Non-motoring > Someone else moving	Miscellaneous
Thread Author: Focusless	Replies: 56

Tue 1 Mar 16 13:29   Someone else moving - Focusless

As I've mentioned previously, we're looking to move from Woodley (Reading) to somewhere in Wiltshire, possibly Devizes, or Westbury, or anywhere else that we like the look of around there. Main reason for moving is to pay off the mortgage - this should be possible given that prices are cheaper over there and we can downsize a bit (just the 2 of us and the dog now). But we also fancy moving somewhere a bit quieter - it already feels 'crowded' around here at times, and there's at least 3 housing developments going up nearby. No overriding reason to stay. Main requirements are: - My commute to Bath, 3 days a week (minimum). Want to avoid having to buy another car. Devizes doesn't have a train station, but it does have a bus service (Faresaver X72) which would cost about £20 per week ie. peanuts compare to what I'm currently paying for the train. Anywhere along that bus route would also be a possibility (Sells Green, Bowerhill, Melksham). Westbury does have a station (£10.40 return to Bath), but not such a nice area? - Not a typical 'estate' house with an overlooked garden, and no shared drive. But semi- as well as fully detached a possibility; a chalet bungalow would probably be ideal. 3 bedrooms minimum, no real advantage in having more. 2 floors max. Chippenham might be a possibility, although Mrs F has been there and has reservations. Also, does the fact that it's closer to the M4 mean it's more likely to attract new housing? You might have seen that story last week of a couple in their 'dream' country cottage on the outskirts of Chippenham who now find themselves in the middle of a planned 700 home development. Our house isn't on the market yet (should be by end of next month) so it's early days. It's not an area either of us are that familiar with, although we've had a couple of drives around and have got an expedition planned for the 11/12th. Any suggestions, thoughts, advice on places to avoid in Wiltshire welcome. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 13:39   Someone else moving - VxFan

>> Any suggestions, thoughts, advice on places to avoid in Wiltshire welcome. Swindon - Avoid the "P" areas: i.e. Penhill, Pinehurst, Park North, Park South. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 13:46   Someone else moving - Focusless

>> Swindon - Avoid the "P" areas: i.e. Penhill, Pinehurst, Park North, Park South. Mmm... I guess the commute cost isn't too bad at £13.30 return, but the main problem is that, for whatever reason, Mrs F won't consider the place. I must admit on the one time we went shopping in the town centre on the way back from somewhere I wasn't impressed. So at the moment it's off the list, at least while we feel there are better alternatives. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 14:11   Someone else moving - Ambo

Avoid Trowbrige. I like Bradford-on-Avon, which is a pleasant country town and only a short and pleasant rail trip to Bath. It has some nice country nearby. It can however be congested in the centre and an area with the space you need could be a tidy step from the station. Nearer Bath on the same line are stations for the villages Avoncliff and Freshford. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 14:18   Someone else moving - Focusless

>> Nearer Bath on the same line are stations for >> the villages Avoncliff and Freshford. Aren't prices going to be higher around those areas (and Bradford)? We do have to be careful with the budget, although of course we also need to be careful we end up somewhere we like :) Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 13:48   Someone else moving - Zero

>> >> Any suggestions, thoughts, advice on places to avoid in Wiltshire welcome. No idea what your current equity is, or what type of property you want. I've explored most of the line Reading to Bath via Westbury. And I just love Bradford upon Avon. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 13:58   Someone else moving - Focusless

>> No idea what your current equity is, or what type of property you want. As mentioned above, full or semi-detached (chalet bungalow ideal), min 3 bedrooms, probably not on an estate unless non-overlooked with a nice garden and not hemmed-in, no shared drive. Currently looking at around £350k budget, but haven't had current house valued yet so might go up, hopefully not down. >> I've explored most of the line Reading to Bath via Westbury. And I just love >> Bradford upon Avon. Well we thought that would be nice - it's one of the places we stopped of at when looking around late last year. And it looks nice from the train. But we didn't like the town centre - seemed like too much traffic, and tourists. Perhaps we should have another look on our next jaunt. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 15:26   Someone else moving - smokie

Old info - but we used to caravan for long weekends near Devizes, partly cos it was a convenient and well equipped site but more because we really liked Devizes. It was starting to expand as we finished caravanning but the town centre would have stayed pretty nice I think. And don't let the idea of a local caravan park put you off, it was a small site a few miles outside town!! I imagine Devizes would be in the "more affordable" range than other places down that way as it doesn't have the cachet that some do. Lovely countryside too. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 16:05   Someone else moving - R.P.

Estate Agents due here at 4pm - late ! Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 16:54   Someone else moving - Roger.

