House v Location

honeybear

I’m house hunting and am VERY picky (not that I can afford to be!) Anyway, by chance I came across a house 35 mins away from where I am currently living. I really hadn’t considered living in that area (very picturesque & a beautiful house). My lovely sister lives 5 mins away and I would know the area from visiting her. It is a lot more remote than I had planned. House is perfect for picky me and the price is very reasonable. I suppose I’m asking: should I settle for an average house at a so/so price in a good location or a perfect house at a very good price in a more remote (but beautiful scenery) location???

AlmightyCushion

This is really down to the individual. What works for you, won't work for someone else. Personally, I wouldn't like to be in a remote location so I wouldn't even dream of buying the place you are talking about. However, plenty of others would love it and jump at the chance.

Cyrus

location is everything imo

jonnybravo

Location is everything for me. I'd love a bigger house but would have to move further away from work so I'd miss out on time with the kids etc.

Snotty

they dont say "Location, Location, Location" without reason.

I recently bought a brand new house in Navan. The house is amazing.
My options were basically buying a so/so house in a bad neighbourhood in Dublin or moving out further for a nicer house.

My parents always complained about how small their house was for years.
I'd also like to have kids and have them grow them in a fairly nice / safe place.

I'm prepared to give Navan a chance. Its only a 25 min drive to Blanch so hopefully its not too bad.

miezekatze

You can change a house to suit you, but you can't change its location. So I'd go with the good location.

uck51js9zml2yt

I was with friends this week in the middle of nowhere. After chatting for a while I realised it was in the middle of everywhere.

Andycap8

Autumn Loud Chin wrote: »

I was with friends this week in the middle of nowhere. After chatting for a while I realised it was in the middle of everywhere.

Deep. :eek:

listermint

no one can answer this question for you at all.

If you have experience of the area then you should be able to answer this yourself.

People are simply working of what brief information you have given. The house could be in a more rural location with extensive forests outside the door as opposed to a 2 up 2 down in 'upcoming' grangegorman.

Swings and roundabouts, never listen to anyone on the internet make the decision for you , your family and your life.

If you can travel to work in anything around about 1 hour you are ok. I mean closing front door to arriving at your desk.

beaz2018

a friend of mine has recently built a massive house in rural Cork. Huge house with every mod con imaginable, but as far as I can see its in the middle of nowhere - she cant walk on the road with a buggy, the nearest shop would be a few miles at least and there is certainly nothing resembling public transport. I left the house wondering if its worth it to have the incredible house at the expense of location - I think in the long run when it isnt but maybe im just jealous :-)

Cyrus

beaz2018 wrote: »

a friend of mine has recently built a massive house in rural Cork. Huge house with every mod con imaginable, but as far as I can see its in the middle of nowhere - she cant walk on the road with a buggy, the nearest shop would be a few miles at least and there is certainly nothing resembling public transport. I left the house wondering if its worth it to have the incredible house at the expense of location - I think in the long run when it isnt but maybe im just jealous :-)

not being able to walk places with your kids is a nightmare to me personally but not everyone will feel that way.

honeybear

The location is safe & picturesque.

Ursus Horribilis

Everybody is going to have their own criteria for what they consider suitable. There are people who consider not being able to walk to the shops or schools a dealbreaker. Others would go stir crazy if they moved into a semi-detached house in an estate. Where are you from originally? If you were reared in the countryside, you might find it easier to adjust to the location. It can be a culture shock for "townies", especially when they have to start driving everywhere.

beaz2018

beaz2018 wrote: »

a friend of mine has recently built a massive house in rural Cork. Huge house with every mod con imaginable, but as far as I can see its in the middle of nowhere - she cant walk on the road with a buggy, the nearest shop would be a few miles at least and there is certainly nothing resembling public transport. I left the house wondering if its worth it to have the incredible house at the expense of location - I think in the long run when it isnt but maybe im just jealous :-)

I will be doing similar, building a very nice and big house in a fairly rural area. It’s where I grew up so used to not being able to walk to shops etc (even when I’ve lived near shops I still drove) and to me having an ideal house is far preferable to an ideal location, I just couldn’t live long term in a small house in an estate. That being said it will be build off the main road so the road it’s on can easily be walked on with a buggy etc and it’s less than 10 mins drive to the local town, only 20 min drive to a city without traffic or less than an hour even commuting at busy times.

