Would you buy a house in an unattractive village?

[Herewegoagain84]

We’re moving out of London and seen a beautiful period house - I love a bit of character. One of the issues that make us not want to offer is its location. It’s on the edge of a village (with gorgeous surrounding countryside), which is very mixed in terms of properties. There are a few older cottages, but a fair amount of quite ugly post-war social housing that is fairly run down. It’s not on the doorstep, but within the village. Would this put you off? Does it really matter what the village is like if the house is good? It’s a sticking point but I can’t work out how much value to put on it. Thanks!

Post war social housing is iconic too. A vibrant and rich part of our history. It was a time of hope and optimism and is reflected in the architecture

Depends what’s more important to you house or location?, could you afford this house if it was in a picture postcard village? Personally I would prefer to live in a prettier village and have a less dreamy house.

I definitely get that - though it hasn’t been kept well unfortunately and so isn’t particularly attractive.

@ZaraCarmichaelshighheels I think I’m probably the same, which is why I’m struggling with it. Very likely couldn’t afford the house in a perfect village. Just wondering if I’m crazy to let it go as not much on the market at the moment!

Depends on the popularity of the village as a whole and location. I lived in a village near a commuter town (close to London). Many of the properties were unattractive but lots were lovely. Regardless it was very desirable as close to countryside and great town. We sold our house less than a week after going on the market and I can see on RM houses still selling quickly.

Yes it would put me off. I walk a lot around our village and love seeing all the pretty buildings, gardens and conservation area. Being around lots of run down buildings just wouldn't have the same happy vibe.

In 1999 we moved to a village because of a particular property. We knew the area well and just never saw ourselves in that village but the house was too good to let go. I have to say, we made our best friends in that village and I became totally involved in running the village toddler group. We moved away 8 years later to a village that we thought was what we had always wanted, but you know what? We moved back to the unattractive village 7 years later. I missed our friends and, weirdly, the village.

Lots of interesting insights! We’ve asked to go and look again tomorrow so hopefully they’ll accommodate us. Will have a proper walk around on foot and try and get a better feel. Interesting what you say @PidgeInAPud as I would hope to find some good friends locally.

It’s the community within the village, not the appearance that would count more for me. They probably have a local fb page or something, that may give you an idea of the neighbourly vibe, or visit the local pub a few times.