Handhold needed - am I making a mistake? Is it big enough?

[Gardensofa]

Hi - a handheld needed, please be gentle.

I am about to buy a property. It's taken forever to save and finally get a mortgage. As a single parent and weighing up my earning potential (low-earner, in my 40s), it is pretty much the only thing I'll be able to give my DC. If I've made a mistake I won't be able to go back. We'll be stuck with it.

It is a flat with 4 other flats and has a lovely view. It is ground floor and has all the horrors of artex, flocked wallpaper and a shared garden. The other occupants seem pleasant. It's not my preferred area but I cannot afford to be in a better one or a bigger place. It's close to school and shops and transport links into the city though. It's around the same price as other flats on the street. Most are in better nick but with less space or are in buildings with more flats.

I only have the images to go on as where I am, once you put in an offer, you cannot see it again until you're effectively in a legally binding contract. (I only learned this later). I saw it nearly 3 months ago. My solicitor keeps asking me if I'm okay to go ahead and I'm just filled with fear.

Is this normal? It is chest tightening anxiety. What can I do for it?
My instincts are so messed up due to anxiety, I no longer trust my gut.
It's about 70m2, has one double bedroom, one single, one kitchen diner, one bathroom, one bedroom. I'm worried it won't be big enough either?

Has anyone felt like this? Did it turn out to be okay?
I don't think it will make a profit but I need to stop renting (at double what the mortgage will be). Thanks for reading.

Yes that's what I would do if I were unsure. It's a massive purchase. You don't want to get it wrong! Just say you'll pull out if you don't get another viewing. It just sounds like custom/practice. It's not the law.

I had the same surprise that you can’t see a place again once you’ve committed. It’s a thing …

should definitely be big enough :)

It took 6 months for our house sale/purchase to go through and by the end I was convinced I’d hate it and I made a terrible mistake. It was right at the very top of our budget too. It’s turned out to be a lovely place and we’re very happy. Hope it’ll be the same for you.

and it’s normal that you have to do a new place up bit by bit. It’s good to focus on damp first as that’ll just get worse and then you’ll see it turn more and more into your place with your decor and memories etc

OP the way you describe the flat in your opening post sounds like you are just having a wobble. It sounds like you really like the location and the view, both of which cannot be changed. Being freehold is also a good thing and do is being in a small block.

Having your own place gives you security and comfort and the opportunity to decorate! You also sound like you remember it pretty well.
I hope you are really happy there

I would recommend taking the bigger bedroom when you first move in. Then you have swopping bedrooms up your sleeve should it come in handy when DC is a bit older. Good luck with everything, it sounds like a really positive step!