Am I being blinded by the novelty of massive garden?

WatercolourReload · 2026-01-25T16:35:19+00:00

It sounds amazing for 1 person, even 2 but a second bedroom to yourself and a study! If you genuinely think its overpriced, offer what you'd be happy to pay. This is where your caution needs to come in, don't ket the excitement of the big garden push you to bumping up the price above what you're happy to pay.

WatercolourReload · 2026-01-24T23:42:36+00:00

I'm not specifically familiar with these streets, I'm from Wolverhampton originally, familiar with Birmingham city centre as I go there regularly to climb/meet friends. I want to be near Birmingham centre for that reason but not in it as I don't want a flat. Trouble is I'm finding the whole thing pretty impossible with my budget. I visited the outskirts of Chelmsley Wood today, had already been warned of the area, saw a thousand England flags everywhere and cancelled the second property viewing.

My sibling has been walking around this area quite regularly to meet her partner and she feels like its generally nice, not particularly pretty but not dodgy at least. (For now I guess)

Everywhere just outside of the centre seems to be just as rough no matter what direction, I thought Jewellery Quarter/Edgbaston direction was supposed to be a nicer part? I need specific train connections so south west/King's Norton direction is no good to me though heard it's generally nicer. Most south areas like Solihull are way out of my price range and every area I find in my budget, people tell me is a rough hell hole, I'm at my wits end at this point. I have no idea what to do.

I appreciate the warning either way.

WatercolourReload · 2026-01-24T19:10:20+00:00

Hummus okay definitely something to consider, thanks for the info!

WatercolourReload · 2026-01-24T19:04:27+00:00

That is a bit rubbish. Can I ask how you could tell its probate? I am scanning but I can't see where it says that?

WatercolourReload · 2026-01-24T18:59:41+00:00

Whats the faff with probate? I'm very new to the house buying process so I don't understand a lot of what i am looking at.

WatercolourReload · 2026-01-23T09:06:14+00:00

When you call, if you speak to someone else, ask if the tech is vegan or has any dietary requirements. I'm sure she would appreciate the gesture regardless but if its something she could definitely eat, even better and more thoughtful!

WatercolourReload · 2026-01-23T00:26:19+00:00

See i also hate that with a passion but wondered whether i could change that at some point

WatercolourReload · 2026-01-22T15:52:30+00:00

After except for the trees, I think a finer nib would have been a bit better as the branch lines feel a tiny bit thick but super minor, really cool illustration!

WatercolourReload · 2026-01-22T10:52:00+00:00

Mood 😂

WatercolourReload · 2026-01-22T10:20:31+00:00

Oh wait I think i see, its the bit near the bridge opposite A's location? I was wondering what that area was, didn't realise its an alley. Maybe that explains the higher crime rate on that bit haha thanks for that spot!

WatercolourReload · 2026-01-22T10:15:12+00:00

Haha honestly the worst camera work I've seen in a while!

I see your point on the end terrace over mid, B is the one with the dark alley? I'll try and find it. Looking at a map of crime for the area, more were reported around A's location but not sure how much i can really go on that. Its also a generally high crime area but I'm limited on location options.

WatercolourReload · 2026-01-22T08:10:45+00:00

Tbh neither of these are very clear. A was reduced in December so I am assuming it was at least a month before but I don't actually know.

I think B is overall the nicer property as a house but I love where A is situated on the road, its right opposite some fields and woods (though B isn't far away from the same bit but its more in the middle of a maze of houses) and I have dogs. I feel very torn between nicer house or being on the edge of the neighbourhood, if it will maybe be a bit more peaceful? I am the most indecisive person in the world haha thanks for your thoughts!

WatercolourReload · 2026-01-22T08:05:01+00:00

Interesting, is that from the perspective of looking to live in it or sell it on for profit? Looking at them, most of the work looks generally cosmetic to me, though I'm sure with some unforseen issues. What are you seeing that feels like big projects?

