Downsizing to a dilapidated bungalow

Assuming you have fallen in love with this dilapidated bungalow then the first thing you need to do is sit down and list all the things that you have to do rather than the things that you would like to do. It might well be that the 'must do' list amounts to little more than cleaning, painting and a few repairs. Even the most antiquated accommodation can be perfectly OK for a while if clean and freshly decorated.

I'm not sure Dinahmo but I think that was what was meant. OP said that her present home has a too large garden and she's wanting to downsize partly because of that. But the bungalow sounds as though it also has a large garden, plus other negatives. It's a lot to think about and consider before making a decision though.

If you specifically want a bungalow I would say go for it as they are in short supply.

Could you afford to rent somewhere nearby, perhaps a small flat, while the refurbishment is taking place?

It could be such an exciting venture as you would end up with a home exactly matching your taste and requirements.

If the location is perfect for you then it is worth a few months of upheaval to get the perfect home.

Have you tried putting in a really cheeky offer, given all the work which needs doing?

Judecharli2

I don’t know what to do, I’m selling my house because it’s too big now and the garden is hard to manage, but the property I have found is a 1960s bungalow which needs a complete refurbishment and an extension to take out some of the garden. This will use all my profit on the house I sell, I really don’t know what to do.

Have you got the estate agents blurb? Is the bungalow on the agent's website? If you post a link that showed photographs, I would have a better idea before offering any advice.

The house next door needed a refurb when the elderly owner went into a home. The new owners thought they’d made a good deal on the purchase price. However, by the they’d finished doing it up, they realise they’d paid too much for the house. Even with ‘mates’ rates’ favours from their friends, the newbies were well out of pocket. Check your renovation costing very carefully before committing to this bungalow. It could become a nightmare. Already you seem to have fallen out of love with it.

You know the answer to your question already, Judecharli2 You don't need to ask it. If you have doubts, it is not the house for you.

There have to be better choices

I would keep looking

My sister bought a dilapidated bungalow and they have added an extension at the front, en-suite, kitchen , floors, roof - everything. It now looks gorgeous, but it was a year of living in one room and / or staying with friends and relatives. However, they did buy it cheaply and spent as much again on the renovations. They wouldn’t do it again but love it now.

Only you can make that decision, but if you are going to go ahead and carry out major work then do have an in depth structural survey. There could be a lot of nasties that aren’t obvious and they could be very expensive to put right.