ted1

Sounds like a good house.
It’s 35 minutes away from current location , why are you in your current location ? How close to work and school is it ?

hmmm

When people talk about house versus location, they're really debating whether you should buy a less attractive property in a better location, or a better property in a worse location - the apartment in Foxrock versus the mansion in jobstown

It sounds to me like you like the location as well as the property. If it fits in with your commute and your future needs, what's wrong with it?

honeybear

Ursus Horribilis wrote: »

Everybody is going to have their own criteria for what they consider suitable. There are people who consider not being able to walk to the shops or schools a dealbreaker. Others would go stir crazy if they moved into a semi-detached house in an estate. Where are you from originally? If you were reared in the countryside, you might find it easier to adjust to the location. It can be a culture shock for "townies", especially when they have to start driving everywhere.

I’m the quintessential country girl. I’d be going from a 20 min work commute to a 40 min work commute. Road to/from work not good. Can imagine weekends/holidays filled with lovely walks. However, I love my coffee shops-that’d suffer!

Cyrus

Rylie Creamy Beetle wrote: »

I will be doing similar, building a very nice and big house in a fairly rural area. It’s where I grew up so used to not being able to walk to shops etc (even when I’ve lived near shops I still drove) and to me having an ideal house is far preferable to an ideal location, I just couldn’t live long term in a small house in an estate. That being said it will be build off the main road so the road it’s on can easily be walked on with a buggy etc and it’s less than 10 mins drive to the local town, only 20 min drive to a city without traffic or less than an hour even commuting at busy times.

If there’s no footpath main road or not it’s not somewhere you will want to walk with a buggy or walk kids along

BBFAN

honeybear wrote: »

I’m the quintessential country girl. I’d be going from a 20 min work commute to a 40 min work commute. Road to/from work not good. Can imagine weekends/holidays filled with lovely walks. However, I love my coffee shops-that’d suffer!

The state of the road is important.

I took a job recently where I've to go to a different location every Friday and going by Google maps it was only an extra 10 minutes drive so I didn't think it'd be a big deal.

The state of the road however is a HUGE factor, it's a horrible horrible drive in winter, road full of potholes and pitch black. Turns into an hour drive in bad weather.

And that's without snow and ice. I imagine in times of snow and ice it's going to be undrivable.

meeeeh

Cyrus wrote: »

If there’s no footpath main road or not it’s not somewhere you will want to walk with a buggy or walk kids along

People where we live including us manage it with no problem. I preferred to go for a walk in local woods with a buggy but some prefer the road. (The location where we live would be very similar to the one described above.) We drive to the shops and work (10 minutes), the only adjustment we had to make is waiting longer for a taxi when going out. The location where we live suits us perfectly, local woods enable fairly active lifestyle, local school is good and kids have big garden to play in. The same location would be a nightmare for someone who doesn't drive, goes out a lot or eats a lot of take aways. Also how much maintenance do you want to do? Large picturesque garden is not great if you hate gardening. Big detached house can be expensive to heat or maintain if you live in there alone.

Most of the houses can be made lovely but you have a lot less influence on the surrounding area. It could be terrible neighbours in the estate or lack of local amenities. Also I think good insulation and build quality is way important to how the house is decorated.

Rubberchikken

location. and remote/very quiet. too many people in housing estates or even areas with just a few houses where one neighbour is antisocial. the amount of misery someone like this can bring is only truly understood by someone experiencing it.

fret_wimp2

What do you want from the location?

Monetary return:
If you're planning to sell the house on in the short term and you want the maximum value that can be obtained for the property, then you probably want a property in a highly sought after location, even if the property is not everything you want. A wreck in D6 will be worth more than a fully finished house in the sticks.

Life Quality:
If your planning to stay long term, its of real value to your life to have your sister and family close by, you genuinely love the location, it suits your life and can afford it then its perfect. Who cares if it doesn't appreciate by double digits?

If you can get both then jackpot, if not then decide what works for your particular situation.

honeybear

fret_wimp2 wrote: »

What do you want from the location?

