Would you buy a bungalow that you didn't like?

Yes it does cost a lot to move and then there’s the ‘doing up’ fund you need if it’s an old property. A mistake would be heartbreaking.

I think you have to feel that not only will you love the property but that it will also love you back.

I looked at lots of bungalows that, on paper, should have been good but I just didn't like them. Purely by chance I checked Rightmove one day and a semi detached bungalow had literally just been added. I had only been looking at detached before. I went to look at it and it was cluttered. The carpets were worn and the garden was overgrown. However I could see beyond that and knew I could be happy there. The kitchen and bathroom were fairly new and of a good quality. Three and a half years on, I am very happy. It was the right decision. Like others have said, you will know if it's for you.

The new builds are almost twice my budget and not very close in either.
I'd rather have a dated old thing that hasn't been 'improved' , then I won't feel bad about ripping stuff out that is at the end of its useful life.
I do feel better after this thread though, and I thank you all for writing in. I felt so low this morning when I started, and now feel it's ok to reject the dark boxes and be a little more picky. I haven't spoken to anyone in person for six days so it's probably that adding to the general sense of gloom and doom.

One level living is very desirable these days whether you're young or old. Keep searching.

I've just done a virtual tour of one which looked promising at first glance and also looked on street view.
At least we didn't waste a visit.

It's very dispiriting.
It costs such a lot to move that it's just not worth moving to somewhere you dislike.

Are there any new builds near you? I saw some rather nice but very small bungalows on a new site, looked bright and had small gardens, but not anywhere near where we want to be.

Good luck. I think it will help if they feel as you do about it. I think you do get the idea that because you are older you ought to like a bungalow, but some of them are dreadful.

Urmstongran

I think you get a ‘gut feeling’ when you view a property. You know within 5 minutes. Tune in.

I think you will know when you walk into the right bungalow/flat.

I agree with both of you.

PerserverencePays

I didn't think this was going to be so hard, aware this is problem comes from a position of privilege. I don't love any of them, would settle for a like.

Oh, I know just how you feel PerseverancePays

If only they would build some new, suitable housing, bungalows or at least with an extra room and shower room downstairs, for older people which would release family homes for families.

They are all dreadful.

I have a dear friend who lives locally to take with me, so I'll have a second opinion.

If you have sold your house then you become a cash buyer which makes you much more popular with estate agents and buyers as you are proceedable. Don’t go for something you don’t like. As a cash buyer you have more power.

Just thought have you anyone you can take with you? My DSs looked at the bungalow with me it was one of them that spotted the insulation problem and caused me to put in a low offer. When I found this flat the other one who had kept quiet about things said "Thank God, I thought you were going to buy that awful bungalow". He knew this flat was right for me.

@chewbacca, this is something I dread, that I'll keep telling myself I like it when really, I don't, and then I'll be stuck with it.

Thanks peeps, I'll be going in tomorrow to have a look and from the overwhelming consensus here I'll have faith that if it's not right to walk away.

I think you get a ‘gut feeling’ when you view a property. You know within 5 minutes. Tune in.

I think you will know when you walk into the right bungalow/flat.

I most certainly would not purchase something i felt iffy about.

Could you rent until you find the house that is the right one ?

I bought mine 3 years ago and, although I didn't love it, it was perfectly positioned and ticked a lot of the boxes. I thought that with a bit of tlc and putting the defects right, I would learn to at least like it. I've chucked ££££'s at it in the last 3 years and I still don't like it.

Never go for dark.

I downsized from a three storey terrace with garden. Thought I wanted outside space or a balcony. I have neither but a first floor flat with big light rooms. Loved it instantly.
Huge park area is 3 minute walk away. I was never much of a gardener anyway,

Don't do it....I house hinted with my mum 4 years ago...we saw several dark bungalows with little sunshine in the small gardens....then we viewed 'the one' ... on paper it didn't tick the boxes...but it felt absolutely right ....4 years down shes still very happy there.....a bad vibe is a bad vibe for a reason.... keep looking ...good luck

I'm not very savvy @MerylStreep. I don't know how to post a link. Any directions welcome and I'll give it a good go!

Perserverence
Is it possible you could give a link to the property?

Well, I try to appreciate what it does have going for it.
4 huge, walk in cupboards, (2 are big enough to fit a single bed in!)
A shop that is open till 11pm a 5 minute walk away, along with a gp.
Bus stops also 5 mins away.

I still don't get that lovely 'ahhh, home sweet home' feeling though.

Perhaps she doesn’t have much choice nadateturbe. That wasn’t a very sensitive question. She hasn’t had the easiest life and you’ll see from another thread that she’s very unwell at present.

MissAdventure are you happy living in a flat you don't like?

I was looking at bungalows when I downsized. I actually put an offer in on one but it was refused. I started looking at all sorts of properties and purely by chance found this flat and fell in love.
I'd say extend your search if you are linked with agents make sure they understand you are more flexible and will look at other things and they are sending you their latest listings
I'm so happy I didnt get the bungalow. It needed work especially the insulation My fuel bills would have been huge!

I wouldn’t buy anything I didn’t like. Certainly not a house, which should be your place of safety, and relaxation. Don’t feel pressurised just because you have an offer on yours...you could very much regret it.