Semi or stretch for detached?

[Chickenandegg8]

We’re currently looking for a new house, have seen a lovely 3 bed semi that could be turned into 4 bed.
We’re in 3 bed semi right now but no one lives in the house next door (owner keeps it empty on purpose, has done since we moved in 11 years ago) so we’re very used to not hearing any neighbour noise from adjoining walls.

We could stretch to a 4 bed detached (all 3 bed detached round here feel very poky) but would mean much less financial freedom.
If we bought another 3/4 bed semi we wouldn’t have to worry.

I guess we’re worried about neighbour noise if we buy a semi with people actually living there… and if we make a mistake and end up stuck with loud neighbours!

What would others do? Is it worth it to stretch ourselves?

Detached if you can afford it

Semi if its a solid build with thick walls and space the other side. Ie probably a period property.

It depends what you mean by less financial freedom? Are we talking having to scale back your holidays at which point yes go for the detached or would the stretch wipe out your savings leaving you struggling with an unexpected repair bill, which is not a situation you want to be in?

It’s a 60’s semi.
It wouldn’t wipe us out, but would be more difficult to have holidays etc.
We currently buy our cars outright (buying 3-5 years old) one car is 13 years old with over 100k miles so will need replacing soon, buying detached house would mean buying on finance or loan. It’s things like this that worry me.

I would go for the semi and leave yourself wiggle room.

I an lucky though and my last 4 houses ( 3 rentals before the one we now own) have all been either terraced or end of terrace and have never really had a noise issue.

Detached.

You've been extremely lucky to have no neighbouring noise for so many years. I can guarantee if they have barking dogs, babies or kids running around then you wouldn't even consider a semi.

I am in a terrace and don’t hear the neighbours through the walls (well hardly ever). I do hear them in the garden though - a lot!! Detached wouldn’t prevent this.

I guess my point is that detached isn’t a fail safe against neighbour noise.

I’d go detatched. We’re in a new build end terrace and we can hear the neighbours dog yowling when they go out, or them singing along to the radio etc. It’s not super loud, and can be covered up by our own music or tv, but when we go to bed and they’re still up singing then it gets annoying.
We also have a toddler and a baby and I’m aware that the neighbours can probably hear crying and shouting and our general loud noises.
If I could get a detached house then I definitely would.