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Original poster

Buying an ugly house in a lovely location

123 replies

CordeliaBrideshead · 14/04/2022 18:09

I'm getting divorced and need to buy a new home. Desperate for a fresh start. Have a son living with me (17) and my daughter isn't (16) but if I live in sane town may see more of her

I've got about a 450k deposit and can get a mortgage if about 200k but only due 15 yrs due to my age. I'm in rented.

I live in the SW and this house is in Stroud.

My dream is a Victorian semi but I can't afford/find one. Lost a gorgeous one recently in a road I love.

Saw another today advertised for 425k. It's 3 bedrooms and needs a complete overall. Plus a two story extension to add a 4th bedroom/2nd bathroom. Has the ugliest kitchen, a utility room under a lean too etc Prob Art Deco though all the original
Windows have been replaced with UPVC.

It's on the road I love with views to die for and is detached. It also has a home office in quite a big garden and a large art studio I could make a teenage Den/Airbnb accommodation. Garden has some gorgeous mature trees.

Estate agent wants offers by Tuesday. I'm undecided. Such a lot of work but I could add value.

Any ideas about what I need to think about re cost of extension.

Any advice?

Buying an ugly house in a lovely location
OP posts:
bunfighters · 14/04/2022 18:26

I actually don't think that is an ugly house at all (and I bought an ugly one in a fantastic location.... but it isn't ugly anymore!).. but that sounds like a lot of work and extensions cost a fortune at the moment (and don't look like costs are going down). Is it liveable in as is for a while? Always best to live in it (even with a coat of white paint and new cheap carpets if necessary) and then start making plans after 6 months. I actually think it is a great house if the location is perfect.

Asdf12345 · 14/04/2022 18:28

We bought a house we really didn’t like in a location we absolutely loved. No regrets, though it would potentially have meant waiting years for something better in the location.

It helped that it was half what we were expecting to pay.

episcomama · 14/04/2022 18:30

We went with location over house and never regretted it, so on that point I wouldn't hesitate. That said - do you really need an extension? There are only two of you living there and you already have three bedrooms. I wouldn't extend in those circumstances.

minniep · 14/04/2022 18:37

I went with location over house with our current home and it was the best decision we ever made. I went with the house rather than location on our first home and it was the worst financial mistake ever made by us. I'm also wondering why you need an extension. Could you spend the money on redecorating instead.

EducatingArti · 14/04/2022 18:39

I know Stroud well and think there are quite a few places that would be on your budget. Looking on line, this one seems not to be in such a bad state. Think though about whether you want all the emotional stress of doing extra work/building an extension etc

GizmosEveningBath · 14/04/2022 18:40

It's really not all that ugly. Mine is a 1950s ex council box. I have no regrets though, I barely look at the outside of the house but I love where I live.

TheHomeEdit · 14/04/2022 18:41

Definitely location. I’ve just found that one on Rightmove and unless the photos are hiding lots of awful stuff it looks in decent state to live in. The bathroom and kitchen look fairly modern, even if not to your taste. Certainly don’t need to be ripped out immediately.

GardensandGrandDesigns · 14/04/2022 19:37

Our builder said to us that extensions don't add value like they used to because building work is so expensive.

SatinHeart · 14/04/2022 19:53

Wow my house is much uglier that on the outside!

FIL once said to me that you can't see the outside of your own house while you are in it, but you can see the view. Wise words.

PurpleToeNail · 14/04/2022 19:57

Always buy the worst house on the best street, rather than the best house on the not-so-good street.

AmericanStickInsect · 14/04/2022 20:01

I think this sounds like a fantastic option. Views and location mean a lot plus I don't think it's that ugly!!

PurpleToeNail · 14/04/2022 20:02

Link here I think it's a fabulous house.

Rrrunrunrunrunrun · 14/04/2022 20:02

Stroud is lovely, and I would always go for bad house, good location. Go for it!

Lindy2 · 14/04/2022 20:16

That house looks fine.

It's a bit plain and grey but not ugly. I think you could easily up the kerb appeal without too much difficulty.

Some nice planting - All in pots if needed as it's hard see what soil you have behind the wall.

A jet wash of the drive.

Some hanging baskets.

A fresh coat of paint on the fence.

That shouldn't take long or cost much and I'm sure it will make a real difference.

Original poster
CordeliaBrideshead · 15/04/2022 07:13

I've got 3 children. I hope my daughters will stay. One is 16 and with her dad close by.

So I really would like a 4th bedroom and second bathroom.

Downstairs there is a lean too that houses utility room. Smells v damp. It would all need redoing. But I could live with it as it is and prioritise the work. I'd take down that car parking wall at the front.

I think there may be a bidding war which I won't get in too.

OP posts:
Original poster
CordeliaBrideshead · 15/04/2022 07:15

@PurpleToeNail

Link here I think it's a fabulous house.
Love that you did this ❤️
OP posts:
Glitterbiscuits · 15/04/2022 07:20

It's not ugly. It's fine. Those big windows are a real bonus.

123walrus · 15/04/2022 07:23

I think it’s a lovely house.

Thestagshead · 15/04/2022 07:24

Did you live somewhere fab before, because I’m not seeing that as an ugly house either.

tabulahrasa · 15/04/2022 07:28

Why can’t you just use the attic room as a bedroom?

Undervaluedandsad · 15/04/2022 07:28

It’s a great house.

Thatsplentyjack · 15/04/2022 07:28

You only mention 2 children in your OP Confused that's why it seemed a bit confusing that you needed 4 bedrooms.
If you can put up with living in a building site for quite a long time, go for it. Really depends what you and your family can put up with/afford.

Original poster
CordeliaBrideshead · 15/04/2022 07:41

@tabulahrasa

Why can’t you just use the attic room as a bedroom?
You can't really stand up straight in it and you access via another bedroom. But it might be an Option if roof raised.
OP posts:
Original poster
CordeliaBrideshead · 15/04/2022 07:42

@Thestagshead

Did you live somewhere fab before, because I’m not seeing that as an ugly house either.
Yes I did. A 3 story Cotswold property I had to sell to pay my Ex off. Much as I never loved that house and it also required lots of work.
OP posts:
Thestagshead · 15/04/2022 07:44

You have two daughters? I’m not going to lie op, that’s kinda weird you wrote it like you had one. The house has plenty of space also and isn’t ugly.