Extending house - should we? Unadopted road

[labyrinthloafer]

For a long time we've had a house on an unadopted road. I wouldn't have bought on an unadopted road if choosing normally, but there were circumstances that meant other concerns outweighed the road issue.

For ages we've thought we could extend (is crying out for it really) but we always think - do we want to stay on this road.

How big a deal is it? If the road were adopted it'd be ideal, I've just always had a thing about them.

If we do the extension, we're saying we'll stay. Is that a good idea or bad idea?

The road is in a good area, is good quality/condition/modern, but I just have a thing about unadopted roads!

We need to decide one way or another, as we genuinely need more space now, and we just go round and round!

Wasn't aware there was a big deal about unadopted roads - is there? Pretty much the same as a private road surely?

I just have a thing about unadopted roads!

Could you be more specific? Has the road required significant maintenance? Is it likely to? Are there many houses on the road? Are you in a residents' association that has traditionally handled maintenance etc collectively?

Who maintains it? Are they reliable? How much does it cost you?

There are quite a few people who won't buy on them, because of the liability for maintenance.

Can you campaign to get it adopted ?(disclaimer, I know nothing about this)

@SrMichael

I just have a thing about unadopted roads!

Could you be more specific? Has the road required significant maintenance? Is it likely to? Are there many houses on the road? Are you in a residents' association that has traditionally handled maintenance etc collectively?

Never needed it, is not v old and is of high quality standard construction. Only 11 houses. No association. So far nothing has been needed. I think if anything were needed it'd be murky - although deeds do say each house is responsible collectively.

No current costs as it just exists! No grounds to speak of - just road.

@MrsWooster

Can you campaign to get it adopted ?(disclaimer, I know nothing about this)

This is possible but would be time. It appears of adoptable standard, to the laypersons eye, which is a start. But council cuts make them unkeen and super slow.

Unadopted isn't quite the same as private. It's a public road which is maintained privately - usually by the frontagers.
If the Council are willing to adopt it, the costs of bringing it up to the required standard are shared out amongst the frontagers.
If the road is in good nick and likely to stay so I wouldn't be put off from staying.

I'm sick of being so indecisive. I think lockdown has finally made us realise it's just too small (we're a bedroom short) as we've been home so much more than usual.

A better question would be if you extend will it be a good investment? What is the value per square meter where you are? I don't think unadopted roads put people off buying (we are on a shared private drive and it's very common where I live). If you are happy and settled there I would extend and not move as long as the investment was sound.

I will do that calculation. maybe I am projecting my prejudice onto unknown future buyers

I would prefer it to be fully private as then you get the control over access and parking (although neither have been a particular issue touch wood).

We’ve lived down unadopted roads. Loved it. Actively seeker them. No other bigger is going to use it is a rat run! There are many pluses. You can also buy insurance for anything that might crop up! The insurance is very cheap!

I think they can be a bit love or hate depending on the circumstances. I used to live on one (and it was a bit of a state after heavy rain or snow) but its location meant it would have been a dreadful rat run if it was adopted.

Local views were pretty split between wanting it adopted because of their cars and those not wanting it adopted because of car speed and rat run issues.

Opinions were very strong on both sides, although the pro adopters never got enough support to force an adoption through so I guess that was the majority view ultimately.

Mine is not private, just unadopted - so we can't stop other people using it.

Interesting there is less negativity towards it than I feel myself.

Obviously too late for you but I wouldn’t consider buying a house on either an unadopted or poorly managed private road. My concern would be that you say the road is in good condition now but what about in 10 years or 20 years if it’s still unadopted and needs repairs. Who will pay for that as getting 11 households to agree can be tricky. I live in a private road that is very well managed and we spent £70k between us a few years ago resurfacing the roads and pavements, it can be very costly.

If you love the house otherwise a d would be a good investment to extend then do it

Unadopted Road would not put me off; I would just take out an insurance policy against any repairs/liability - not expensive in the grand scheme of things when you are considering the cost of a move or extension anyway

@TattiePants yes exactly this is our one doubt, if we sell now it'll be ok (a couple have sold quickly in the last two years) but if we stay another 15 years and it looks crap will we be trapped?

We've gone round and round and round...

Ordinarily I would not have considered an unadopted road but there were reaso s and they remain good ones. Is just whether to stay or bail out!