Anyone want to be my Phil and Kirstie? (Essex)

[startingoveragainagain]

We've finally gone under offer woo! So now I need to start looking for a home for my dog, my cat and me. I need to be commutable to Chelmsford (max once a week), and I have family and friends in South Essex / London borders so would like to be close to them as they'll be able to help with dog care. I'm currently near Halstead.

I'm sort of thinking Billericay, Rayleigh, and Leigh but I have no clue what these places are actually like

I can probably afford to pay about £420,000, happy to do work - although will need to be liveable, needs to be on a very quiet road as my cat has only lived in the countryside with her own land, needs to be near a good walk for the dog preferably off lead walking as she has never needed to do much lead walking. I need somewhere to work from as I work mostly from home. I'm going to be downsizing and I'm looking for my bachelor pad, which'll be my forever home as I want to grow roots and lick my wounds.

Suggest away :)

Yes I know, that's where I live now :)

It takes me a good hour to get to my friends and family and although I love it here, I do want to move closer to them. Coggleshall for example takes off 20mins or so.

I think I want a new house though - I'm so tired from my current marriage that I just think I want to put my feet up!

Thoughts on this https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/145189751#/?channel=RES_BUY or this https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/86781042#/?channel=RES_BUY

I'm getting desperate, I can see myself and my pets being homeless at this rate.

The first one feels like it'll feel too close to the house next door, and the second one I'm not too fond of the style (and being spoilt I want an ensuite).

First one is in a very quiet road and near the river for dog walking.

The new estates that way are fine! But agree the other side is nicer!

You could get something really nice for that budget in witham. Train or drive to Chelmsford no problem. Lots of places to walk to your dog too. The river walk and whetmead nature reserve.

I really liked Witham when I lived there!

Wickham Bishops or Heybridge or Great Totham would be the better option. Anywhere along that Maldon route really. Lots of new builds going up too.

Bad transport links though!

Easy enough to commute into Chelmsford, Witham or Hatfield Peverel for a train though.

Thank you all. Can you send me actual properties (sorry if that's a bit pathetic), but I really don't know which roads are better than others. The house either needs to be empty or chain free (if poss) as I'll have to complete before 1st June.

I'll call the agent about the one in South Woodham tmr.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/86264886#/?channel=RES_BUY

Bit over budget but it's been reduced already and you might be able to get it in budget if you push that you're chain free.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/136480817#/?channel=RES_BUY

Chain free and recently reduced in Tiptree

I'm finding a lot of detached bungalows with sizeable plots in this area so might be worth a look. There are a lot on Rightmove in a 5 mile radius of Witham.

This is on a main road.

I'd originally wanted a bungalow but as I like to sleep with windows open, I've realised I'd actually be too nervous in a bungalow.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/143382641#/?channel=RES_BUY

Chain free, countryside views, been on since January so might get a reduction. 3 bed link detached house.

There is a BEAUTIFUL 2 bedroom cottage on the water at Heybridge listed but I haven't linked it as you've not said how you feel about living by water. It's easy enough to find.

@TimeToChanteName I don't mind the river (I have a stream in my garden atm), but wouldn't want something likely to flood - but I wouldn't want to be next to a pub.

@startingoveragainagain something will come along. Hockley has no station and is another no man’s land. The house looks like it’s had a quick homes under the hammer job and is top price so i wouldn’t be paying for that…!

i’ll have another look to see if there is anything lately in a better location.

I grew up in Woodham, always wanted to live in the Lord of the Rings streets!

It does have a station

@Express0 you are quite correct. I was getting my Hockley’s and my Hadleigh’s mixed up regarding stations.

Few more in Writtle (not mine)
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/145398170#/?channel=RES_BUY

Not sure on chain on this one
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/143730800#/?channel=RES_BUY

I'm also going to view this https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/144901997#/?channel=RES_BUY I thought by the decor it was rented, but it isn't.

Looks good @startingoveragainagain i’d be viewing at different times of the day. Houses like this tend not to have enough parking for the street which may or may not be an issue for you. I’d also check that the road is adopted and there is no obligation for you to pay for the upkeep.

I know that new estate off Folly Lane. Nice area