Opinions on this house...

[needmorespaceforthegiants]

Please could I have honest opinions on this property - I can't see the wood for the trees.

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-65218728.html

We thought we wanted a period property but there's nothing around our area that doesn't need a ton of work or is £100k over budget.

We desperately need more space and this is such an amazing price and has the room that we need. Dh and dcs like it.

But...I'm not 100% sure, so obviously the opinion of a load of strangers on the internet is going to help with a life-changing decision.

** https://www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/52806815?search_identifier=379263e3df9f3bf993e5f33d5a3c5a488*

Is this the wrong area?

Totally inoffensive, but maybe a bit soulless. I personally am not a fan of developments and having people close to me but maybe I am a bit anti social. Have you sold your own house yet?? If not I am a big believer in what is for you won’t pass you and I would keep looking and see what happens

I thought this move would be long term, but am realising that we need the space NOW (hence the name change...we've completely outgrown our current house) and the wait for the 'perfect' house, if such a thing exists, might be a long one. So, maybe this is a 'stepping stone' move.

Morningdread sadly yes - it's a horrible road right near main traffic lights and student accommodation. (Hence the price!)

I like it, looks to have a nice outlook, not over looked, good floor plan, trees in the garden and plenty of light.

Personally I hate the kitchen so much that I’d have to make ripping it out a priority- not only is it so not my style (brown worktops!!) but it’s essentially a small galley strangely shoved in the corner of a big room. That level of work would defeat the point of a new build for me.

The holy grail of houses, the so called forever dream home is unattainable for all but a few. Go for the right house at the right time. You need a practical house that delivers on location, size and layout at a price you can afford.

I like the house OP, much more than the others linked to. It flows well and the garden has brick walls on two sides. OK not romantic walls but it's a nice space with light and not overlooked.

You can soon redecorate, furnish and change a few things to your own taste.

There's only new builds for sale which is annoying. In terms of price what do they tend to go for? Has there been much change over the last few yrs?
It's not good to move often due to stamp duty & the housing market in London is on a bit of a down turn which often filters out later. Maybe make an offer?

I really like it.
It is unusual but really works for me.

I absolutely agree with everything that has been said - which is validating but no less confusing!

Yes, it is light, spacious and family friendly, a great price with a garden that isn't overlooked.

Yes, it's on a development, is very beige and the kitchen is hideous.

Yes, it is a house that would work really well for us now, but is a bit soulless and I can't picture it as a long term home, but I could see us in it for a few years, maybe until the dcs have grown up.

...and yes I am the world's most indecisive human.

I think it looks great - a really nice, light space, and the outside is lovely. I don't like the decor but that doesn't really matter when you're buying. Just think of positives of buying a new build - fewer draughty windows!

We have sold ours STC, don't know if that's clouding my judgement as well. If we hadn't I'd probably be hanging on for something a bit more 'me'.
Dh is trying not to put pressure on but I know he wants to go for it.

The grass area outside that doesn't belong to the house, is it used for walking dogs or do children play there or do teens hang out there?

I'd visit a few times day and evening to see if its use would bother me.

If you’ve sold wait, it really sounds as if your heart isn’t in it

I'm with BlankTimes regarding the " green". Got the t shirt on that one.

You could do a lot with that house, OP. It's a blank canvass and it's a good price. If you don't snap it up quickly, someone else will.

It's nice but it is soulless and wouldn't be for me. I can't see anywhere to add value. And for a 4 bed detached the garden is tiny. However, I don't know the area - so only you know if it is a price worth paying.

Can I ask you OP how much it cost you to have coving put in? Did you get it done in your time in your house? I'm getting my living room done and have been considering coving as it just looks so much better.

The house is really nice. It seems a bit lacking in character but you'd be able to have it less cluttered and put all your picture up and accessorise to make it feel more like a home 🙂

I really like it. Looks like there is plenty of room. Does it have much storage space? We hardly have any, worth considering!

I love it!
You could very easily change the layout of the downstairs to look more homely.
The way the furniture is arranged at the moment doesn't do it much justice tbh....doesn't look cosy at all in the other living room.
I love the family room kitchen layout and those doors to the outside are great.
If it works on a practical level then rearranging to furniture layout can be done over time after living in it for a while.

On a development can be absolutely lovely for kids. You can actually play out (assuming there are other nice little children around), be in and out of each others houses, building dens, playing rounders... I grew up like that, I always want that for my children - is it that kind of place op?

I think the house itself has good bones, and that's what you're looking for in a house really. The decor I don't like, and agree there are too many bits of furniture, but it's big and bright and looks warm and clean.

With 'not period' houses, whether they are new build or not, you want to create beautiful features with colour, textures and textiles rather than trying to shoehorn in period feel things - I don't know if this would be to your taste, but have a look at what these people did. The point is that it's a blank slate, and if it's a bargain for you, I'd be really tempted to spend some money on an interior designer, one whose style really speaks to you.

www.housebeautiful.com/uk/renovate/homes-makeovers/a3171/newcastle-first-time-buyers-new-build-house/

It’s a solid family house. If you don’t buy this one, what would your other options be? Seems like period houses are too expensive and anything on budget will be far out/on a busy road/next to students etc so undesirable.

I’m also surprised you don’t prefer the other house that’s ‘too far out’. Isn’t it literally 100-200m further out? Seems like a lot more house + a white kitchen.

I really like it. It seems bright and spacious and clean. I don't even hate the kitchen. Our house is currently on the market for more than this and is a tiny 2 bed terrace which is a period property but very dark and cold. This looks so light and big and I can't believe how much house you get for the money in this area.

I actually like it, which is surprising (to me) as I don't tend to like new builds.

I think you could quite happily consider it an interim home. The children would have estate children to play with.

We bought a big period house when the children were young. I don't think it was the right move when they were so young, there was nowhere for them to play it other than the (admittedly huge) garden.