We’ve been a bit busy this week, but we have found time to view two of the propeties for a second time – this time with some friends for a second opinion. The two that we liked were Berkley Court and Queen’s Road.
After we’d looked for a second time, we decided we would like to put in an offer on Berkley Court. However, we wanted to get some mortgage advice first, so we arranged an appointment for today (Saturday) with the financial adviser at Townends estate agents.
What we discovered was that we could easily borrow enough to offer on Berkley Court – but also, that we could afford a more expensive property if we increased the amount we were prepared to pay per month. So we went home and did some sums, and decided we could push our repayments up to 900 pounds per month. Which means we can look at some slightly more expensive properties.
This has left us a bit unsure what to do. We still like Berkley Court, and feel it is probably a bit of a bargain. There seems less available at the slightly higher prices that fit our criteria, but there are some that might be worth viewing.
So, we decided we should at least view a couple of more expensive places. We saw a couple online, and in fact managed to see one today. This was a Victorian cottage. We were quite excited about seeing a proper house, but the reality was that it wasn’t the same quality as the flats we’ve seen. Both the garden and the house would need quite a bit of work to make it how we would like.
We’ve also booked an appointment to see a property in Lebanon Court on Monday – which actually has an extra room (either bedroom or dining room).
This at least will give us an idea of what we might get for the extra money. I can still see us putting in an offer on Berkley Court (if its still available) – only time will tell.
Thanks for putting that up: we were wondering how you were getting on! The Victorian cottage really doesn’t seem to have a lot to offer for the extra money, does it. But the Lebanon Court flat does – for 10% more you seem to get an attractive, very light and airy apartment with plenty of spaces to put things in and do things in; and it looks in good condition too.
Hope the viewing goes well, and we shall continue to follow your property adventures with interest.
By the way, Sheila was interested to hear about your flat-hunting, so I gave her and John your weblog address.
I liked the look of the Lebanon court one a lot – hope it looks as good in real life! If so, it does seem worth the extra – when you take into account the hassle and expense of moving, it makes sense to move into something as nice as you can afford, I think. (although, if the other is a bargain, no point in paying more than you need to, of course…!)
Really enjoying the Fforde book
(made some time to do some reading on holiday!). Lisa’s already read both the Ffordes, and I couldn’t tear her away from them. She read the “Ladies’ number one detective agency” on hols – she recommends that too if you need things to read. Bethany loving Peek-a-Who.
She does a really pretty
good “OWL” now.
Good luck with the continued home-hunt!
Matt + Lisa + Bethany xxx