Tell me ive done the right thing.

[malificent7]

Just bought a bargain 4 bedroom semi...a bit smaller than id like...not my dream house but we are first time buyers on a budget and i did love it when i looked around.
We will off most of it with a huge deposit leaving us with a very small monthly payment.
I would like to go bigger eventually and it is lovely, a bit dated wallpaper but we will redecorate.
Dd rekons we should have gone bigger and paid more each month but i am a student with no job although dp has a stable job. I will hopefully get a job as have interviews.
I have been right to go for a safe bet/ cheap mortgage for now whilst unemployed with a view to upsizing later on? We are desperate to get out of our tiny rental.

Surely she's got SOME friends who live in 2-3bed terraces /even smaller flats? Can't choose friends just by their lifestyle...

I think you've made exactly the right decision. More space yet still affordable. You can always move again once you've finished your degree and have a job.

Dd rekons we should have gone bigger and paid more each month but i am a student with no job although dp has a stable job

I automatically assumed 'dd' was a typo (for 'dp') until I read your other posts... like pp's I'd be telling her that a higher mortgage = missing out on other luxuries... and most importantly it's your house, your money, your decision!

You have done the right thing in buying a house rather than staying in renting accommodation. I know some older houses can be structurally sound but the décor can leave a lot to be desired.
What I would do in your case is live in the house a while and save a bit of money. Then make a list of what needs to be done and decide what's 1,2 ect job. Do a job at a time, save a bit and then do the next job. If you have wallpaper on the walls I'd hire an industrial steamer and buy scrapers to help remove wallpaper. Tell the person in the hire place what you looking to do with it so they give you the best one. It helps a lot with older wallpaper as some of them can be very thick.
Tell your daughter what your planning to do, get her to look up things for and explain that you have X amount to a job. It may help her realise the value of money and the cost of the things she takes for granted.

It sounds bloody huge to me.

I'm not quite sure that your DD really is becoming aware of social inequality if she thinks this is bad.

It sounds like your daughter needs a massive reality check. You have a 4 bedroom house with a study, garden, and a driveway that fits three cars. If her upbringing is that privileged and narrow that she sees this as anything other than more than fine to live in- depending on her age I would start trying to educate her on what modest actually is- and I'm sorry- yourself as well. What you're describing is not modest to a large percentage of people. Modest is families of 2+ kids in 2 bedroom flats. You both have a bloody skewed view of 'modest'

You've done great. You've bagged a bargain. First home a 4 bed semi. On one income. To have saved to have a large deposit and smaller payments is canny. So stop worrying, enjoy your new house and bide your time.

@SD1978

It sounds like your daughter needs a massive reality check. You have a 4 bedroom house with a study, garden, and a driveway that fits three cars. If her upbringing is that privileged and narrow that she sees this as anything other than more than fine to live in- depending on her age I would start trying to educate her on what modest actually is- and I'm sorry- yourself as well. What you're describing is not modest to a large percentage of people. Modest is families of 2+ kids in 2 bedroom flats. You both have a bloody skewed view of 'modest'

Quite!

Its modest in that the rooms are small but i do agree she needs a realiy check. For context she is not priveledged...single mum till i met dp and rental is tiny...2 bed up...living room, kitchen down...she just wants to be like her mates but is embarassed to bring them round to the rental.
I do know what you all mean though...shes being a madam about it!
Ive seen people on mn property thread descrobe houses bigger than the semi as tiny.

Also for context...4th bed is converted garage and will be study but we may extend! Im happy witj the choice and i'm sure her royal highness will be satisfied.

So only 3 beds in use...but we may extend...i love it as nd cant wait to move.

Ive seen people on mn property thread descrobe houses bigger than the semi as tiny.
I've seen people on MN property threads who couldn't possibly contemplate anything not detached, or without a downstairs toilet, or without a south facing garden, or any number of other things... I suppose all I can say is that everything's relative. I couldn't begin to afford any of those things and I'm sure many on here would find the kids of properties I can afford too ghastly to contemplate, but I like them, and can make them work on my budget, and enjoy living in them. It sounds like you love the property, which is the main thing. I hope you have a great time living there!

Do you think maybe your daughter is old enough to start to sit down and really explain the realities of household finances? She might find it illuminating!

I'm surprised you had to ask the question at all, and even more surprised you mentioned your DD's opinion.

You're not earning yet, so you sound as if your expectations are rather unrealistic as well.

I mentioned dds opinion as she was very upset when it wasnt her' dream' house . She's a bugger...i know.

@malificent7

I mentioned dds opinion as she was very upset when it wasnt her' dream' house . She's a bugger...i know.

Bless. This is just a variation on "everybody else has designer clothes / the latest phone / is allowed to stay out until midnight". Some things never change.

Great 👍 very sensible. Enjoy your new home.

She's a bugger...i know.

Some fresh paint in her room and she'll probably be delighted..