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Which house would you keep: Victorian terrace or modern townhouse?

108 replies

HouseXorHouseY · 30/04/2026 20:47

Please help, I'm driving myself crazy! If you were me, which of these two houses would you choose?

House X: in a great area of a vibrant city. It only has on street parking, which is very busy. It's close to cafes, shops, and friends. It's a terraced victorian, five bedrooms but two of them small, only one main bathroom and a downstairs loo under the stairs going off the kitchen. It has lots of niggly little problems and is a high maintenance house but also has lots of lovely features, eg log burner.

House Y: quiet area in a market town about fifteen minutes away from the city where the other house is. This house is terraced as well but with a slightly staggered design so it feels more private, and the road is much more spacious with a little green area in front of the house. It has a garage at the back. It's a modern house and has no niggly problems, but no great features either. It's a blank canvas and is easy maintenance. It has four double bedrooms, a downstairs toilet plus a main bathroom and an ensuite. It is a similar square footage, just a little smaller but better layout. It is closer to youngest DC's school (7 mins versus 20).

For context, I am 50, single, with two young adult DC and one teen aged 14. Both the adult DC will probably be bouncing back and forth from uni for a few years. I currently live in House X. House Y is from an inheritance. I need to sell one of these houses and I can't decide which. I am tired and going through menopause so the modern house appeals for the low maintenance, but I would also have the upheaval of a move. Of course, in this climate I might not be able to sell, but apparently in the area where House A is the market is still ok/resilient. What do you think? Thank you!

OP posts:
ElliePhant28 · Yesterday 21:22

House X basically because of location and amenities. I’d use the funds from Y for a few improvements. When the kids move on, buy a modern flat in the city. As you age, amenities and friends will be very important.

Melarus · Yesterday 21:31

House X. My teen DCs and I love being able to walk out the door and get to all these interesting places. No need to ask for lifts.

Can you get double glazing? That will really cut your energy bills.

MeetMeOnTheCorner · Yesterday 22:02

@ElliePhant28As you age a garden is important! Not having my own outside space would not suit me.

ElliePhant28 · Yesterday 22:05

MeetMeOnTheCorner · Yesterday 22:02

@ElliePhant28As you age a garden is important! Not having my own outside space would not suit me.

yes I'm planning to have a terrace or balcony

HouseXorHouseY · Today 07:59

I just want to say thank you everyone for your thoughts on this. I have decided to aim to sell Y first, then move from X to a more suitable house myself in three or four years. But if Y doesn't sell quickly I'll stick X on the market as well and if it sells first I will do a very temporary move to Y while looking for a new home. It would mean moving twice, but I actually don't mind that. I just can't keep two houses!

OP posts:
Delatron · Today 09:06

That sounds like a very good decision OP. I wish you luck!

SethBrogan · Today 09:53

I’d keep house X. You seem to value its location and house Y doesn’t have enough additional positives (e.g. being detached) to make the move more viable.

Iloveshihtzus · Today 10:06

HouseXorHouseY · Today 07:59

I just want to say thank you everyone for your thoughts on this. I have decided to aim to sell Y first, then move from X to a more suitable house myself in three or four years. But if Y doesn't sell quickly I'll stick X on the market as well and if it sells first I will do a very temporary move to Y while looking for a new home. It would mean moving twice, but I actually don't mind that. I just can't keep two houses!

This is a great plan OP.

I know people have a love of characterful houses on MN and an irrational hatred towards new builds, but I have lived in old houses and new and the older I get, the more I veer towards new! The cost of heating and upkeep in old houses is so huge.

Our next move will be to modern - maybe an apartment if DC are grown up.

I think an eventual move to a 3rd house is the best plan. Good luck.

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