Location or living space?

[FedUp2022]

I’m recently divorced and currently renting. My two daughters (15 & 12) and I are looking to buy a house however I’m struggling to decide what is more important location or space? I’ve found a property within walking distance of town, school, train station etc which is advantageous from the obvious benefits of not having to taxi them everywhere however it only has a small kitchen and a living/dining room. The 3 bedrooms are decent sizes though. It also has an integrated garage that I could potentially convert at some point but the house is already at the top of my budget.
I’m worried that we’ll all be on top of each other and our already fractious relationships will become even worse!
Alternatively I could find something a bit bigger but it would be further out of town.
The idea of the girls being self-sufficient when it comes to school, college, jobs etc really appeals to me but I also cherish everyone’s mental wellbeing!!
any advice please?

Location for me, especially with teenagers, unless you fancy running a taxi service for the next few years or happy for them to get public transport.
A lot to be said for space obviously, but houses should fit your lifestyle and I reckon in the teen years it's much easier to live in town.

The right location house sounds big enough to me and since everyone has their own room they have their own space ?

Is the 15 year old heading to university at 18? If so, time will fly by and the best location with potential, would be great.

At those ages I’d think about post 18. 3 years is manageable.

Location. You can change things in the house over time but never location.

Location, teenagers spend a lot of time in their bedroom anyway.

Location every time. Your Dds will have their own privacy in their rooms. You really don't need to be chauffeuring them everywhere if you move to a house with larger living space and nowhere near school, friends etc.

Not sure yet….her grades are very up and down..

Thanks everyone! I think you’ve cemented what I was kind of swaying towards anyway. I’d like to see this move as a maximum 5 years move anyway so the girls will be 17 & 20 by then (hopefully the ‘20’ yrs old would’ve gone to uni anyway!)🤞🏻

@FedUp2022

On balance, even if DDs don't go to uni, they will start spend less time at home. I think convenience is best right now.

IME the older DCs are, the bigger ratio of bedroom to living space required.

Small living area with larger private, personal space, is better for all of you.

I second what everyone else is saying, that the house in the location is best. 3 good size bedrooms will give you the space to store all your clothes etc and give you all your individual space. Good luck.

You might find you bond better in a smaller space, not worse.

Uni students are home 5 months of the year I don’t know why people say they leave for food! They keep coming back.

Just had my 5th look on Rightmove today and just noticed SOLD STC across the house I’d had my eye on despite being told on Saturday that there had been no offers on it and I could have a 2nd viewing this week:( I guess everything happens for a reason….

There'll be more like that. Just be ready next time! That one might even fall through- no need to change plan just wait for the next one. I agree handy location with big bedrooms each plus convertable garage sounds great 👌

Yes, it might come back on the market - be sure to express your keen interest to the EA in case. And if you're proceedable, ask them if they have any other similar homes you could look at.

@FedUp2022

Oh dear. That probably confirms its location. I would imagine there was a buyer in the wings and they agreed the sale over the weekend. There will be other houses.