Another property layout one

[Somanyquestions1984]

Hi
I’m currently deciding between buying a detached new build (Redrow) or an 1860 Double fronted but semi-detached property.

One of the considerations is what could be done with current layout of older property. New build which is on the edge of a village has a layout that works well, except we would convert the garage to office but won’t want to do much else as worried resale value.

Older property is in the centre of a thriving city and I’m sure has more scope to improve though ceiling price of the road is not clear (several large houses divided into flats and hmos for students and not much left in terms of single family unit dwellings). We were thinking perhaps combining current en suites to one large bathroom and extending into the lid to create master en-suite. On the ground floor the kitchen would be moved and extended. This work would be done over the next 5-10 years.

TIA for any suggestions.

Personally I wouldn’t live in an area full of HMOs…

Thanks, forgot to attach pic @

Why do you need the family bathroom? It appears you have a bath and each room has access to a bathroom with a loo downstairs for guests.

Are they in decent condition? Doesn't feel like an investment you'd see back

Well bath only accessible from what looks like the master bedroom. Would want a bath that can be accessed without going through master bedroom iyswim

the current layout doesn't look too bad. I might move the kitchen to the room at the back and have a study at the front. the bathrooms could be re-arranged as you suggest if that is badly needed according to your configuration of kids. but it is not essential.

If you haven't done a major renovation before, I'd advise caution. We've just been through one and it's hugely stressful, disruptive and expensive. Spreading it over 5-10 years means you won't really have the house you want for 5-10 years, and you'll be living in a dated house and building site for that long.

I personally much prefer detached, especially in an area with a lot of HMOs.

Have you visited both? Did you get a better feeling about one? Edge of a village vs city centre are very different lifestyles - what sort of lifestyle would you prefer?

Which model of Redraw newbuild is it? I would check the rules of the estate to check you would be allowed to convert it to a study. Also, I know you probably have, but do check the dimensions carefully as they have professionals to do up the show homes so the space looks larger than it actually has. I'd prefer detached overall, but I would want to check those things carefully.

Doesn't look like a lot of wall space to put a bed in main bedroom.