Would you buy this flat second episode

[HolyParc]

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/138991778#/?channel=RES_BUY

I understand garden flats are very sought after, especially in expensive areas where "normal" people can't afford a house, however I wonder if they represent an issue in terms of safety? I.e. a flat like this has the back bedroom opening into the garden, not sure I'd feel comfortable having DC sleep in there. Am I right it would put people off?
Great location and beautiful inside though.

That's a lovely flat!

Or this one? https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/138445634#/?channel=RES_BUY

Definitely the first one, the second is a communal garden.

First one is unbearable because of the hideous tiles in the bathroom and kitchen and whilst the private garden patio area is nice the communal garden would bother me.

Prefer the first one...but is it shared garden

The second one also has those grotty tiles. Not very appealing inside and a communal garden.

Not a fan of the second flat. Lacks charm (although bigger rooms) and the very overlooked 'sun room' and communal garden would put me off.

Yes, in a heartbeat, it's gorgeous, good room sizes, relaxing, even a walk in wardrobe!

I am not keen on the fire exit's access to your yard, but I guess you have to weigh up the pros and cons with the sorts of flats you are looking for. Personally I wouldn't be all that worried about my upstairs neighbours being of concern in that price bracket.

Will a lender balk at the monthly charge? I keep reading stories of them refusing mortgages because service charges are not to their liking.

It looks like there is access to the garden from the living room too?
I'd check if it's allowed (fire safety etc) and would look into getting rid of the door in the bedroom and replacing with windows instead.

Friend had a very similar flat. she had a sliding/folding grille across the French windows which she used at night and when she was out at work. It didn’t stop much light and you got used to it quickly.

I don't mind the tiles but anyway it's not something that important as they could be changed - I am more keen to hear thoughts on the layout, preference of ground floor vs first floor etc.

Yes n1 has a private garden but PP is right, it does overlook the communal garden.

I also think this one could become a lovely flat (needs new floor, bathroom etc but has charming potential): https://www.your-move.co.uk/property/flat-for-sale-st-philips-road-surbiton-kt6-id-sur220070 No garden but also much cheaper.

Can others access the garden in flag 1 from a side access? If not then I'd go for that one.

I don't like the second one so much. It's starker and looks less well looked after. If ever you are gonna find bodge jobs out of the two flats, it will be this one.

The narrowness and poor quality kitchen is painful.

Forget the conservatory being an asset. With that particular one with no heating, it's more a liability. It will be an oven that sends boiling heat into the flat in the summer and freezing cold in winter. I only ever look at conservatories like that as somewhere to hang my washing/to later be demolished and replaced with something better.

Better garden, but I am not sure that's enough.

Front of the building looks quite neglected too.

It has a bit less charm than the first but it's pretty good. It won't let me zoom in, but is it so much cheaper because it's 100sq ft smaller? If you have or are planning kids, every bit of spare space counts!

I wouldn't call £10k (2%) much cheaper!

@HundredMilesAnHour it's £110K cheaper!

@KievLoverTwo yes, 1 DC - smallish yes, probably wouldn't look at anything smaller than this but price also reflects that

There is zero privacy in that first flat. Every time it's nice weather, people will be clattering up and down the fire escape, peering at you in your seating area.

The rooms In the second are much better- the DC bedroom is more spacious and safe.

How old is your child?

I used to live in a house which was elevated from the road, with access up steps. It was a PITA when my child was little; having to get child, buggy and shopping up the steps to the front door was near-on impossible.

Obviously that might be slightly easier in a flat if there is a communal entrance but you still have to juggle things - do you leave child downstairs whilst carrying up your shopping? Do you leave child in flat whilst you go back down for your shopping? (Not so important with an older child, of course).

So I'd always prioritise ease of access - ie. ground floor. I understand what you say about security, but if the garden is enclosed you can look at how to make it
as impenetrable as possible (this might be restricted if neighbours have emergency access). And obviously you can put locks on the windows, I'm sure you'd have them anyway on the doors, and if the pre-existing ones aren't up to scratch, get them replaced.

@mauvish DC is pre school age

I agree and actually dislike that conservatory

First one is the best. All have had too much character removed and aren’t dressed properly as it almost looks like no lives there.

I think you’d outgrow the first one quicker