You sound like candidates for Escape to the Country 😁 Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 17:01   Someone else moving - Focusless

Only if we got Jules or Alistair :) Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 17:05   Someone else moving - Zero

>> You sound like candidates for Escape to the Country 😁 Retired old gits TV Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 17:13   Someone else moving - Dog

Just gonna watch todays episode on the Humax! Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 17:23   Someone else moving - Runfer D'Hills

There's a limerick about Devizes. Can't remember it now. Might be rude come to think. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 17:34   Someone else moving - smokie

This one? There was a young man from Devizes Whose b*****ks were two different sizes. One was so small It was no use at all The other was huge and won prizes. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 17:40   Someone else moving - Runfer D'Hills

Yeah, think so ! Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 17:45   Someone else moving - Runfer D'Hills

Wells is nice Focusless. Property not too expensive, easy bus ride into Bath. I used have a flat in central Bath when mere mortals could afford them. I enjoyed my time there. I gather house prices there are astronomical now, well, by my standards anyway. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 17:49   Someone else moving - Avant

Mr F wants to go to Devizes, But the move Mrs F organises. Be he ever so bold He'll go where he's told: She devises, he wilts. No surprises. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 17:52   Someone else moving - WillDeBeest

Nice work, Avant! AC, watch and learn. That's proper poetry, that is. };---) Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 18:44   Someone else moving - Focusless

>> Nice work, Avant! Indeed - very perceptive :) Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 20:49   Someone else moving - Armel Coussine

>> AC, watch and learn. That's proper poetry, that is. No it isn't. But it's quite a clever rhyme all the same. Credit where it's due. 'Watch and learn' indeed! Damn cheek. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 17:58   Someone else moving - The Melting Snowman

My missus and I live near Bradford-on-Avon. It's expensive, prices driven up as people are priced out of Bath. B-o-A is the next nicest place. Not good for olds though, due to the hill. Shops mostly tourist focused. Good schools and train station. Bad traffic queues through the town most of the day as everything has to go over the town bridge. As you travel further from Bath, the prices soften but the desirability declines. Trowbridge, Westbury, Warminster are not for me. Frome is quite nice but you're getting further from Bath, lengthening your commute. In the other direction I don't like Chippenham or Melksham. Probably Devizes is the best fit if you can't afford B-o-A. One point though - there are housing developments springing up everywhere in West Wilts, so that nice green view may not be in ten years...or less? Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 18:31   Someone else moving - legacylad

I was born in Bradford, went to BBGS and am a Bradfordian What do you call people born in Bfd on Avon? Serious question. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 18:45   Someone else moving - The Melting Snowman

No idea. Never heard of any classification. It's just circumstance that we ended up there. We were looking at a nice place in Sneyd Park Bristol but I was over-ruled by the missus as she prefers the countryside. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 18:46   Someone else moving - R.P.

Well we're officially going on the market....where to next ? Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 19:09   Someone else moving - Zero

>> Well we're officially going on the market....where to next ? Is that "I dont know where we are going" or "I want you to guess where we are going" Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 19:26   Someone else moving - Runfer D'Hills

Sell up, load the camper van, strap a motorbike or two to the back, make sure the passports have a few years to run, buy ferry ticket, come back when you get bored... Oh, and don't forget to buy two straw hats, you'll need those in the hotter countries. ;-) Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 19:30   Someone else moving - fluffy

I live in a two bedroom ground floor apartment. I have no complaints where I live. I overlook water. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 20:30   Someone else moving - R.P.

We know roughly...could still be town, country or village. There's a dearth of property available in the particular price bracket we're after... Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 20:33   Someone else moving - Zero

>> We know roughly...could still be town, country or village. There's a dearth of property available >> in the particular price bracket we're after... Well at least you have ruled out a houseboat in the city. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 20:42   Someone else moving - R.P.

:-).....It's within a particular area which stretches from Rhyl (yikes) in the North to Ruthin in the south. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 19:49   Someone else moving - legacylad

Moving to Yorkshire (North, not West or South) seems the trendy thing do. From Leeds Bradford airport the worlds your lobster.... Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 18:48   Someone else moving - Focusless

Thanks everyone. >> One point though - there are housing developments springing up everywhere in West Wilts, so >> that nice green view may not be in ten years...or less? That's definitely a worry; not sure if anywhere's safe, although one option is to find somewhere in an older developed area where they're not too crammed in (like our current place). Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 1 Mar 16 19:54   Someone else moving - legacylad

I moved to a brand new development of 13 properties some 16 years ago. I was no 4 of 13. It took two years for the debvelopment to complete after I moved in, so lived on a dusty building site for a while. I made sure that I would never ever lose the view, which all comes back to the ' location location' adage. Happy hunting Reply to this message | Report message

Wed 2 Mar 16 11:53   Someone else moving - Mapmaker

You can get some nice looking things in your budget near Chippenham. www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/39528454?search_identifier=336dc9169cb8017156505208ee8d91db#LKKBmGBRPDIsoXQx.97 www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/39475468?search_identifier=336dc9169cb8017156505208ee8d91db#M77c2FEPl4d0Ah8l.97 And some real hell-holes too. www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/39110943?search_identifier=336dc9169cb8017156505208ee8d91db#QTuJelKBqqF6Mzw4.97 Reply to this message | Report message

Wed 2 Mar 16 11:58   Someone else moving - sooty123

Not sure about the dodgy strip club look in the first one's bar/lounge! That third one looks like half the houses round here, but about double the price. Reply to this message | Report message

