Which house?

[firsthome1]

Hello,

We are a couple in our mid-30s looking to buy our 1st home. We are interested in 1 house (House A) but now there is another house after going up for sale nearby that is similar but less expensive (House B). Both houses have the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms, are semi-detached and are in medium sized estates. Both properties built in the last few years so have similar energy ratings. House B is about 40k less expensive. Technically we can afford both houses. Both houses generally fit our criteria but House A seems slightly better.. to me.

The main advantages I see of House A over House B are:

• House A is in a slightly better side of town in terms of amenities (e.g. more shops, gyms, within walking distance - although House B is not too far away from town either - just on a different side of the town)
• House A faces a green (House B does not - the houses are more tightly packed in the estate and there are narrow roads between the rows of houses in the estate that House B is in and potentially more cars parking along the road..)
• House A is less overlooked front and back (while there are houses to the back of House A, the garden of House B is much more overlooked - from the back bedroom window in House B, I could see in to about 8 other peoples gardens).
• House A has slightly better transport links to the city we work in because it is close to a bus and train, whereas House B is close to a train only.
• House A has a creche very nearby which seems like an advantage given that we want to have children soon..

However House B actually has more equal sized bedrooms, the garden is slightly bigger, and the layout of the interior is marginally better...

I am curious about other people's opinions on whether House A or House B is better? Is House A worth the extra expense and owing the bank more money as first time buyers given that we may need to upsize in a few years anyway??

From your post I feel you prefer house A.

My head would say house B as 40K is a lot of money and I'd prefer equal bedrooms and bigger garden. As it's your first house you could try and pay extra off the mortgage (if you went for the cheaper house) and then you'll have more money to spend on your next house potentially.

Being overlooked is a huge deal for me. I used to live in London and was horrified in one flat to realise I could see neighbours in their bedrooms, having sex on their sofa and using the bathroom. Privacy and a green outlook at the front really are worth a bit more. And slightly wider roads.

Which direction do the gardens face? Where I live a south-facing garden alone can add £15k to the value of a house.

House A, if it's in a better area and overlooks a green.
Don't underestimate how important parking is when you have shopping and a baby plus baby paraphernalia to carry into the house and it's raining heavily.
Visit the areas at different times of the day to see what they are like.

Location, location, location.
Given time, money and other resources you can change just about anything about a house, except its location.

house A based on proximity to transport & activities. that is worth paying for.

Location is key, and trumps everything else for us (currently house hunting). I’d go house A.

What are schools like? Any difference between the two?

I'd go house A as also hate being overlooked and presume is in a slightly better area?

Sounds like you prefer house A and I think I would too, as long as the extra ££ isn't stretching you too much, and I would get the mortgage down as soon as I could before having children, it will be harder after and it will stop you thinking house B might have been a better bet in a few years time.

As you say you can afford House A, go for that one. Sounds worth the extra £.

A

Although a green can be lovely, be wary of the fact that it can be used whenever and by whoever. It can become tiresome in the summer and actually feel like less privacy - you have no control over what is happening on it and not everyone is thoughtful of others peace/privacy.

A definitely sounds like it’s worth the extra £.
If you can afford it then I wouldn’t even be considering B.

Would the green attract football playing teens? Would stray footballs be hitting the car or is it landscaped to prevent this?
I sound like a fun sponge writing that but at 10 at night in summer shouting youths could mean you need the windows closed.

House A.

Because all the things you have listed cannot be fixed with time or money at House B.

Is there a difference in parking?
What about school catchmets?
Do the gardens face the same direction?

How small is bedroom 3 in house A compared to the others?

Are you brave enough to put links to the houses to see if there is anything else people can see?

As you are planning a family then you should actually research the primary schools. I know it sounds crazy but you might not want to move again in 4 years time. Some of them may even be offering tours in early January as the deadline for applying is the 15th January. House A does sound nicer though! With the green and less overlooked.

Yes schools, catchments and admission criteria should be investigated.

I would also look at secondary as well if this is long term house

In your post you have listed a lot more advantages to House A than House B, so I would go with A based on this.

House A with one proviso. If it is a green where children play be aware that can cause problems. We once moved because of this.

What % of the purchase price is 40k? How long do you think you will stay in the house? House A sounds better but if it is 40k better is not clear. Generally though I go with location, location, location.

Thanks for your replies. OP here. Not brave enough to put links to the houses!

Regarding schools, both houses are in the same catchment area of good schools. House A has a south-facing garden and House B has a southwest facing garden. Both have 2 carpark spaces. The 3rd bedroom in House A fits a single bed - more like a small child's room or a study - whereas the 3rd bedroom in House B fits a double bedroom.

I think the main thing that puts me off House B is that it is very overlooked! When I was at the viewing, it immediately put me off. But now that I am weighing up the costs, I am wondering if House A is really worth all the extra money! Both houses have a lot of similar positive points in terms of size, schools, etc. We have enough to put down a 10% deposit on House A but our money would obviously go further with House B. We would hope to stay in the house for at least 5 years. Maybe longer if we don't outgrow it..

having learnt the hard way, always consider how easy it would be sell a property in the future. if there is anything that is making you hesitate about a property, then how would that affect a future buyer.

this is relevant even if you plan to stay in a house a relatively long time. Is house A likely to retain a higher value?

Are we talking 200-240 or 500-540? I think it matters. What would be a slam dunk to go for House A at 540 vs 500 would not be such an straightforward decision at 240 vs 200 (let alone 100 vs 60).

For me, not being overlooked is worth a lot. But so is garden size - and direction. A large S facing garden is better than a small N facing. In your case - it seems direction of both is good.

@nemo99 The house prices of both are on the higher side (500-540) - which scares me a quite a bit. Also, we do not "need" to buy right now but considering we are renting a small flat and want to put down some roots soon so to speak, we would like to buy sooner rather than later.