Monetary return:
If you're planning to sell the house on in the short term and you want the maximum value that can be obtained for the property, then you probably want a property in a highly sought after location, even if the property is not everything you want. A wreck in D6 will be worth more than a fully finished house in the sticks.

Life Quality:
If your planning to stay long term, its of real value to your life to have your sister and family close by, you genuinely love the location, it suits your life and can afford it then its perfect. Who cares if it doesn't appreciate by double digits?

If you can get both then jackpot, if not then decide what works for your particular situation.

Monetary return is not a huge factor here as the house is most definitely underpriced-to build the same house near my current location (including site) would be an extra 100k (conservative estimate).

fret_wimp2

honeybear wrote: »

Monetary return is not a huge factor here as the house is most definitely underpriced-to build the same house near my current location (including site) would be an extra 100k (conservative estimate).

Sounds like you have found a bargain, worth more than its asking, in a location you like.

Nobody here can tell you to buy or not, but if it suits your situation, it sounds like a good move.

BBFAN

Another thing to bear in mind is when you're older. I've often thought about buying in a rural location but now I'm getting that bit older I can see how being within walking distance of a village at least with a bus stop will be an advantage when I get to the age where I can no longer drive.

Ning

fret_wimp2 wrote: »

What do you want from the location?

Monetary return:
If you're planning to sell the house on in the short term and you want the maximum value that can be obtained for the property, then you probably want a property in a highly sought after location, even if the property is not everything you want. A wreck in D6 will be worth more than a fully finished house in the sticks.

That's none sense if you're a new buyer. You buy expensive and sell expensive :pac:. Actually, in term of monetary returns, you're currently better off buying in Navan than in D6 as prices are stagnant in D6 and still have margin to increase in Navan.

fret_wimp2

Ning wrote: »

That's none sense if you're a new buyer. You buy expensive and sell expensive :pac:. Actually, in term of monetary returns, you're currently better off buying in Navan than in D6 as prices are stagnant in D6 and still have margin to increase in Navan.

I said "A wreck in D6".

Eitherway, a house in a bankable area will always be more, well, Bankable.
By your logic any cheaper area is a better bet, but i dont see people rushing to live in <insert any not so great area with lower than usual prices here>

Your logic holds up only after careful consideration of the particular area.

But as mentioned, the OP needs to decide what they want, and its not clear from their posts. as i mentioned, its not all about monetary gain.

Ning

fret_wimp2 wrote: »

I said "A wreck in D6".

Eitherway, a house in a bankable area will always be more, well, Bankable.
By your logic any cheaper area is a better bet, but i dont see people rushing to live in <insert any not so great area with lower than usual prices here>

Your logic holds up only after careful consideration of the particular area.

I would not overthink this. You're only losing out if you buy in an area that becomes worse, mainly due to social issues, eg: buy full price in Tyrrelstown in 2004 before it got a bad reputation, or in one of the boom estate that turned out be potentially affected by pyrite. That's why there is a premium in established mature areas vs new estates. You're taking more risk in new estate, but with potentially a better return later. The price of the wreck in D6 will already have factored in the potential added value from renovation in the current market.

Steer55

honeybear wrote: »

I’m house hunting and am VERY picky (not that I can afford to be!) Anyway, by chance I came across a house 35 mins away from where I am currently living. I really hadn’t considered living in that area (very picturesque & a beautiful house). My lovely sister lives 5 mins away and I would know the area from visiting her. It is a lot more remote than I had planned. House is perfect for picky me and the price is very reasonable. I suppose I’m asking: should I settle for an average house at a so/so price in a good location or a perfect house at a very good price in a more remote (but beautiful scenery) location???

Why are the owners selling?
If house is such good value it will be snapped up pretty quickly by local person. 35 mins drive is not too bad a drive but when kids come along, you will be hauling them in and out of town to all their activities and it gets worse as they get older. However, other people successfully manage it including your sister so good luck if you decide to go ahead with the purchase.

honeybear

Steer55 wrote: »

Why are the owners selling?
If house is such good value it will be snapped up pretty quickly by local person. 35 mins drive is not too bad a drive but when kids come along, you will be hauling them in and out of town to all their activities and it gets worse as they get older. However, other people successfully manage it including your sister so good luck if you decide to go ahead with the purchase.