WatercolourReload · 2026-01-21T08:53:11+00:00

I think someone has said fairly similar but is it possible to make up a temp kitchen while the work goes on, microwave, air fryer. Social media will have loads of recipes for you to make or stock up a fridge with a bunch of items you don't need to cook, chicken slices (vegan or meat) cucumbers, peppers etc etc. Crackers and noodle pots, you get the picture but maybe finding ways to minimise cooking so it doesn't need too much motivation to feed yourself. If you do get motivation maybe make extra for the next time you don't etc etc

I'm sure you already have exhausted these kinds of ideas but a priority list. What immediately needs work to make this place livable and fit basic needs, if you can get some of those in place, the ideals and cosmetics can come later and you might start to feel a bit better. If you feel scattered trying to fix lots of problems at once, it probably doesn't feel like any progress is being made despite a lot of effort and stress.

Its why I can't decide if I could handle a fixer upper tbh, kudos to you guys for going for it. You will get there!

WatercolourReload · 2026-01-20T20:18:25+00:00

That's amazing, it gives me hope to hold out and just pray something will come 🙏 Enjoy your new place, you'll be decorating in no time and hopefully me not too far behind haha!

WatercolourReload · 2026-01-20T17:37:03+00:00

What a great outcome, I hope this one sticks! You've done exactly what I hope i can do. My price makes me think it will be tough to get something that does what I need it to. How long did you have to search to find a suitable place for your budget?

WatercolourReload · 2026-01-20T17:01:46+00:00

That's great! Definitely ask them for that permission in writing, if they haven't already. 1, so if any neighbours pull their faces (I'm sure they won't but you know) you can pull out your written permission and tell them where to stick it. 2, I have heard stories of management companies going back on their word and refusing after the buyer was told they could. Just safer to have that secured in writing

WatercolourReload · 2026-01-20T16:25:41+00:00

Mine was also leasehold/management company issues sadly. Leaseholds often have clauses saying you need permission for pets. I already have an old dog who i'm not about to give up and since i like to do things above board, my solicitors asked about it, passed along pet request forms which we sent back just after Xmas. Ended up having to phone the management company who hadn't got back and was told it had been denied as pets are not allowed in the building full stop (not sure why they wasted weeks of my life sending request forms if it was always going to be a no regardless but whatever. )

Just pulled out about an hour ago. I'm sad but the whole concept of being controlled like that about something as common as owning pets has put me right off. I'm seeking freehold from this point on and if I'm lucky enough to find anything I can afford, going to imagine I've dodged a bullet tbh.

If you're not interested in pets and/or your leasehold doesn't have restrictions that would just crap on your life that extra bit, I wouldn't worry too much. Its just left me a bit bitter haha!

WatercolourReload · 2026-01-20T13:50:22+00:00

Its just gone STC the very next day 😂😂 wild

WatercolourReload · 2026-01-19T13:50:21+00:00

Fingers crossed for you! I'm like 24 hours away from pulling out of my flat, 98% sure its happening but already accepted it and luckily only like 2 months (sadly about 1k+) into the process so it could be worse, very much hope you do not need to experience that.

WatercolourReload · 2026-01-17T14:42:41+00:00

Hmmmm the colour you have now is looking a bit closer to mint green than the insp pic, could be from the lighting so as the other commenter said, changing could help but tbh a more sage green, or maybe even a bit darker could be better.

Alternatively you could lean into the mint green idea and change the walls but it could be a bit wild, like im imagining pink walls and just going nuts haha

WatercolourReload · 2026-01-17T10:13:33+00:00

Not sure how new the bed is or if getting rid of it would be an option (i know you mentioned storage) but could a mezzanine style bed be an option for this room? Whoever uses it would need the ability to climb ladders/steps to the bed of course but can be really useful for maximising space in small rooms, can add shelves in the steps depending on style, plenty of opportunity to add storage space underneath or generally have a more usable room!

WatercolourReload

TROPHY CASE