Am I right to want a house over my flat?

[BornInBradford]

I’m in a very lucky position where, since buying my flat four years ago, my salary has doubled and I can now afford to buy a house, with a mortgage, in the same area I live in already. The thing is that I am single without kids, so strictly don’t need a house, it’s just a preference. In favour of it are - escaping the music from upstairs, not having to worry about my dog disturbing others in the building, having more space for guests and a friend who may come and live with me, and just that sense of control that comes with owning a house. Downsides are mostly the huge hassle and costs involved with moving, although I wouldn’t lose money on my flat. I don’t see myself meeting anyone who I would buy with any time soon, so not holding out for a change in circumstances, but not sure whether it’s mad or selfish to be thinking of this as a single person?

Of course you aren't. Congratulations on your promotion. Buy a house. I suspect most men in the same situation wouldn't even give it a second thought. You have worked hard and are allowed to have nice things.

Its your home and your budget . You are entirely free to live as you choose . Personally I d nearly always go for houses over flats as (usually )

1. Freehold
2. Private back garden

Surely you know it’s fine, for all the reasons listed. People buy homes they want to live in, not to be selfless.

Of course you can buy any property you like! Buy a 7 bed mansion if you want.

Go for it! I bought my first house in my mid-40s with my now partner after years of living alone in flats. If I could've done it sooner, I would've jumped at the chance!

Also single and was in a similar position so I can empathise. It feels a bit selfish to want all that space, I get it. It can be horrible having noise above or below you when you live in flats as well as usually having no outdoor space to hang about in. I always say to everyone never buy a flat if you can afford a house.

Great idea, do it. Its an investment for the future.

It’s a no brainier. Buy a house! Nothing worse than living in a flat with restrictions and noisy neighbours.The hassle and cost of the move will be worth it.

Think of it as giving up a flat for someone who can’t afford a house, you would be doing them a favour. Enjoy your house!

This.

I've lived in several flats but own garden to hang washing and to and have a BBQ beats even the best of them.

I used to wonder why MIL would hand wring about how "big" the small three bed (just) terrace house was for just them - to find neigbour was telling her this all the time- same neighbour now just her and partner their house same size isn't too big for just two of them .

Congratulations on your salary increase OP.
Go for it!
You work to build the life you want to live. Invest in your future. Give yourself options and possibilities!
Happy house hunting.

Of course that’s okay - providing it is within your means to do so, absolutely. Having a house brings a bit more space, being freehold and a garden hopefully (all that washing you can hang out yay!). I say this as someone living in a flat, I don’t hate it but if a house was an option financially, then I would.

Who is going to clean the gutters?

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate the encouragement, and helpful points you’ve made there about the advantages of a house, and how it does at least make my flat available for someone else. I think I’ll call an estate agent to get the ball rolling.

No brainer. Always better to buy a house rather than a flat. There are all the advantages you have mention of less issues with noise from other neighbours, and worrying about disturbing them.

The main advantage is houses are normally freehold, so you are master of your own destiny. Unlike flats which you never really own - leasehold is just a very long term rental. No services charges or ground rent etc to worry about.

Houses are a much better investment.

I remember when I was looking for my first property.
Single FTB, I was not in a relationship at the time and (in the short term at least) there was nothing to indicate there would be anyone other than me living there.

The EA's seemed determined to point me towards flats or 1-bed starter houses whereas I was very definite in wanting a 3-bed semi with driveway.
In the end I found the house I was eventually to go on to buy (EA had not shown it to me) with the EA still saying "you don't want that, it's a family sized home".

At the beginning, I did think that a larger house would be handy if I had to take in a lodger (things were very tight and I had already moved 20-miles away from friends/family/job to afford the house) but it did not take long to realise that I loved the space without having to share it.

How exciting! I hope you find a wonderful house!

This is not selfish, snd well done for being able to achieve this. The space will be better for you snd your dog, and no lire leasehold fees, overhead neighbours etc! Go for it!