Which house to choose

[Neverknewidfindmyselfonhere]

We have sold our house and have a dilemma that we need to decide on ideally this weekend. Option 1 is in preferred area, lots of local friends, near where we live now, detached but needs a lot of work (new bathroom/en-suite) flooring etc. Lots of potential to extend and increase value, but it's maxing our budget and makes me nervous. Option 2 not so desirable area, on a main road, newer build so no work required, possible parking issues and less options to extend/add value. But much much cheaper and just as good for what we need. Do we go with the dooer upper and stressful mortgage or the easy option with less potential but much more manageable mortgage and lifestyle sacrifices. Neither have taken my heart but I think I'm just a head kinda buyer. Help me figure it out?

How long has option 1 been on the market? Any chance of a low ball offer getting accepted?
And how bad are the floors and bathroom?
We moved into this house in the summer. Bathroom is the original from when the house was built. It's getting ripped out later this month. Yes, we've all been showering in the ensuite for 9 months. Not ideal, but fine. We're also going to need the top floor carpeting - we didn't think this on viewing, but they aren't great. That's going to have to wait a while!

I don't think compromising on area, given the choices above, is the right decision. But I'm also not sure if your heart is in house 1. If the floors and bathrooms are liveable with, but not ideal I'd go with 1. If they need ripping out immediately, try a very low offer. If rejected, keep looking.

Go for the doer upper in the right location.

You can live with an outdated bathroom /floors for years and update later when you can afford to.

Busy road and parking issues tick two of my no-deal-no-way boxes. They will be an endless annoyance, get worse over time and make the place harder to sell.

Is the second house isn't detached then go for the first one. Add value, make it how you want it.

Go for option 1 if it is in a state you can live in for a bit, even if it is a bit of a mess. As long as the structure is sound, the rest can be fixed gradually

Number 1 all the way. You can fix all the issues in 1. There’s stuff about 2 that can never be fixed.

Option 1 without a doubt.

House 1.

House 1. Busy road and parking - no way..!

Option 1 as they can be fixed and lived with but location and noise etc can’t

Location is the most important factor.

You can slowly improve a house over time but you can't change a location...

I would not want to live near a main road.

Sorry but neither sound right. I don't think you like house 2 at all and house 1 will take all your money and energy for a good few years, while you live in aa renovation.

Get something already 'done' in your preferred location. Even if it's a semi or terrace.

I've got a similar scenario.

House 1 is big, recently renovated, but backs onto a busy road and there's also a lack of privacy in back garden.

House 2 is overpriced and needs a fair amount of work but is in a much better location. Not a great layout like house 1 (both houses no option to extend but both detached)

For me personally, busy road and lack of parking would be a no. Big mortgage would also be a no. So in your shoes, I'd wait for house option 3 to come along.

Neither have taken your heart so don’t do it.

1 and try to negotiate the price down.

House 1, without a doubt.