Completely 'gut', or sell and re-buy?

AreWeThereYet

It's worth noting that many places have changed a lot over the last few years - services are no longer available, shops have gone. Some of what used to be 'nice', well kept areas have got run down. If you haven't lived there for a while it may be worth getting to know the area again before making a decision.

Yes, indeed. The area has changed over the years. However, having family & friends living there, it's an area we still visit fairly regularly, so we're still very familiar with the area. No surprises for us.

Callistemon21...
"If there was one obstacle after another with the other house, it was obviously not the right one for you."

That's what many people have said to us, it wasn't meant to be, and I actually believe that now, and I've come to terms with it.
DH has already said, if we're going to refurb, we'll do it properly, no cutting corners. All I've ever wanted is the kitchen of my dreams, and now I have the chance to actually have it!

It's worth noting that many places have changed a lot over the last few years - services are no longer available, shops have gone. Some of what used to be 'nice', well kept areas have got run down. If you haven't lived there for a while it may be worth getting to know the area again before making a decision.

If there was one obstacle after another with the other house, it was obviously not the right one for you.

Whatever you choose, Nansnet, don't do what I always do ie compromise.
The house you own now sounds as if it's in a good location for future-proofing. If you decide to stay, have the kitchen you dream of, refurbish exactly as you want it and enjoy it.

Buying property is such a hassle these days, I really don't know if we can stand to go through all the stress again ... it's worn us out!
Moving house is apparently one of the most stressful things you can do. The money involved would go a long way towards refurbishing the one you have.

I'd not want to pay all the costs to sell and buy again, seems a waste of many that could be spent on refurbish. You know this home, know the area and like it, and are looking towards a lovely kitchen. Keep the house.

However, I'm one who lives in a home purchased from my grandparents estate when I was 16 and my husband was 18 (I'm pushing 80) - my opinion is typically to stay on. We've added on, semi-renovated. Our home will see us out quite nicely, likely be torn down (sell the land) when we're gone.

Opinions vary and rightly so.

Dinahmo

I would do up your existing house. No legal or surveyors' to pay and no stamp duty. But do it properly - remodel if necessary - and don't worry too much about the cost.

Sounds like a good plan ... I'm sure DH would be very happy for me not worry too much about the cost!

Juliet27

How refreshing to see your answers to our thoughts Namsnet. So often we have no idea whether posters even read them.

You're very welcome! I'm reading them all!

How refreshing to see your answers to our thoughts Namsnet. So often we have no idea whether posters even read them.

I would do up your existing house. No legal or surveyors' to pay and no stamp duty. But do it properly - remodel if necessary - and don't worry too much about the cost.

fancythat

Show DH this thread.
It may help him decide that your old house, refurbed, is the best plan.

fancythat, Good idea!

I would do the refurbishment. Similar thing happened to me, let out my house whilst away for 2 years, agents did not fulfill their remit,the house was trashed, took all my savings to refurbish it, but at least there'll be no traces of disgusting tenants when it's done. A new home, clean slate.

AreWeThereYet

If the house is in an area you want to live in I would renovate that one. Take some time to work out what you and your husband want from a house - once it's renovated it won't be going backwards as the house will be like new.

AreWeThereYet, My thoughts exactly!

Whether you renovate or move depends on the condition of the house, if it is structurally sound with a good roof renovate it, change the layout and insulate it up to modern standards.
It will be expensive but you will get the value back in figure years.

keepcalmandcavachon

Imagine yourself 18 months from now with all of the work/ hassle out of the way. Quite simply where would you love to be living? In my opinion any house can be made homely, extended and updated to suit your taste but the right location will ensure a happy future. Good luck Nansnet!

keepcalm, I'm pretty certain that in 18 months time, in 'our perfect home', I'd be very happy living that house, in that location ... I just need to make sure DH would be too!

Show DH this thread.
It may help him decide that your old house, refurbed, is the best plan.

Thanks you all for your responses. There's certainly lots of good points raised, and things for us to think about.

Grandmabatty & GrannyGravy13, we do like the area, and we wouldn't want to move far anyway, as we have family & friends in the area, which we think is important. We can also see ourselves there throughout retirement, as there are good local facilities, doctors, shopping, library, leisure centre and transport links.

Juliet27, the expensive unknown is a concern to us, particularly during retirement with no regular salary coming in, and living off our pension/savings. This was a concern with the property we have just pulled out of, which was beautiful, but old ... We had the necessary surveys, and a structural engineer's survey, which did reveal a couple of issues ...

foxie48, yes, avoiding the dreaded stamp duty would most definitely be a bonus! And, even though the house we were trying to purchase was beautiful, if I'm honest, it still didn't have the kitchen I've always longed for, which I'd be able to have if we refurb!

Casdon, one of the main reasons we decided to look for another house was the fact that we'd had long-term tenants renting, and it no longer felt like the house belonged to us. We certainly couldn't live in it the way it is, but, by completely gutting it, and having everything new, I'm certain that would any longer be a problem. Although I do understand your comment about 'not going back to where you've lived before'.

Callistemon21, we actually only lived in the house for about 2 years, but we were very happy when we were there. The location is on the edge of a town, and very close to the countryside, so, the best of both worlds!

annsixty, We were happy with both the house and the area, although I do totally understand your comments, and I think this is what DH is struggling with...

Pantglas2, yes, the only reason we rented the house was because DH's job moved us overseas, otherwise, we'd probably still be there. We've already spent a lot of money on solicitor's fees, surveyor's fees & a structural engineer's report, which we'd have to pay again if we found another property! And, there's no guarantee that wouldn't fall through too! It's such a costly business, buying houses!

After discussing with our DS & DD, they both seem to think a refurb would be our best option. Now, I just need to convince my DH! But, seriously, it does have to be a joint decision, and I wouldn't want to do anything that we weren't both happy with.

If the house is in an area you want to live in I would renovate that one. Take some time to work out what you and your husband want from a house - once it's renovated it won't be going backwards as the house will be like new.

Imagine yourself 18 months from now with all of the work/ hassle out of the way. Quite simply where would you love to be living? In my opinion any house can be made homely, extended and updated to suit your taste but the right location will ensure a happy future. Good luck Nansnet!

Nansnet - If your reason for renting out the house was purely to live abroad and not because you were fed up with it/too small or big/poor location then the refurb would be best IMO.

We did something similar 20 years ago and happily moved back in on our return with renewal of certain things and saved a lot of hassle, let alone money on fees etc.

So glad we didn’t sell and end up searching for something that probably wouldn’t come close to what we have now. Only you know how happy you were in that home!

“The past is a foreign country, they do things differently there”
Only if you really loved the house and the area would I move back.
A new start for a new life would excite me.

Location, location, location, whichever suits you best now and in the future. Were you happy in your old house? Do you still have friends and family nearby?

However, DH always says "it is best not to revisit an old ship"

Sell.
I always think you can't revisit past chapters.
I'm definitely a pastures new person.

Is the house is in an area you like, has good transport links (there may be a time when you both have to stop driving), shops, GP, within walking distance, along leisure facilities.

If it’s a yes to these I would refurbish in order to get the home of my dreams. It is very rare to buy a property which ticks all your wants and needs.

I agree with your husband, I’m afraid. Something about that house must have made you decide to look for another one, so no, I would sell it and move on to find your perfect house. It will cost you more to do that, but you’ll end up happy in a place you really want, rather than a compromise. I don’t think going back to somewhere you’ve lived before works.

I agree with grandmaB provided you have shops, GP etc close by I would gut that house. It will cost you less in the long run. If you do, please think about future-proofing as one does not know what is around the corner medically.