It’s an old house that has been renovated beautifully. I’m really surprised it hasn’t been snapped up but the area has a small population. No kids but there is a wonderful community spirit-my sister is very involved in the GAA and school events. Having attended these and school/church occasions, the area has lots going for it, community wise. It’s an hour from 2 smaller cities (just did an AA route check)

zapitastas

BBFAN wrote: »

Another thing to bear in mind is when you're older. I've often thought about buying in a rural location but now I'm getting that bit older I can see how being within walking distance of a village at least with a bus stop will be an advantage when I get to the age where I can no longer drive.

As long as you can still adequately walk when you are older. Although you could get one of those motorised buggy things I suppose

riclad

I,d go for the cheaper house, you ,ll save a lot on mortgage payments ,
you,ll maybe be able to pay off your loan without being under a lot of pressure if interest rates go up.
I expect interest rates to go up in the next 5 years .
35 minutes is not a lot in terms of travel time.
They drawback i see is house,s in citys tend to rise in value over 10 years , vs rural area,s .
Theres no room to build new estates in the city ,so of course builders
build in certain area,s .If a a builder buys a site in the city they build office,s or apartments .

BBFAN

zapitastas wrote: »

As long as you can still adequately walk when you are older. Although you could get one of those motorised buggy things I suppose

True yes, but where I live at present is literally 2 minutes from a local shop, post office and bus stop so I'm hoping I could manage that or if I couldn't then I'd have a wheelchair.

honeybear

zapitastas wrote: »

As long as you can still adequately walk when you are older. Although you could get one of those motorised buggy things I suppose

I’m lol, but I shouldn’t-it is a concern

BBFAN

honeybear wrote: »

I’m lol, but I shouldn’t-it is a concern

The reason I think about it is my father can no longer drive, he's in a lucky position in that he lives close to everything he needs and also because there are family around to drive him but I live away from my family and love my independence so would hate to be depending on people for a lift anywhere.

honeybear

BBFAN wrote: »

The reason I think about it is my father can no longer drive, he's in a lucky position in that he lives close to everything he needs and also because there are family around to drive him but I live away from my family and love my independence so would hate to be depending on people for a lift anywhere.

My Dad turned 80 last year and is slowing down a bit from riding bikes and climbing farm gates a year ago. I’m factoring in Tesco home deliveries into my possible house purchase.

BBFAN

honeybear wrote: »

My Dad turned 80 last year and is slowing down a bit from riding bikes and climbing farm gates a year ago. I’m factoring in Tesco home deliveries into my possible house purchase.

Oh I'm not doubting that some people live long and healthy lives and get around quite well, I'm just not that healthy. :D

I can't ride a bike now at nearly 50 never mind in 30 years. :D

honeybear

BBFAN wrote: »

Oh I'm not doubting that some people live long and healthy lives and get around quite well, I'm just not that healthy. :D

I can't ride a bike now at nearly 50 never mind in 30 years. :D

Not as healthy as my Dad. Mobility is a factor. Going to drive the route from work to possible house tomorrow and see how bad route is

meeeeh

honeybear wrote: »

Steer55 wrote: »

Why are the owners selling?
If house is such good value it will be snapped up pretty quickly by local person. 35 mins drive is not too bad a drive but when kids come along, you will be hauling them in and out of town to all their activities and it gets worse as they get older. However, other people successfully manage it including your sister so good luck if you decide to go ahead with the purchase.

It’s an old house that has been renovated beautifully. I’m really surprised it hasn’t been snapped up but the area has a small population. No kids but there is a wonderful community spirit-my sister is very involved in the GAA and school events. Having attended these and school/church occasions, the area has lots going for it, community wise. It’s an hour from 2 smaller cities (just did an AA route check)

I don't want to pry into your personal situation but the fact you are an hour from two smaller cities is not ideal. Do you have a partner and what is their employment? What are the options if you or someone close to you needs to change a job. If you are single would you really tie yourself to a property that is in an area with less interest and harder to sell. It's different when you are buying forever home and settling down with someone.

zapitastas

honeybear wrote: »

I’m lol, but I shouldn’t-it is a concern

Hopefully self driving cars will see us right in the future ... or at the very least a self driving mobility scooter

Ursus Horribilis

honeybear wrote: »

Not as healthy as my Dad. Mobility is a factor. Going to drive the route from work to possible house tomorrow and see how bad route is

Now that's a good idea.



