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Original poster

Parents giving me a site but can't afford to build

63 replies

Propertyworries · 15/04/2022 11:17

Nc due to detail. Please don't flame because I know I'm lucky.

So. I am in my late 20s, single, no children. Income 29k, savings 18k.

My parents have a farm with:

A modern bungalow (their home)
Run-down farmhouse,
Several old cottages (2 with roof on)
Building site with founds in.

Run-down farmhouse is where I live with sibling.
It's soaking wet due to being solid stone walls directly on clay with no founds or damp course. Think mice, slugs everywhere, devil's coach horse beetles, crows in roofspace, mould, freezing cold.
The whole thing needs gutted.

We live here for free as it is too bad to let out. Brother will inherit this house and entire farm. He wants me out in order to hang out with mates/GF here. He has no savings and likes to spend on clothes, going out etc.

I cannot buy locally as prices too crazy.
Parents are offering to give me a site but the house on it will cost min. 170k to build plus 8.5k for electric. I am afraid to do this alone, don't think I can afford it and prices are through the roof.

Thought about doing up a cottage, but unmortgageable.

It's stressing me out and I don't know what to do Sad

OP posts:
Original poster
Propertyworries · 15/04/2022 11:20

Meant to add I will inherit parent's bungalow some day. They will not allow me to sell the site and use the cash to buy as they do not want strangers living on the farm.

OP posts:
Didyousaysomethingdarling · 15/04/2022 11:22

Take the plot and put a modern, well insulated static caravan on it.

senua · 15/04/2022 11:23

I cannot buy locally as prices too crazy.
Do you have to stay locally? Is it better to move somewhere else with better-paying jobs?

If they won't let you sell the site and you can't afford to develop it then it has zero value to you. What's keeping you there?

TheCraicDealer · 15/04/2022 11:51

Take the plot and put a modern, well insulated static caravan on it.

This is what I would do. Stay in with your brother for as long as you can bear it, keep saving, then move to the caravan (or even your parents' place) and eventually start the build. A lot of people live in vans whilst they do building work, and you can do it as quickly or as slowly as you can afford. You're not that far off the savings you'd need for a deposit for a self build mortgage.

I know you're concerned about utilities if you live on your own, but with a modern build you can make the place much more efficient than the cottage you're in now or even your parents' place, if that's where you're lifting the figures from. You could also look at a lodger or something to help fund things.

Original poster
Propertyworries · 15/04/2022 11:52

Hi Senua
I lived abroad on the past but was very homesick and lonely.
I feel like if I lived away I would only be paying a fortune in rent anyway.

OP posts:
Original poster
Propertyworries · 15/04/2022 11:54

Thanks craicDealer (great name btw)
I think that's probably the best course of action for now. I have good hopes for promotion in my job next year so fingers crossed. I hope material prices will stabilise a bit soon also.

OP posts:
Original poster
Propertyworries · 15/04/2022 12:00

I feel so sad about all of this
I know the grass is always greener but I feel like a failure seeing people I know putting endless first house pics on fb etc.
I just feel like if I could actually meet someone who wasn't a complete liar I would have a chance at building a life of my own with some company, support and two incomes.

OP posts:
tothemoonandbackbuses · 15/04/2022 12:02

If you can afford it a lodge would be good. Also look at kit houses such as Scot build.
Realistically how much do you need to do to a cottage? If you can get it water tight with a wood burner or two it will be fine.
You don’t need to full plumbing. One kitchen sink will do. You could use a porta potty until you can get a septic tank in and empty it in one of your brothers manholes.
You can manage on a small generator or an extension cable from another building. I’ve done this a few times. It’s only for lights and internet

Original poster
Propertyworries · 15/04/2022 12:04

I like your thinking moon however they are fully derelict, no windows nothing. Maybe in the long term though.

OP posts:
Original poster
Propertyworries · 15/04/2022 12:06

I've had experience roughing it before- outdoor water, no toilet, cooking on camp stove. For months. Ok in summer but never again.

