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Renovate or buy somewhere else

8 replies

Kitty1987 · 13/02/2026 15:20

We moved into our house three years ago and at the time I thought it was everything we ever wanted. Unfortunately, the last homeowner really has done a number on us. We found out the family bathroom was not functional and when the shower was used, it leaked through the ceiling downstairs, the kitchen was falling apart, the conservatory has massive gaps in the roof which has caused leaks and the outside brickwork to this has a massive crack in it which when we look back at the pictures can see he has put plant pots in front of it to disguise this (the survey didn’t pick this up). The en-suite floor was rotten due to an ongoing leak over a number of months. Something to note we viewed the property in July but it didn’t complete until December that year so there was no way of seeing the damage in the conservatory. By that time as well, the garden decking had all but rotted and it looked horrendous. We’ve had to decorate it throughout (granted our choice but the way he’d done things before made everything so much harder). We’re in the process of changing the Conservatory to an orangery and just need to confirm with the building company that we want to go ahead. We’ve already spent around £30k, this could cost anywhere between £16-32k if the crack on the wall is a foundation issue. It also needs a new central heating system and double glazing. These are 3 big jobs but hopefully the last of them. My question is do we invest the money or do we try to find somewhere suitable for all our needs? We have 4 bedrooms and the orangery will be an office/playroom. We’ve had our house valued, we’ve made £25k on it and did have a large deposit so torn as to what to do. If we do all the above work, we potentially see ourselves there for 5-10 years. What you do.

OP posts:
canyon2000 · 13/02/2026 15:54

Do you really think you'll make £25k on it? I imagine people will knock off a lot for replacing the central heating and windows, and to fix the crack in the conservatory and replace the roof. I would stay and do the work.

LlynTegid · 13/02/2026 15:56

If you move, think of the money which goes on legal fees, estate agents, removal vans, all costs you never recover.

Tortephant · 13/02/2026 16:44

I’d stay and the work and enjoy your home.

we’re none of these “issues” picked up on your survey? Some certainly should have been.

Jellycatspyjamas · 13/02/2026 18:04

Youll easily spend that on legal fees, stamp duty and moving costs, and may still find issues in the new house that need fixed. if the house basically suits you I’d spend the money on fixing it to your own taste.

Meadowfinch · 13/02/2026 18:12

I'd fix the issues.

There is nothing to say the next house you buy, won't have issues too. Most houses do if you live in them long enough. It's a regular part of home ownership.

Plenty of new houses have bad issues too, so don't imagine that will give you a hassle free home. Five years of snagging is not rare.

bickering · 13/02/2026 21:43

What sort of survey did you get? Because if you paid for more than a valuation, there are items you mention, which should have been flagged. You may be due some compensation on the surveyor's insurance to put some of these things right. That might help your decision making?!

Geneticsbunny · 13/02/2026 22:10

If you buy a new place you could end up with similar issues. As they say, better the devil you know. Plus you will learn lots of skills from getting it fixed up.

Kitty1987 · 16/02/2026 06:04

Thanks everyone. We’ve decided to stay and do the work we want to finish the house off.

We did have a survey done when buying the house but it didn’t raise any issues bar that some of the windows didn’t open well. The company has ceased trading now - any idea where we go to make a complaint?

Really appreciate your help!

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