Which house would you go for?

[Ladyof]

I'm struggling between 2 houses, any thoughts?

House A - 3 bed detached on a small cul de sac with 7 other houses, no downstairs loo or utility but 30k cheaper than B so could probably extend in future. 5 mins from where we are now, an area we like. Lots of room on drive for about 3 to 4 cars. Could convert loft if needed.

House B - 4 bed detached, downstairs loo, but no utility, 30k dearer than A. 10 mins walk from A but probably more sought after estate, albeit a much bigger estate than A. Nearer the top of our budget.

We ideally wanted a 4 bed to have an office but it isn't a necessity as I just work from dining room now.

What are your thoughts? I have 2 teens. Both houses have a conservatory.

B

It sounds as though it's swings and roundabouts in terms of the technical merits of the two properties.

Which one do you prefer in terms of layout, style, room size etc?

B

I'd go for 4th bedroom and downstairs loo. To get those here in London would be at least another £100k if not £200. Hence we've never been able to afford it!

B

I'd go for the bigger house. Adding the extra space to the smaller house will cost more.

A. You won't need all that space inside soon(ish) but extra room on drive would be useful.

B

B. No brainer. It already has all the required extras that £30k wouldn't buy, and is in a desirable location.

I wouldn't consider a house with 1 toilet so it would be House B for me (I'm assuming A doesn't have a second toilet from what you've described). Plus I wouldn't want that level of work.

B

Based on the limited information you have provided, location always wins. Everything else can be changed.

I’m surprised about the ‘rattling around in a big house’ comments. A three bed with two teens sounds tight to me. No spare space for a study or guests. We have three kids who’ll be teenagers at the same time - I fully expect at least one to be living with us at any time into their early 20s (i.e. going to a commutable uni, needing to save on rent during an internship, saving while unable to get on the property ladder, relationship breakdown, etc.) £30k seems like a good investment against future possibilities!