OP posts:
TalkingCat · 15/04/2022 12:23

Buy a kit home to build on the site.

TheCraicDealer · 15/04/2022 12:36

I feel so sad about all of this
I know the grass is always greener but I feel like a failure seeing people I know putting endless first house pics on fb etc.
I just feel like if I could actually meet someone who wasn't a complete liar I would have a chance at building a life of my own with some company, support and two incomes.

I completely understand. But think about it like this- even if you met someone tomorrow, you wouldn't be instantly committing to a mortgage with them, would you? No, you'd be sensible and wait at least a year or two before you tie yourself financially to them, then it would take another 6-12 months to find somewhere and complete a sale.

With this build opportunity, in the same timeframe you could be sitting in a house of your own design and specification, funded completely by yourself- now that's an Instagram account I would follow! If you meet someone and they move in with you, great, but you will never be in a scenario where you need to sell up if you split.

My DAunt was left a significant bequest by her partner who had died at a relatively young age, and she decided to gut her house and do an extension. It was a massive, daunting project and I know that she was so worried about making so many decisions on her own. But it's done, she loves it, and it's perfect for her.

Arrange to speak to a mortgage broker and go for it; it's the inertia that's getting to you. Stop standing still and the other pieces will fall into place.

Flickflak · 15/04/2022 12:42

This reply has been withdrawn

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Handsnotwands · 15/04/2022 12:54

One of my neighbours has just put up a Dan House, a kind of kit house. It went up in a matter of days. I think they’re pretty cheap as such things go

Frenchfancy · 15/04/2022 13:00

Use your savings to buy a decent second hand static caravan. Then build in your own time. Much better and cheaper to build rather than renovate a wreck.

knittingaddict · 15/04/2022 13:25

@Didyousaysomethingdarling

Take the plot and put a modern, well insulated static caravan on it.
You would have to have special permission for this, wouldn't you?
krustykittens · 15/04/2022 13:58

We are looking into doing this for our daughter, OP. We are looking at a kit house with three bedrooms that would mean she would have a forever home and we are also going to go for a consultation with an architect to see if they can design a smaller, cheaper build that is designed to be extended easily once she has children. We are trying to keep costs down so she can easily afford the house on her own so a relationship break up will not mean she loses her home! Sometimes the RA does free sessions with architects, have a look on their web site. Don't give up! Go to a self build show, join some forums, talk to others who have been in the same position.

Time40 · 15/04/2022 14:03

Definitely put a caravan on the site, and then start building when you can afford it. Get the caravan right now - you would be much more comfortable. Good luck, OP. It's daunting, but you can do it.

bjrce · 15/04/2022 14:06

Is there any chance your parents would allow you to add on an annex to their modern bungalow - so you could have your own living area and then will inherit the lot some day!

I've seen a number of families do this in the past - might be more economical in the long run.

Blert · 15/04/2022 14:08

As others have said, only put your money into a build of your parents are actually legally giving you the land, free and clear, with me restrictive covenants in place. Unless you can sell the house when you are finished, you are wasting your money (and might not be able to get a self build Margate on it).

earsup · 15/04/2022 14:09

straw bale build...cheap and fairly quick...i always wanted to do one myself....low bills for heat etc....lots of groups on web...!!

RagzRebooted · 15/04/2022 14:11

@Didyousaysomethingdarling

Take the plot and put a modern, well insulated static caravan on it.
Exactly what I was about to post. Caravans are great, especially modern ones. I grew up in (old) caravans, new ones are practically palaces in comparison!
purplesequins · 15/04/2022 14:13

yes to kit houses.
look at the bbc series 'house that 100k built'.
and look at tiny homes.
look further i to future as well, buid something low maintenance that can later be let out or used as holiday home.

Knockoneofftheshelftowin · 15/04/2022 14:13

Google 'offsite caravans' some are like small bungalows.

Example.

Parents giving me a site but can't afford to build
Knockoneofftheshelftowin · 15/04/2022 14:14

Sorry, thought I'd attached the photo!.

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