Crazy to consider this old house?

[sunnyday2025]

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/159670037

I am renting and have been looking to buy for the last 6 months.

This house has come on the market and I’ve fallen in love with it despite me vowing never to buy an old property again.

It’s not listed.

I know the property, through a friend of a friend and it has been well maintained. The garden is just beautiful.

What should I be aware of so I make a sensible, head led decision.

We have literally squat all idea about your finances, experience, circumstances

my questions are around potential costs of its upkeep assuming it’s structurally sound, windows and electrics/plumbing ok

What should I be aware of so I make a sensible, head led decision.

You bought an old house in the past and swore off them

so I suspect you will know more than most!

Thanks for the advice

If it isn't listed than that's one thing off your back. I'd say go for it, but maybe order a higher level of survey given the age and you can walk away if anything terrible is revealed. Honestly, you'll probably find it has less problems than a new build given it's remained upright that long!

It's a lovely house and looks in great condition.

Its a gorgeous house I like it a lot. What you need yo ask yourself is. Does the pros of this house outdo the cons of a older property and what that brings.
That will give you the answer that is right for you.

Have you viewed it yet? It's very keenly priced. Are you handy at all for fixing things if anything comes to light after you've bought it?

It's a gorgeous property, I can see why you fell in love with it!

It certainly has character. I'm not sure what upkeep all the beans would need, but assume an annual re-coat of oil? Are the ceilings tall enough to not bang your heads? Have you viewed at different times of the day to see if its dark/cold etc?

1 question- if its only just on the market, why are all the photos showing the garden in full summer bloom? Was it on the market last year and fell through?

Nothing obvious is jumping out at me that might be a potential problem. On a viewing, I'd scrutinise the beams for signs of woodworm and double check that the windows are double glazed (they look it from the outside but I'm not so sure when I look at them from the inside pics).

It’s a beautiful house so I can totally get why you’ve fallen in love with it. I’ve no idea about costs but I’m pretty sure it will be more expensive to maintain.
The thing that would put me off more would be the low ceilings in the bedrooms. Is there enough space for storage etc .

If it ticks the location, space and layout boxes, then time to get practical.

Good points - it's on mains water, drainage and electricity. That is quite unusual for a period house and means the maintenance of oil and septic tanks and boreholes will not be an issue.

Then if your offer is accepted, I would get a good/specialised survey paying particular attention to electrics, drainage and damp. And roof. Is there a bit of damp in picture 9 for eg?

Then going forward you want to think about upkeep, so for eg what kind of construction the walls are will dictate decoration (use breathable and sympathetic paint for eg). Is there cement render on the chimney which might crack?

I mean, these are things that aren't a problem if you have the means to sort out repairs as and when they occur. Anything can be fixed and no listing suggests this will be easier to do. But you have to feel comfortable financially that you can do that and also importantly, you know reliable trades people.

Lovely garden I agree. Is this a re-listing? The alliums are in bloom. I don't think it's hot enough yet in Suffolk for that?!

Thanks All
I think the photos are from last year when the garden was at its best. It’s not been on the market in recent history.

The windows are single glazed (I have my spies!) which would
be a big cost to replace although being a cottage there are no large glazing panels.

No i’m not really handy but happy to learn basic diy and find local tradespeople

On the surface it looks idyllic. I think you've found an absolute gem. It doesn't look like a massive fixer upper so I don't foresee any massive issues (but I'd definitely get a level 3 survey done just in case). Good luck if you decide to go ahead!

I think it's gorgeous and know that area.
It's lovely and keenly priced. I'd want to get it repainted in the Suffolk pink colour!

I think it’s lovely and it’s the sort of thing I would buy.

I would consider the following.

Get a full structural survey - this will tell you the major things like the roof etc and point out the massive potential problems.

Ask the current owners re heating/utility costs - I’d even consider asking to see their bills (this would depend on how much competition there is though).

Id also try and do the US thing as well - turn on taps/shower (test water pressure and drainage, see how well heating works. Although this could be something the surveyor does?

Im currently renting and have secondary double glazing - it’s much better and more liveable with than I had ever thought.

It totally depends on your finances whether it becomes a money pit, or a “lovely doer-up”.

I would.

I would also pay for a rather thorough survey too. It is non-standard construction, and even things like the wrong sort of paint on the walls could cause problems in a house that age.

It’s not listed! I live in an old listed house, which is a real pain. You’ve got an unlisted old house there, which will make things easier and cheaper.
I think it’s lovely.

So you have already lived in an old house and promised you wouldn’t again…. What made you feel that way?

Oh isn’t that a beauty! And it’s been done really well. I love it!

It is lovely but that garden is high maintenance

It says added on 20/3/25, but all of the outside photos are in summer. Have they had a sale fall through? It was clearly originally listed 6-9 months ago. I would be questioning what's wrong with it.

It's stood this long. I imagine it takes a fortune to heat, but no one buys a place like this for purely sensible reasons. It is beautiful.

It may be my eyes, but am I right in thinking the kitchen has no upper cupboards, no range-hood, no dishwasher, no fridge?

I would have loved it, 40 years ago. I'm too old now.

Gorgeous, OP. And a good price imo. I'd get a really thorough survey and then go for it.