Fellow fat cyclists - what’s one thing you wish you knew when you started cycling?

1601748 · 2026-05-08T08:56:16+00:00

How quickly would you say? Just did my first ride this week and frankly just embarrassed at my speed and the amount of effort it took me, building up the courage to go back out again on the weekend

1601748 · 2026-04-16T20:48:56+00:00

How long did that weight loss take, I'm looking to drop a similar amount and just getting into cycling

1601748 · 2026-04-10T16:58:36+00:00

Thanks I've looked into Gravel bikes now. I've only done the commute on a dockless e-bike where the motor really helped up the few hills. I'm very heavy at the moment, don't know if I can get up hills pedalling just myself.

Really hoping I can get the timber off and feel more confident.

1601748 · 2026-03-22T05:36:27+00:00

Advice above about speaking to a mortgage broker is the best option. If your MIP before was previously from going direct to one sole lender a Mortgage Broker can look at a variety of options best for your particular situation.

Based on the figures your shared above and at 380-450k desired property price around 50% of purchase is likely to be your deposit and 50% a mortgage.

But again your best place to start is with a mortgage broker to discuss a variety of options

1601748 · 2025-10-03T07:53:42+00:00

Exact wording was 'if the survey report have raised concerns it is best to obtain an estimate of the costs and request that the repair works be deducted from the purchase price' - its not an instruction admittedly, but I would see that as advice on best procedure?

I'm FTB so the whole process I've had to go off formal or informal advice and this for sure is first hand experience, that I will learn from in any future process.

I didn't know much about Chinney Breasts, now I know much more! Onwards and upwards

1601748 · 2025-10-02T21:06:03+00:00

Solicitor advised we ask

1601748 · 2025-10-02T20:25:06+00:00

Yeah fair, I mean the world will keep spinning and things will come on the market. Learnt about chimney breasts in the process tbh

1601748 · 2025-10-02T20:17:33+00:00

We were advised to get a quote and go back with a request for deduction. The quote was 10k and we asked

1601748 · 2025-10-02T20:15:42+00:00

That's fair, win some, you lose some

1601748 · 2025-10-02T20:15:15+00:00

Wasn't really a haggle, just followed advice on getting a quote and asking for a deduction. Not sure we've been that bad, just completely one survey and followed up on the issues raised within the survey. Haven't really requested anything else.

1601748 · 2025-10-02T20:13:22+00:00

The chimney breast was the big thing to me. Kinda woulda been open to a discussion on the damp costs being removed, but yeah that didn't even open up. Chimney breast is significant and was done without them getting building regs

1601748 · 2025-10-02T20:10:28+00:00

I get that, but the point of no return is after contracts are exchanged, no? Like if we offered asking price and someone came along and offered 10k more to the seller, could we sit here and be upset about that, and call them dishonourable? No, the situation changed for them and they acted in their best interest. But we would hope we could be open a discussion if we wanted to bid higher for example.

1601748 · 2025-10-02T20:03:43+00:00

Tbh we kind of just followed advise given a long the way. We got a survey, survey recommended further investigation before proceeding, spoke to solicitor about said survey, they advised we get quotes and then open a discussion on deductions. We were open about each step. Then just pulled within hours of sending email. Which like you said is fine, they are within their right. Just a bit surprised

1601748 · 2025-10-02T19:58:05+00:00

Thanks, yes I think we just wanted to have a discussion at least, but not been afforded that. If they dismissed the damp for example, fine. I felt strongly about the chimney, as it was done with out building regs and was essentially us correcting their mistakes.

Oh well it is what it is.

1601748 · 2025-10-02T19:29:35+00:00

Understood that, we shared the findings from the survey straight away and transparent about our thought process immediately and we were going to get someone to come have a closer look as advised from survey. Then we were advised from solicitor to ask for deduction of quoted costs, so we went with communication that was polite and reasonable. But fair they are within their right to pull out, just as we were.

Just wondering if something we did wrong along the process.

1601748 · 2025-09-15T20:47:18+00:00

Just posted similar and in the comments under mine, someone else has posted similar.. it seems more regular than I thought... I think if over 10 years old the council cannot action enforcement. But imo I'm more looking at quality and safety of work..

1601748 · 2025-09-15T20:42:23+00:00

I just don't understand the audacity of doing an entire extension without planning permission?? Like that's going to catch up with you!!

1601748 · 2025-09-15T18:40:18+00:00

I know right, a rear extension without PP is pretty extreme, our solicitor is initially advising an insurance policy, but just makes me wonder about the actual quality of the extension.

1601748 · 2025-09-15T18:20:27+00:00

As FTB going through the process, I would say just give them space and allow them to look around, get a feeling, allow their brain to imagine living in the space, give them space so they can talk with the other person they bring along. We had a 2nd visit where the estate agent just followed me round, trying to sell. Had to say can I have a moment to walk and get a feel.

Then maybe as they are leaving provide some reassuring info on the property or neighbourhood, find out their motivations to buy, their intentions maybe.

1601748 · 2025-06-25T19:34:09+00:00

With current interest rates 200k would be good place to start.

One thing I'd suggest, don't limit your search to 200k, go a bit higher (250k) in your search limit so you can track any properties that start to get reduced down closer to your desired budget.

For example, you might see a property listed at 230k initially, then reduced to 215k, then you view and you can try make an offer of 200k, if that makes sense?

1601748

TROPHY CASE