How did you know it was the house to buy?

[needmorecoffeeandcake]

We are looking to move and it’ll be a big jump in house value (and mortgage!). I feel worried about the cost even though it’s within our affordability just because it’s a big monthly increase. We have found a house and I am worried about it being the wrong choice. Help!

I had 'the feeling' with our old, empty but recently renovated house. Walked in and knew straight away. Agree you've got to trust your instincts. I think a NE facing garden is a big no no for most

Our house was empty, leaks down the walls and in a really poor state. We still knew, yes.

when we were looking last year there was one we liked a lot it set the standard but the seller messed us around, and then this house came back on the market after the potential buyer couldn't get a mortgage sorted, it is one street from where we were renting so we know what the area is like to live in in, its a nice street and decent semi detatched houses and has the garage we wanted for our motorbike and because it needs some work the price weas right, empty so no chain and we were cash buyers, came round to look and that was it we both liked it other houses there was always something that we didnt like

Mine ticked none of my boxes, it was totally outside our original search criteria but I just love it. I think it was watching the children exploring the garden that made it home.

I viewed this place to shut the estate agent up. I did not like it much from the outside. But when I went in, even just into the hallway it felt cosy, homely, light and had a lovely feel to it. I went round and loved every single room and the south/west facing garden, the large garage and large driveway. On a wide road with all houses around well looked after it suited me down to the ground. I was used to detached but this was a semi...and I am very happy here.

Important to me is the approach [is it pleasant to drive up to, no signs of problem neighbours] and if it has a decent outlook from the front/back windows, parking ok and private enough garden. Amenities nearby, good transport links?

When making such a big decision I think you must be very honest with yourself and try not to push away any doubts or worries about anything you have seen. If something is bothering you don't go ahead, don't pretend if you feel jittery. When you see a house which suits there will be no doubts, you will counting the days and be dying to put your key in the door and move in.

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My current rental has a north west facing garden. On the side of the house there are also a number of big trees (not in the garden, but in the green space next to it).

Haven’t had a slither of sun in the back garden since the start of November. It’s really, really depressing as it makes the whole house so dark.

The garden aspect does worry me! But surely light gets in through windows at the front?

We definitely didn't want to hug the walls of ours, first time buyers and it was nothing like we were looking for but practicality took over and we love it now even though it needed a tonne of work.

It was probate and been empty for 6 months, I struggled to see past the dated decor having seen beautiful places in 'my' style.

Mine was just exactly what we needed, with a few bonus points that no other house we looked at had. I actually saw it on Rightmove, showed DH and did a massive sigh as it was out of our budget. Four weeks later our house had sold and we were just about to put and offer on a house we didn’t love, when this house dropped in price to just within our price range. I knew I would buy it from the photos before I viewed.

It had a special feeling. Sounds ridiculous I know!
We made offers on 2 other properties that ticked the boxes/ I convinced myself would work practically but I had niggling doubts with both. We got the keys 10 days ago to our new home - it is a house we first viewed 18 months ago and it made my heart sing, despite being impractical in so many ways.

Can't say I loved this house but we certainly liked it and thought it was sensible. It ticked all the boxes and wasn't overpriced. Didn't need the amount of work as some others.

Loved another house we saw, had that feeling as soon as we walked in. But they chose not to sell in the end so I think that probably didn't help as I kept comparing the others to it.

I don't particularly love our house now either (I do like it!) but I do think it was the right choice.

My last place I loved the minute I walked in the door.

I was desperately sad when I had to sell it & if I relocate back there would happily repurchase it or one of the neighbouring properties.

My current place is in a much more expensive city. I couldn't afford the place I loved (shouldn't really have viewed it) so what is now my home is a real compromise of space vs location.

The day I got the keys I cried. It looked awful empty. But I got the whole place decorated before I moved in and it looked much better.

People who visit are more envious than I think is justified. I might like it more once the new bathroom is in.

Ours was empty, a wreck of a place. I came to see it largely to rule it out, busy road, poor parking but it had all the space we needed and was a relative bargain.

I walked in and was basically captivated by it, I wanted to restore it and love it. It is interesting, unique in its proportions for the area, and just right in terms of space and scope to grow into it as our kids get older.

DH didn't see it as he was working overseas, but I got family to verify my gut feeling and we bought it after one viewing!

The light through the front of the house is limited too at this time of year. Because the sun is so low in the sky it gets about an hour then it’s gone.

It really depends on the house though imo. If it’s a large plot with out any buildings casting big shadows then it’s not so much of an issue.

In answer to your original question, the house I’m waiting to complete on - I didn’t get the warm and fuzzies in the house. I liked it and could see us living there happily. Had some survey issues come up and I was considering pulling out. Sat outside the property and looked at it for a bit, and realised then it was the house I really wanted to be my home.

I liked the look of ours on Rightmove. When we parked up in the village car park I loved the fact that there was a village shop and post office, two pubs, fish and chip shop and bus stops!!! When we walked up to the house just to see the outside, before arranging a viewing, my husband immediately said - oh no, it's on the road. I stuck to my guns and said I still wanted to view it. On the day, my husband couldn't read me at all - after the viewing he said that I was so quiet, and presumably I didn't like it? I said I loved it, and we put in an offer half an hour later. Because so many of our retired friends have moved/downshifted and been so unhappy (particularly the women) my husband agreed in the end that the house would be my call. It's perfect for us - 20 years old, small private garden, and (we thought at the time) everything done!!! i.e. new bathrooms and kitchen!!! In fact it's actually a bit rough round the edges - have had to have a plumber in to fix a loo and fit a new tap. My husband has hung a door on the en-suite, which we didn't realise didn't have one. A few sticking doors as well. But such minor things. It will be our last move, and one of the reasons was to downshift - we previously had a huge garden and orchard which was getting a pain to look after, and it was a period house that always needed something doing to it. Most importantly too, our daughter asked us to move nearer, and I can now see my beautiful grandson often. It was cheaper than our previous house, and I plan to give the surplus funds to our daughter to help her with her next move when they expand their family. I love our light, modern and spacious house. I agree with others, it's totally a gut feeling - they will take me out in my box from here!!!!!

I didn't have quite the same emotional moment others are talking about. I'd looked at lots of houses and knew what was reasonable in the area we were looking at and our budget. It was more of a practical decision. I knew very quickly though and didn't have doubts (I didn't want to hug the walls though!). Been here 10 years now and we love it.

We are going ahead with it. I’ve gone through sold records for the past year and there isn’t much else that would have been love IYSWIM!

I just knew when we parked outside.
Much the same as when I first met DH 😂

Our garden is north east facing, have lived here for 10 years and never had an issue with it at all. Only checked when I read this thread.
We are in the process of putting the house on the market now, nothing to do with the way the garden faces I might add, I hope it doesn’t put people off having read this thread.
Can see if the garden was very small it could be an issue for some but ours is a fair size and we’re not overlooked.

I stood in the garden and felt at peace. The building is not what we want and we will increase the square metres by 110% but the garden gave me peace.

@Luckyleprechaun80 we are buying this house despite the NE garden. It’s long so should still get some sun. Good luck with your sale