickingboxes DP is the same as me. Loves the flat, location is great for him as it's a 20 min walk to work (almost unheard of in London!), it's closer to family who live just up the road and to Crystal Palace where we live atm. But accepts that the house is much more practical and seems like the 'right' decision.

is the area the flat is in a lot nicer/better/better schools than the house - because that is the only thing that might swing me to the flat.

Both properties are really nice. But having your own garden not shared with anyone will be so nice when your child is a bit older. If you have another child, then long-term a two bedroom might not suit but a 3 bedroom would.

Also if you have direct access to the garden in the flat does that mean that other people in the block could be sunbathing/playing with their kids/having a get together right outside your flat?

And yes you're right @Justtickingboxes it would be easier to get in to town/more travel choices from the flat and it is more convenient for shops etc.

@Racheyg the fees are pretty much £150/month for the flat.. very very expensive!! It has a garage that we could rent out though as we don't have a car.

House. The private garden clinches it, no worrying about the children. And there's a park nearby when you need to escape.

The house is also much bigger.

You've listed loads of benefits for the flat so I would go for that x

@pallisers the flat location is much better. Close to 3 great stations and on great bus routes. The house is still okay though. The flat is in catchment for all the best/outstanding schools in the area, the house less so. That's really swinging it for me. Both are near lovely green areas and woods etc and Crystal Palace Park. And yep, anyone could be in the garden at anytime and I couldn't just let DC roam out there without supervision for a good while (10 years maybe?) and DS is of the adventurous type! So the private house garden is really appealing.

His old is your son? Different bed times can be a complete ballache.

@headvsheart wow that is a lot plus your mortgage, unless you can make it up for the rental of the garage.

I have two boys and they share and will continue sharing till they are early teenagers. Are you considering another move in 5-10 years time? As maybe the flat is good now but if it's "forever home" then maybe not.