I'm from the countryside and if my circumstances changed I'd move back in a flash. It sounds like your heart is swaying you towards this house.

The best location is whatever suits you best.
I lived in south county Dublin, a fairly desired area. However, I sold because the area just didn't suit me. It was a lovely house in a lovely area but I sold up.
I now live much closer to the city centre, much closer to the roads to the country I take most often, much closer to the airport, right beside the Phoenix park & close to shops, pubs etc.
The location is perfect for me & I will stay here.
I could buy a house for cash in the country but that location wouldn't suit me.
So, you decide the perfect location for you........ If you find a house in a location you like, Happy days!!

PauloMN

Each to their own, go with where you feel you'd want to live and that means weighing up everything from location, to commute, to the house itself taking your own situation into account (age, health, kids/no kids etc.). I think the location v house thing is too simplistic. I moved out of Dublin (from a west Dublin suburb to Meath) and the immediate assumption was everything will be so far away. In a community, everything is on your doorstep, much more than it ever was for me in a sprawling suburb. That's just an example of how it's a lot more complex than just house v location.

Ursus Horribilis

I agree with this ^^. I think you should see what that commute to work is like because that's something that'll become a big part of your life. But other than that, I'm not seeing too many disadvantages. You've already got an "in" to the local community in the form of your sister. You like the countryside and I think you get what it's like to live there.

BBFAN

PauloMN wrote: »

Each to their own, go with where you feel you'd want to live and that means weighing up everything from location, to commute, to the house itself taking your own situation into account (age, health, kids/no kids etc.). I think the location v house thing is too simplistic. I moved out of Dublin (from a west Dublin suburb to Meath) and the immediate assumption was everything will be so far away. In a community, everything is on your doorstep, much more than it ever was for me in a sprawling suburb. That's just an example of how it's a lot more complex than just house v location.

Tbf, Meath is not exactly a rural location.

Ursus Horribilis

Lots of other places aren't either. Is being in the hinterland of a county town considered rural?

Cyrus

Cyrus wrote: »

If there’s no footpath main road or not it’s not somewhere you will want to walk with a buggy or walk kids along

Yes it is, dead end road with our land all round only an odd neighbor passes over in tractor. In fact people from the wider area come to the road for walks with dogs and kids etc.

Leaving that aside it’s a regular sight in my area to see a person walking a buggy on the main county road with not even a hard shoulder. We are made from harder stuff in the country

BBFAN wrote: »

Another thing to bear in mind is when you're older. I've often thought about buying in a rural location but now I'm getting that bit older I can see how being within walking distance of a village at least with a bus stop will be an advantage when I get to the age where I can no longer drive.

If you can walk to a bus you can drive, in fact plenty of people who can barely walk have no problem driving. Driving into your 80’s is a regular occurance in my family and amoung neighbors.

NSAman

house in the middle of ‘no where” in Ireland means 20 minute drive to “somewhere”.

Ireland is NOT that big.

I live 2 hours from the nearest city in the States and absolutely LOVE it.

Nearest neighbour is 500 meters away but yet I live in a very nice community.

Yes there is a pied a terre in the city, but in all honesty i have not been there in three years. Actually, I don’t know why I have it.

It all depends on what you “make” your home. I personally, have no issues travelling anywhere. Some people value location and ease of access to certain things over others, that is a personal choice. I just like the “lifestyle” aspect of where I live.

Cyrus

Rylie Creamy Beetle wrote: »

Yes it is, dead end road with our land all round only an odd neighbor passes over in tractor. In fact people from the wider area come to the road for walks with dogs and kids etc.

Leaving that aside it’s a regular sight in my area to see a person walking a buggy on the main county road with not even a hard shoulder. We are made from harder stuff in the country

That’s slightly different then more a house at the end of a lane ?

And I’m from the country too chief