House purchase, why didn't I!!!!
Discussion
This thread is aimed at those who viewed a house for sale and thought 'nah, not for me' and then regret later, when it's to late.
My story is going back to the 80's, we viewed a lovely old house built in the 1920's. Stood in its own nice garden with a short winding drive leading up to the house. It was a flat roofed house, which put me off immeadiately, crital windows another put off. Elderly lady and husband had lived in this house for decades and done very little in the way of improvements or decor'. We could just about stretch to buying but thought in view of improvements required we will keep looking.
Thinking back now that was an original Art Deco house in original order as built, How I regret not snapping that gem up, as an Art Deco fan I now realise exactly what my younger self missed out on.
I can't be alone in missing a gem, can I?
My story is going back to the 80's, we viewed a lovely old house built in the 1920's. Stood in its own nice garden with a short winding drive leading up to the house. It was a flat roofed house, which put me off immeadiately, crital windows another put off. Elderly lady and husband had lived in this house for decades and done very little in the way of improvements or decor'. We could just about stretch to buying but thought in view of improvements required we will keep looking.
Thinking back now that was an original Art Deco house in original order as built, How I regret not snapping that gem up, as an Art Deco fan I now realise exactly what my younger self missed out on.
I can't be alone in missing a gem, can I?
I have missed out on a few homes but all were because either I was outbid and couldn't afford to pay any more or because my circumstances changed and I couldn't afford it.
Most were purely profit making opportunities but one I walked into and it felt "right" it was a one off design, built in the 60's and it hadn't been touched, it really wasn't my thing but I went to view as it was in the right area and had some land - I loved it - even the bottle green tiles in the bathroom.
However my verbal job offer never materialised so I couldn't afford it - I now live within 1/2 mile, in a much better place but every time I pass the lane I think about it.
I've just googled to find pics and I find the buyer has completely "renovated" it
Most were purely profit making opportunities but one I walked into and it felt "right" it was a one off design, built in the 60's and it hadn't been touched, it really wasn't my thing but I went to view as it was in the right area and had some land - I loved it - even the bottle green tiles in the bathroom.
However my verbal job offer never materialised so I couldn't afford it - I now live within 1/2 mile, in a much better place but every time I pass the lane I think about it.
I've just googled to find pics and I find the buyer has completely "renovated" it
Don't know about "why didn't I", but I sold a 5 bed cottage in our local village, lovely old place, extended several times over the years, (inc by us), wood burner and oak beams, and moved up the road to a big old drafty barn. Wife hates it, and kids think it's 'scruffy'. It always seems cold here, and the heating bill is huge.
I drive past the old place,and often think, why did we sell that.....
I drive past the old place,and often think, why did we sell that.....
Viewed a house a few weeks ago. 1950s built, original kitchen and bathroom, house full of clutter. Really struggled to see the potential so we passed it up. A week later, a property with the same floorplan came on but had been completely renovated and also extended, but even the original rooms looked a lot better without all the clutter of the first house. It inspired me to call up for a second viewing on the first house but it had already sold.
Not devastating, but in a sought after village where properties don't come on the market very often, it was slightly disappointing.
Not devastating, but in a sought after village where properties don't come on the market very often, it was slightly disappointing.
Twice - in Woking years ago this elderly gent (chap even invited me round for tea) was selling his house - nice spacious detached house which would be worth way into 6 figures today (but needed a new roof). Estate agent told me it was under offer but I think he fibbed to me. Lesson learnt. Second time in Earlsfield - corner house - vendor wanted £100k over valuation and I even went as far as midway towards asking. I should have gone for it, went for something in [then] cheaper Southfields and got gazumped.
not missed as such, but when i purchased my first property my main thought was it was only me so i didnt need a big house, ( i was 21), so bought a flat for £49k, At the time the EA said to me there's another flat in the same block did i want to buy that one as well , ( i was earning ok at the time and could have got a mortgage for £130k
Those flats now rent at £1400 a month and would have rented at £500+ a month at the time, mortgage was £239 for the flat i bought
More to the point the EA obviously kept sending me properties that were for sale for by max budget, but I was not interested. whats did i know!
