WWYD: Regency Flat vs 1970s Flat

[ipsfelqa]

Both flats are in the same area. Similar prices. I prefer Flat A but dh prefers Flat B.

Flat A: Early Victorian/Regency one bedroom flat. Huge rooms, but the only bathroom is MINISCULE and off the bedroom. Gorgeous original features. Marble fireplace. 12ft ceilings. Cornicing. Mahogany doors. Sash windows. No outside space. Some passing road traffic outside. Price: £600k.

Flat B: 1970s one bedroom flat in brutalist style. It's about 25% bigger than Flat A. Separate bathroom and toilet. Quite 'cool' and sought after development. Has a small outdoor patio area. No traffic as it's set far from the road. Price £650k.

Flat B is a lot more practical and but Flat A is more my style.

Flat A every time for me!

Flat A is more my style too, but it will be freezing in winter and no outdoor space is quite a biggy

Personally I'd pick B. My decorating style is more mid-century so would suit it better, but the massive difference for me would be getting outside space. I would absolutely hate to live somewhere with no outdoor space.

Flat B. Practicality trump style every time, and sounds like the location is better also.

For 50k more can you find a flat like A with a bit of outside space ?

No - Flat A with outside space would probably be £730k

But that's because it's only the Ground Floor and 1st Floor Regency flats that have terraces. So it isn't just the outside space pushing the price up. We don't want basement due to low ceilings/light.

Flat A

What is the share of the maintenance on Flat A? Has any recent maintenance been carried out?

That's a hard choice... I like Victorian architecture but I like Brutalist style too and flat B sounds like it has quite a few advantages.

Would probably go for flat B tbh as long as it's not "too" ugly.

Personally flat b. But I like to be outside.

Do you want to sit outside at all? Are either of you likely to invite people round? A separate bathroom might be better if you do. Do you both like to be at home? In which case space might be a better option. As pp said - maintenance has any been done or planned for either property? Is either property better in area - in that it’s nearest to what you need eg trains/work/family/hobbies?

BBBBBBBBBBBBB!!
Simply for the outside space and bigger rooms.
Bet it has bigger windows and more light too.
Plus having bathroom off bedroom means everyone ( visitors) traipsing through the bedroom for the loo.
I love 1970s architecture.

What sells more readily? Is the exterior good on both? What about concrete in 1960s one if it’s Brutalist? Is it more sought after due to location or ease of living? Bathroom via bedroom is a difficult one for guests.

B for me. But do check the ongoing service charges of both.

Oh tricky. Is there no communal garden you can use with flat A? Or are there others like flat A with communal gardens? How far is the nearest park?

Is there any scope for rejigging the layout to get more bathroom space? if you have a partner it’s going to be a total pain trying to get ready in the morning/at night with one teeny tiny bathroom.

Flat B. My personal taste veers more towards older houses, but cool Brutalist flats still have plenty of character, and the outdoor space would bring me more happiness than cornicing would, and sash windows can be a pain.

Neither of them are thin-walled new builds

Also - any kids, or kids on the horizon within 5 years? If so then flat B.

I think the only toilet going through a bedroom is a deal breaker for me.

Flat B for me for the outside space, also less traffic noise! X

You also need to consider running costs.
Gas
Electricity
Council Tax
Water and sewerage
Builds and contents Insurance.

Personally I would go for B. You spend more time inside looking out, than outside looking in and I expect that B would be more cost effective to run ..

Style wise I'd want flat A. But between these two I'd go for flat B for 2 reasons
1 the outside space
2 the bathroom. I wouldn't want to have a small one off a bedroom.

B because having the only toilet off a bedroom would be non negotiable. Would hate guests to have to walk through my bedroom to get there.

Absolutely flat B and I say that as someone who would prefer the style of flat A. You’ll get used to how pretty it is and what to live your life. You’ll outgrow it quickly.

Flat B for me. Have lived in high ceiling places. Bloody nightmare to get to a comfortable temperature when sitting at sofa level. Also like to have private outside space for that cup of tea or glass of wine - priceless.

A! I dream of living in a flat like that!