What would you do - location or size?!

[Fullrecoveryispossible]

I’m in the process of finding a shared ownership property for myself and daughter.

property a is within cycling distance of her school, but is a two bed, no flooring. Priced slightly less so could buy a 40% share.

property b is a ten minute drive from school, but three bed, flooring, better layout and therefore I could have a lodger which would allow me to save each month. I’d buy a 30% share.

property a is in a more desirable estate, but is much smaller. Monthly costs pretty much the same for both properties.

Location location location is said for a reason

Location every day of the week!

It depends on how long you're planning on staying there? If long term, then I would definitely go for B ; if only short term then A is probably a better option

Do you really want a lodger long term with you and your daughter, and how practical is it for you to drive her to school every day long term? How big an issue is the space? Can you afford b without a lodger - ie is that a nice potential bonus, or a necessity?

A. You can't change your location, but with just you and your daughter you'll manage in a smaller property. I cannot think of anything worse, to be honest, than having to take in a stranger to make ends meet. Taking the 3 bed means you'll effectively be sharing a kitchen, bathroom and living room with someone you may or may not find irritating to be around. It is much more likely to lead to tension than if you and DD are alone.

Always location - we compromised on house size for location 5 years ago and are thankful every day now for it, a friend bought a bigger house in not as nice of an area and is really struggling to sell now that she wants to move for better schools etc.

Definitely location, unless you are planning on needing more space in the future for more children.

A seems to be the better option as you prefer the area amd buy a bigger share of the property. With a better location, it would be easier to sell if your circumstances change in future.

With B you will have to drive her to school, which adds petrol costs and makes it harder for you to work. Is she in primary or secondary? If primary, which location is she likely to go to secondary? Do you want someone else living with you?

A for location and school. Plus no lodger. You could work out the flooring. There are budget options.

Location/2bed/no lodger/40% share

Def A. You can sort flooring relatively cheaply and if it’s just you and DD then you don’t need more than a 2 bed. Maybe it’s the way you’ve written it but B sounds awful- a drive to school every day, having to have a lodger, owning a smaller share and being in a worse location.

Location.

Location. I learnt the hard way and ended up moving again.

I’d go for the larger house, unless it’s in an undesirable area.

Are you allowed a lodger in social housing ? even if it is shared ownership ?

Anything with no lodger , not the safest option for your child

Depends - how much more desirable? Is option b really that bad? I mean round by me there are lots of lovely areas but some more desirable than others but doesn't stop the others being lovely IYSWIM.

Is school primary or secondary and what will secondary application look like if primary?