Those same properties are now £800-900K and I would have been mortgage free. I'm now after separation from the ex, struggling to buy a dump for £400k.
I f*cked up being a stupid ignorant 21 yr old, who know nothing about property other than how far it was to walk to the pub!
Those flats now rent at £1400 a month and would have rented at £500+ a month at the time, mortgage was £239 for the flat i bought
More to the point the EA obviously kept sending me properties that were for sale for by max budget, but I was not interested. whats did i know!
Those same properties are now £800-900K and I would have been mortgage free. I'm now after separation from the ex, struggling to buy a dump for £400k.
I f*cked up being a stupid ignorant 21 yr old, who know nothing about property other than how far it was to walk to the pub!
crankedup said:
This thread is aimed at those who viewed a house for sale and thought 'nah, not for me' and then regret later, when it's to late.
My story is going back to the 80's, we viewed a lovely old house built in the 1920's. Stood in its own nice garden with a short winding drive leading up to the house. It was a flat roofed house, which put me off immeadiately, crital windows another put off. Elderly lady and husband had lived in this house for decades and done very little in the way of improvements or decor'. We could just about stretch to buying but thought in view of improvements required we will keep looking.
Thinking back now that was an original Art Deco house in original order as built, How I regret not snapping that gem up, as an Art Deco fan I now realise exactly what my younger self missed out on.
I can't be alone in missing a gem, can I?
You could have even rented it out as a set for 'Poirot' My story is going back to the 80's, we viewed a lovely old house built in the 1920's. Stood in its own nice garden with a short winding drive leading up to the house. It was a flat roofed house, which put me off immeadiately, crital windows another put off. Elderly lady and husband had lived in this house for decades and done very little in the way of improvements or decor'. We could just about stretch to buying but thought in view of improvements required we will keep looking.
Thinking back now that was an original Art Deco house in original order as built, How I regret not snapping that gem up, as an Art Deco fan I now realise exactly what my younger self missed out on.
I can't be alone in missing a gem, can I?
'High and Over' in Amersham did exactly that.
Nearly bought this place for £150k in 2001. 2 bedroom ex-governesses cottage, came with a river and a railway in the garden, plus a 17 acre field.
Decided it was a bit too far to commute every day (about 40 mins) so bought a place in 5 mins from work in town. Then changed jobs and had a 30 min commute anyway...
Interestingly, it was at the time owned by the Keyboard player from The Cure. The spare room was full of keyboards, mixing desks and guitars, and lots of gold and silver discs etc on the walls.
I dont really have any of these although I got outbid on a property I regret not just going all in on. My grandfather however was advised years ago that the cottage he was renting in Lyndhurst(middle of the New Forest) was over priced at £6000, so they live the rest of their lives renting 
Funnily enough one in the same row is now £325 http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/prope...
Funnily enough one in the same row is now £325 http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/prope...motco said:
crankedup said:
This thread is aimed at those who viewed a house for sale and thought 'nah, not for me' and then regret later, when it's to late.
My story is going back to the 80's, we viewed a lovely old house built in the 1920's. Stood in its own nice garden with a short winding drive leading up to the house. It was a flat roofed house, which put me off immeadiately, crital windows another put off. Elderly lady and husband had lived in this house for decades and done very little in the way of improvements or decor'. We could just about stretch to buying but thought in view of improvements required we will keep looking.
Thinking back now that was an original Art Deco house in original order as built, How I regret not snapping that gem up, as an Art Deco fan I now realise exactly what my younger self missed out on.
I can't be alone in missing a gem, can I?
You could have even rented it out as a set for 'Poirot' My story is going back to the 80's, we viewed a lovely old house built in the 1920's. Stood in its own nice garden with a short winding drive leading up to the house. It was a flat roofed house, which put me off immeadiately, crital windows another put off. Elderly lady and husband had lived in this house for decades and done very little in the way of improvements or decor'. We could just about stretch to buying but thought in view of improvements required we will keep looking.
Thinking back now that was an original Art Deco house in original order as built, How I regret not snapping that gem up, as an Art Deco fan I now realise exactly what my younger self missed out on.
