HELP ME CHOOSE

[user1485851222]

2 properties to choose from, this will be our last move,

House 1 - Bungalow, needs new kitchen, bathroom, carpets, decoration thru out. Garage attached. Great views. Nonstandard construction, so people have trouble getting a mortgage, we don't need one. But when we die, DS would probably have to sell to builder or similar, or cash buyer.

House 2, terrace, can walk in and drop our bags and make it to our taste over time. Bathroom is ok, but we would alter to our specifications in time. Garage, but not attached, it is located abit away from property, (30 sec walk), country lane to get to, think pull over to let car coming from opposite direction to pass.

Could get them for the same price, obviously bungalow would need money spent on it, straight away.

Give me your choices. TIA 😊

For me it would hugely depend on what the Bungalow was actually constructed from.
If it’s just a thatched roof I’d be tempted, if it’s anything that’s going to mean costly repairs over time then I’d go for the terrace

It's a woolaway construction so concrete panels. Woolaway houses were classed as defective, but allegedly bungalows weren't.

I’d be so wary of a house that would be difficult to sell. Terrace for me.

I'd go for the terrace. I rent a non standard construction house from the council and it's cold and creaky

The terrace because of the construction issue.

I would go for the terrace too. The other one would make me nervous and I wouldn't buy a house not made from bricks.

Terrace

Thank you, good to hear off someone who lives in one.

The terrace because of the construction of the bungalow. But if it was made from brick I'd choose the bungalow

Bungalow. Future-proofed for any mobility issues, great views, you can (and have to) make it your own from the get-go. Don't make your decision on what might happen after your death, decide on your lives now.

@user1485851222 you are very welcome. Good luck with your search 🔍 💐

Yeah I think I’ll have to go with terrace. It’s the woolaway that did it. I know the bungalows weren’t designated defective, but it would a constant worry for me. And heating it without a brick layer added would be a nightmare

I'd keep looking x

If it is going to be your last house, I’d be thinking longer term. You might end up unable to manage stairs for example. However the bungalow sounds a liability for resale.
I think I’d keep looking, neither seem quite right.

Ahhhhhhh this is my dilemma, I thought go for it, but then think well it's part of DS inheritance and it could be a white elephant. Never thought I'd consider a nonstandard, but my head is all over the place, trying to choose.

I’d keep looking as neither sound suitable . I wouldn’t buy anything nonstandard construction so the bungalow is out and if you don’t plan to move again your average terrace may not work

Research tells me that there are about 20 lenders who will offer a mortgage on a woolaway bungalow currently so may not be the future problem you are worrying about. Also read that some people 'convert' them by replacing some of the concrete walls with brick (obviously an expensive option) but they don't appear to be as problematic at the houses. If we were to move I'd go for the bungalow for future proofing - the terrace doesn't sound great with parking away from the house on a narrow road (and where do your bins live and do other people have right of access to your front or rear gardens?)

Yes to buying a bungalow, if it is to be your final move, flexibility is key.
However if that particular one is problematic, keep looking.

Look for a different bungalow I think

I wouldn’t buy either of them.

Is the terrace's garage your only place for parking? Parking a car (or worse, two) in streets of terraces can be awful.

I think I would also keep looking. It's not just mortgages but insurers don't like non-standard construction either, plus that bungalow needs a LOT of work. The terrace sounds more your cup of tea inside, but there's the potential for noise from neighbours through the walls to contend with. I had a gunnel between my living room and my terrace neighbours and I still knew immediately every time Liverpool scored, he did not roar quietly. They were just noisy people, it drove me bonkers and I couldn't wait to move.

Between a non standard construction and a terrace, I'd take a terrace. Though you say this will be your last home, you never know what life has in store for you so personally I'd always make a decision that leaves me with the most options should the unforeseeable occur. Wish you a the best.