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Original poster

Would you buy this house?

91 replies

PurpleGrapefruit · 07/05/2023 07:16

We’re first time buyers in our 20s, looking to buy around the Hitchin area where we are from.

We’ve seen a house we were thinking about viewing, but are concerned about when it comes to selling the house on as it’s quite unique in its design and location.

Would you buy this house: https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/133833080#/?channel=RES_BUY

The village - if you can even call it that - is very small, with no pub. But it’s only a short drive to the next two villages which have more going on.

It obviously wouldn’t be our forever home as it’s only two bedrooms, but we do like the look of it, however we don’t want to buy anywhere that could be difficult to sell in the future. It’s been listed since January as it came off for a few months as the vendors couldn’t accommodate viewings due to personal reasons. Been back on for about a month.

Check out this 2 bedroom barn conversion for sale on Rightmove

2 bedroom barn conversion for sale in Waterloo Lane, Holwell, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 for £525,000. Marketed by Michael Graham, Hitchin

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/133833080#/?channel=RES_BUY

OP posts:
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Mrsphilmiller · 07/05/2023 07:20

If you like it then buy it. What seems to be the problem?

crew2022 · 07/05/2023 07:20

It looks lovely but the lack of any amenities within walking distance would put me off. It also looks a bit like a shed although obviously the details explain it's a barn conversion.
So I probably wouldn't be interested

tanstaafl · 07/05/2023 07:21

I was also thinking it’s a ( glorified ) shed.

Turmerictolly · 07/05/2023 07:22

Looks like a lovely setting but is the house like a park home? Would you be able to get a mortgage on it (if needed)? It doesn't look like standard construction so maybe check that out with insurers also.

determinedtomakethiswork · 07/05/2023 07:22

It's lovely inside but the outside looks awful! It just looks like a shed at the bottom of the garden.

DustyLee123 · 07/05/2023 07:23

I’ve seen bigger static caravans. It’s an awful lot of money for what looks like a shed, but if you like it, buy it.

MinPinSins · 07/05/2023 07:23

I wouldn't buy it because amenities within walking distance are a must for me, and I don't like open plan. However, allowing for that, I wouldn't be put off by the appearance if that is your concern.

Cameraduck · 07/05/2023 07:23

I can’t comment on the area at all, and it may be that I’m way off, but that does not seem like much house for £500k. Also I would look very closely at construction. If it is non standard, then that can be hard to shift, especially in a harder location.
other thoughts would be whether there are any plans for development round about - there’s a lovely view just now, but will it be a housing estate in two years time?
otoh, it’s very well presented & has some eco adaptions. I have heard mixed things about ashp

Twiglets1 · 07/05/2023 07:24

What a beautiful house! I absolutely love it. It's quite pricey for a 2 bed considering you have no amenities in the village but then it is above average in terms of quality and the views are great.

It is a bit niche and obviously those houses are a bit hard to value as there is nothing exactly comparable so that can make buyers a bit nervous about overpaying. But I would go for it, absolutely, make an offer but below 525k.

QuintanaRoo · 07/05/2023 07:26

Looks like my garden office from the outside which cost me considerably less than £525k to install. Looks like it’s in someone’s back garden. Looks like it will depreciate in value quickly. Would not touch it with a barge pole.

drpet49 · 07/05/2023 07:26

It looks like a Glorified static caravan posing as a holiday home. A rip off at the price and I certainly wouldn’t buy it.

00100001 · 07/05/2023 07:27

Would you even be able to get a mortgage for that?

Flufz · 07/05/2023 07:28

Just done a quick right move search and you can get a lot more for your money close by. I like the style of the house but wouldn’t purchase it. I would buy some thing more family friendly and remodel if necessary. Save future moving costs possibly.

NotMyDayJob · 07/05/2023 07:29

It's a lovely house but it does look like one of those sheds everyone put in their garden during lockdown.

I'd be double checking I could get a mortgage before I went any further, and I definitely be offering under asking.

Also, if you really do have an eye on any future resale, then no, I wouldn't buy it.

00100001 · 07/05/2023 07:30

There's loads of other good properties for that price and less in the area

CatchHimDerry · 07/05/2023 07:31

The scenery is beautiful, but sorry I feel that’s an overpriced shed-looking building too

Barn conversions where I am have a much different appearance so not what I’d expect from the description, personally.

I’m familiar with the area and, whilst I haven’t checked rightmove, I’m not convinced re. it’s price point

As per PP I’d also be wary of the construction type and whether it’s mortgageable

I think potentially a struggle to sell that on if it’s not a forever home?

produ · 07/05/2023 07:33

Far too far from a station & amenities for me. Hate the idea of driving everywhere but not everyone minds.

produ · 07/05/2023 07:34

I also get shed vibes which puts me off at that price tag

produ · 07/05/2023 07:35

It's been done up well & nice garden but you are paying a heavy premium for that.

Original poster
PurpleGrapefruit · 07/05/2023 07:36

Mrsphilmiller · 07/05/2023 07:20

If you like it then buy it. What seems to be the problem?

Because we wouldn’t want to be stuck trying to sell it for a long time. It’s something we need to consider knowing that we wouldn’t be living there forever.

OP posts:
Whichnumbers · 07/05/2023 07:36

I live in an open plan house, I like it very much but I have a utility at the back of the attached garage and my main living area is L shaped

this means I have a clock room in the utility, it’s half the size of the garage so can store stuff out there ( it’s a decent size kitchen in reality) Having an L shaped living area means I get some space downstairs if I need, which sometimes I really do ( 2 of us here)

love the light that house house and the views, but the practical aspects of living in one room can be different

produ · 07/05/2023 07:37

how long would you stay?

BillyNoM8s · 07/05/2023 07:37

It looks like a park home or someone's garden office. I definitely wouldn't buy it.