I can't be alone in missing a gem, can I?
'High and Over' in Amersham did exactly that.That is exactly the style of house, beautiful isn't it. The house we looked at wasn't as big or quite as featured , it it brings back those memories.
crankedup said:
motco said:
crankedup said:
This thread is aimed at those who viewed a house for sale and thought 'nah, not for me' and then regret later, when it's to late.
My story is going back to the 80's, we viewed a lovely old house built in the 1920's. Stood in its own nice garden with a short winding drive leading up to the house. It was a flat roofed house, which put me off immeadiately, crital windows another put off. Elderly lady and husband had lived in this house for decades and done very little in the way of improvements or decor'. We could just about stretch to buying but thought in view of improvements required we will keep looking.
Thinking back now that was an original Art Deco house in original order as built, How I regret not snapping that gem up, as an Art Deco fan I now realise exactly what my younger self missed out on.
I can't be alone in missing a gem, can I?
You could have even rented it out as a set for 'Poirot' My story is going back to the 80's, we viewed a lovely old house built in the 1920's. Stood in its own nice garden with a short winding drive leading up to the house. It was a flat roofed house, which put me off immeadiately, crital windows another put off. Elderly lady and husband had lived in this house for decades and done very little in the way of improvements or decor'. We could just about stretch to buying but thought in view of improvements required we will keep looking.
Thinking back now that was an original Art Deco house in original order as built, How I regret not snapping that gem up, as an Art Deco fan I now realise exactly what my younger self missed out on.
I can't be alone in missing a gem, can I?
'High and Over' in Amersham did exactly that.That is exactly the style of house, beautiful isn't it. The house we looked at wasn't as big or quite as featured , it it brings back those memories.
And, no, I didn't appreciate what a stupendous building it was then either!
motco said:
Subject to planning you could even live in it!
Hoover Building apartments
Now that is simply sensational!!!! Wonder about the purchase price of a two bedder, lots I would imagine. But what a building and that interior entrance is just breath taking. I'm in love.Hoover Building apartments
djt100 said:
not missed as such, but when i purchased my first property my main thought was it was only me so i didnt need a big house, ( i was 21), so bought a flat for £49k, At the time the EA said to me there's another flat in the same block did i want to buy that one as well , ( i was earning ok at the time and could have got a mortgage for £130k
Those flats now rent at £1400 a month and would have rented at £500+ a month at the time, mortgage was £239 for the flat i bought
More to the point the EA obviously kept sending me properties that were for sale for by max budget, but I was not interested. whats did i know!
Those same properties are now £800-900K and I would have been mortgage free. I'm now after separation from the ex, struggling to buy a dump for £400k.
I f*cked up being a stupid ignorant 21 yr old, who know nothing about property other than how far it was to walk to the pub!
Very similar story here.Those flats now rent at £1400 a month and would have rented at £500+ a month at the time, mortgage was £239 for the flat i bought
More to the point the EA obviously kept sending me properties that were for sale for by max budget, but I was not interested. whats did i know!
Those same properties are now £800-900K and I would have been mortgage free. I'm now after separation from the ex, struggling to buy a dump for £400k.
I f*cked up being a stupid ignorant 21 yr old, who know nothing about property other than how far it was to walk to the pub!
I wouldn't *have* to work at the moment had I made a couple of decisions different back in 2001-ish.
I was so far away from the thought of buying a property in 2001 it isnt true. I was in my early 20s and renting a flat in middle of town and going out on the raz felt like it would last forever, that and I did a 4 X my salary and thought well Ill never be able to buy a house in my life. Fortunately a job in sales and a lax mortgage system got me on the ladder.
boyse7en said:
Nearly bought this place for £150k in 2001. 2 bedroom ex-governesses cottage, came with a river and a railway in the garden, plus a 17 acre field.
Decided it was a bit too far to commute every day (about 40 mins) so bought a place in 5 mins from work in town. Then changed jobs and had a 30 min commute anyway...
Interestingly, it was at the time owned by the Keyboard player from The Cure. The spare room was full of keyboards, mixing desks and guitars, and lots of gold and silver discs etc on the walls.
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