House on the Market

We moved 10 years ago to a new build, one of two only, in an established road of mixed housing. To reiterate what others have said draw up a check list of what you consider essential, ie area, and type of house. Then desirables, ie large kitchen and so on. Every time we saw a house we referred to list so that we would not be swayed by "falling in love" with something unsuitable. You will have to compromise of course but it's better not to compromise on essentials otherwise it won't work. I hope you find something that suits you, but be prepared for a sometimes stressful time, in the end it's worth it. I agree Framilode that the English system is not fit for purpose. I am another "meditator" craftyone. It keeps me sane (ish). So sorry for your situation Whiff and hope it resolves soon. Also bikergran.

yes bikergran, aspect is very important, was on my list when house hunting and definitely not s facing for me. Ok I have a s facing home right now, with massive triple glazed windows and solar shading, so I can control how much heat I let in. I see EAs list houses as s facing as though it is an asset, well it isn`t in a raging hot summer in the uk. I wanted E/W and I found it, windows at both ends and very light. Morning sun at one end and afternoon sun at the other

I have open plan here and love it but I wanted a living room with a stove and a door, separate from the kitchen. I will have basic 2 rooms downstairs, sitting room, kitchen/diner, tiny utility and downstairs loo

I am sorry that you aren`t happy bikergran. If we had better and secure renting conditions here, as in much of the continent, then people would sell and move into no-maintenance rented. Buying can trap us and these big builders, well they fill their show homes with glitz so it becomes hard to see past that, to examine the development plan and house layout

Like many others I have to face the fact that I should downsize and not leave it too late. I'm 68 and fit but already the decorating and garden are beginning to be too much and on my own I don't need the space. I have no family near, my son lives abroad and my daughter lives the other end of the country.

Recently I visited a friend in Spain and was surprised how reasonable apartments were on her complex.Her maintenance charge was less than my council tax and that included the upkeep of beautiful gardens and pool. Id never thought about moving there myself but I;m certainly thinking about it now.