The last few days have been pretty hectic, in an emotional (definitely not physical, we have been really lazy) way. We were supposed to be heading off by ferry to France next week to begin our Euro travels 2009. Instead we found a house that we both felt ticked all the right boxes for us here in Southampton and have been toing and froing with offers via the estate agents. We didn't plan on buying a property until we finished our travels but Nick has been keeping an eye on the market around this particular area that we like here in the city and this particular one really does look good. We viewed it on Tuesday and since then have been going around in circles changing our life plans.
It is a total wreck, with water everywhere inside from a terrible leak and cracks on the outside that worry me a great deal. It hasn't been lived in for a while and smells awful inside. EVERYTHING need doing - electrics, knocking walls down, plasterwork, central heating....
It is a Herbert Collins house, in a listed conservation area. It is beautiful from the outside and is in an estate that feels like something straight out of Jane Austen. It has a long back garden that faces southwest, the best direction in my opinion.... three bedrooms, garage, parking, lounge and a separate dining room. So even though it needs a shit load of work it could be really really something special. These properties are very much in demand historically speaking, but with the market the way it is who knows what the future holds.
Of course it's going around and around my head that we are buying at a really bad time and the market could drop considerably so we would have to get a really good deal on it. It will be really complicated to do up as well, especially if the cracks are subsidence. And our travels would have to be put on hold. I wish someone could just say to me the right thing to do. Do we go for it (and remember it is really very rare that a Collins house crops up on the market with parking) or stop being so silly and continue with our travels??? There is no easy answer and it doesn't help that family members seem to be either extremely for it or vehemently against it.
These things are sent to try us, right?
4 comments:
Gosh what an exciting but big decision to be faced with, only you and Nick can decide (everyone else can have an opinion but it's really down to you!). I always say follow your heart not your head, not that it always helps when making such a big decision... good luck with whatever you decide!!!! xxxx
I concurr with Gem.
What did the structural engineer say? Just shout if you want to talk for a while about it.
Good luck with it all. xxx
Get a very good surveyor round so you can work out the costs of a thorough renovation job and decorating etc and how much to knock off the asking price (if any) it looks lovely though! Get all your figs and facts in place so you and Nick can make informed decision but I'm sure you guys will make the right one xxx
that was suzi by the way ;) xx
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