Buying in County Durham

[jwalrus]

Hello,

Me and my partner currently rent in Gateshead but are looking to buy in County Durham, I work in Gateshead but she works in Middlesborough and we want to move somewhere that is a shorter commute for her.

We are originally from the South of England but moved up a few months ago for work.

Also, we want to live somewhere a bit more rural, with good access to shops, pubs, restaurants, train line etc. And a safe, friendly area too.

Have considered Chester Le Street and surrounding villages but don't know which areas are nice as have heard mixed things.

Durham city is really lovely but very pricey. We wouldn't want to pay anymore than £200k for a 3 bed, and that's top end of budget really.

We are both willing to commute 30/45 mins.

ALSO, as we are planning to live in the property for a couple of years and then ideally rent it out.

So would really appreciate knowing the areas where the rental yield is good, and the house prices reasonable.

AlSO, what are the good primary and secondary schools in C.Durham? As this would be good to know when putting an offer in for a house. We are first time buyers btw so will be looking to move once the hysteria of no stamp duty has settled.

Thanks :-) all advice suggestions appreciated.

I have family in Peterlee and absolutely would not reccomend. Awful place with some nice areas. I'd prefer to live in a nice place with a few awful areas. I actually went to the Academy at Shotton Hall many moons ago. Great school but there are equally good other ones in the area.

I agree @Iheartsheep. DH grew up there and would never go back.

Peterlee over my dead cold body! It's awful! The Asda is big with a good range but bloody hell Peterlee is not a proactive choice. I know people who are in the police in that area and they don't even go out for their lunch unless it's essential and they might starve! The surrounding villages and Numbered Streets are enough to say NO!

[quote Comps83]@verawangalang
We worked towards the completion date they set
We sold everything we weren’t taking including the sofa
Afternoon before we were meant to move our sols said tw had raised queries and we wouldn’t be completing the next day
They dragged it in for over a month before saying they wouldnt accept our house for part exchange.
Wouldn’t give them a penny now[/quote]
Doesn't surprise me!

Peterlee?
Omg no!

@verawangalang

Peterlee over my dead cold body! It's awful! The Asda is big with a good range but bloody hell Peterlee is not a proactive choice. I know people who are in the police in that area and they don't even go out for their lunch unless it's essential and they might starve! The surrounding villages and Numbered Streets are enough to say NO!

To be fair, my "I wouldn't completely discount Peterlee... no harm looking..." wasn't exactly a hearty recommendation. And the numbered streets are Horden, aren't they? Not the Shotton Hall end I was suggesting.

And who wouldn't want to live somewhere that celebrates Christmas like this www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/3945832.countrys-worst-christmas-tree-replaced/

A19 corridor is good for your commute. Have a look at Sunderland suburbs. Penshaw, Offerton, Tunstall or Herrington could be good options.

@Scrunchcake yes you don't mention Horden or the Numbered streets but recommending Peterlee does mean exposing residents to the surrounding villages. Don't get me wrong, these were solid hard working areas decimated by the closure of the pits so drug dealers and pay day lenders moved in. They don't trust the police even now and choose to settle arguments through arson.

If you consider sedgefield then be aware that the council tax is very high
Terrace house I've had my eye on is band F! Ouch

Very ouch My 3 bed semi in Durham City is band C.

OP I live in Sedgefield and work in Middlesbrough, the commute is fine that way as long as you leave early, but whenever I have to go north the A1m is a pain! Winterton is about a mile to walk to the secondary school which is outstanding, my kids have enjoyed their time there. The youths congregating aren't a major issue and not usually the locals.

Haha I can't say I was considering Peterlee in all honesty. And I do think Sunderland may still be a bit far. I'm thinking East/SouthEast of Durham, South of Durham/North of Darlington/Seaham

I have seen the new build development in Sedgefield. I'm wary to of new builds, as the you pay a premium, they don't nessecaryily hold their value and that site is also accomodating for social housing ... Which then devalues the house I guess. As lovely as a new build sounds, not sure it's a good investment ...? Also, sounds like a couple of people have been burnt here ...!

I wouldn't go for the new builds. Lovely estates but there have been some issues. Theres a 5 bed that needs modernising just come on the market for around £200k today. Nice area and will be worth a fortune when it's done up. I commute to Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough from Sedgefield and I don't find any of the journeys problematic even pre Covid

@RitaEllen I grew up in Wolsi. It's a nice place, very pretty with lots of lovely walks but there's very little for teenagers to do and the bus service is woeful. Feel free to PM me if there's anything specific you want to know.