Which property to buy.....

[floppysunhat]

I am planning to buy my first property since separating.
I have seen 2 that I really like but am undecided which to go for.

Option 1 is terraced, 2 bedrooms and a box room. Its cosy and comfortable but needs cosmetic decorating, which I don't mind doing. It's in a small town I know pretty well. I can buy it outright. I really
Ike it.

Option 2 is semi-detached, 3 bedrooms and is more spacious. It's beautifully decorated and doesn't need anything doing to it. It's in an area I don't know at all and there's not much in the town centre area but easy access to motorway etc. I'd need a small top up mortgage to afford it. I love it but worry I'd rattle around in it on my own.

So which do I go for? Do I go for comfortable familiarity or take the opportunity to completely restart and rebuild my life?

Well I went for more like option 2 ie larger property in unfamiliar area (its an ex council end of terrace). I regret it! Miss the old area plus I can't afford to heat and maintain it! What would you get out of the semi that would enhance your lifestyle? Ie if you are a keen gardener big garden might be good, if like to entertain more space might be good? Unless you can see how you would enjoy it I wouldn't recommend moving to a new area as an older single person- but I am quite shy.

Personally, I would always opt for a semi over a terraced, unless it was end terrace. Could you afford the small mortgage with likely interest rate rises? Does the terrace have outside space and good parking, if not, that would be a definite no for me with a property.

moving away is hard, I did it, I was miserable to start with, but now don’t regret it at all. Once I started working, and made new friends, I found I like the area a lot, and would never move back again, I moved 120 miles away, 10 years ago).

Well, one you like and one you love so…

Thank you for the replies. It's given me a lot to consider..

Both options have pros and cons.
At the moment I'm veering towards option 1. I'm not sure I have the strength to completely change. I was married for a v long time so I am used to having someone around. I feel more confident about the familiar area.
But.....I'd love to just go for it and reinvent myself in option

Location location location

Sorry hit send to soon, but I think being near to things that are familiar to you will in the long term be so much nicer. And being able to by it outright even better. Plus having a little side project of decorating can be quite nice too! You can perhaps get the exact look you want.

Number 1

Property one. Stay where you are comfortable and happy. Smaller properties are usually cheaper to heat as well - unless the semi was built in the last 5 years or so.

Thank you so much for all your thoughts.
It really helps to hear other peoples perspective..
I have a second viewing with property 1 already booked for tomorrow.

Option 1 snd you are still starting over! If you knew the other area well that would be ok, but I'd err on the side of caution at the moment. It doesn't have to be your forever home.