Wed 2 Mar 16 12:38   Someone else moving - Focusless

>> www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/39528454?search_identifier=336dc9169cb8017156505208ee8d91db#LKKBmGBRPDIsoXQx.97 'Former Working Men's Club Attached' - excellent! And look at (the underside of) that roof. But seriously, nothing 'listed' and/or 'in need of some renovation'; easy life for me please :) >> www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/39475468?search_identifier=336dc9169cb8017156505208ee8d91db#M77c2FEPl4d0Ah8l.97 Having said nothing 'listed', that one does look quite interesting, especially the music room basement - ideal for Mrs F's bass guitar practise. Main problem is probably the commute - looks like I'd need a bus and a train, or 2 buses, which would be a bit of a PITA. >> And some real hell-holes too. >> >> www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/39110943?search_identifier=336dc9169cb8017156505208ee8d91db#QTuJelKBqqF6Mzw4.97 Don't think that looks too bad actually, although does look expensive for what you (don't) get compared to others; what's wrong with it? Reply to this message | Report message

Wed 2 Mar 16 12:44   Someone else moving - Alanovich

>> >> www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/39475468?search_identifier=336dc9169cb8017156505208ee8d91db#M77c2FEPl4d0Ah8l.97 >> >> Having said nothing 'listed', that one does look quite interesting, especially the music room basement >> - ideal for Mrs F's bass guitar practise. Main problem is probably the commute - >> looks like I'd need a bus and a train, or 2 buses, which would be >> a bit of a PITA. I'd say the main problem is when you look at Streetview. Well done to the estate agent for photographing the place in such a way as to make it look buyable. You would have to have your bumps feeled if you bought anything in Linden Close, Calne, I fear. I retract my previous comments about the place. Reply to this message | Report message

Wed 2 Mar 16 12:11   Someone else moving - Alanovich

I often pass through Chippenham and Calne, needing to stop for lunch. My preference is to do so in Calne, even though the range and variety of outlets is smaller, as the locals seem to resemble the cast of '28 Days Later' a little less. And I can usually park on the A4 for free. Gots to pay to park near the shops in Chippers. Reply to this message | Report message

Wed 2 Mar 16 12:39   Someone else moving - Focusless

>> as the locals seem to resemble the cast of '28 Days Later' a little less. lol Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 18 Apr 16 21:16   Someone else moving - The Melting Snowman

Calne? Haven't been there for years. There used to be a pig factory there which created a certain distinctive smell in the town centre. Harris I think the name was. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 18 Apr 16 14:02   Someone else moving - Focusless

Well we found this nice place in Whitley, Melksham, and the solicitors were busy sorting things out. We were over there at the weekend chatting to the current owners, and they went and mentioned the S word. Yep - they'd had some minor subsidence. Apparently there used to be a big tree out front that caused some sort of lean-to near the front door to lean more than it ought to. Tree was removed and lean-to was replaced with the current proper porch, with nice deep foundations. There had also been some issue with rear exterior wall - gaps between frames and lintels in upper windows, and a crack. All fixed. If we'd read this in the property details then we'd probably never have made an offer. But (unsurprisingly) it wasn't there, and we did. We do still like the place - haven't seen any others we'd want to buy to be honest - but I guess it will at least cost more for the house insurance (we're not getting a mortgage). I'm getting someone in to do a General Structural Inspection, paying particular attention to the (potential) problem areas. Current owners are a nice retired couple who have been there 20-odd years, and appear to have paid to get any problems sorted out (new-ish A3 and 370Z on the drive). Any thoughts? Anyone living in a subsided property? Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 18 Apr 16 15:14   Someone else moving - Clk Sec

>>Any thoughts? I have seen properties advertised where the details of subsidence have been fully disclosed, and so they should be. Possible subsidence is the main reason that we have forked out for full structural surveys in the past. If you are absolutely in love with the place, you might be able to secure a considerable discount. Personally, I would walk away. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 18 Apr 16 15:20   Someone else moving - No FM2R

I'd walk away. A shame, but do you love it enough to take the risk? Even a small one? What about when/if you come to sell it? Perhaps future buyers will be less accepting. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 18 Apr 16 15:33   Someone else moving - rtj70

When we were house hunting 2009/2010 we put an offer in for a house that had no chain and was in the right location, right size (once we'd extended the kitchen). Surveyor said there was evidence of subsidence and when he pointed out some of the signs it was obvious. Seller claimed they had no knowledge, etc. It hadn't been underpinned etc. It was their late father's house. They eventually produced about a dozen pages on the work that had been done. We walked away. It sold soon afterwards at full asking price. We did wonder if they'd have a survey. We didn't need one as there was no mortgage but no way would I have bought without a survey/structural report. In your case, the problems might not have been anywhere as bad. Was it even claimed on household insurance and classed as subsidence? Still think I'd keep looking for another house. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 18 Apr 16 16:00   Someone else moving - Manatee

It can be hard to find the perfect house, and when I do I can never afford it! There is usually a compromise somewhere, but knowledge is power and the price has to be right. I'd still be wary of subsidence and flood risk of course, but there are less obvious problems. There are quite a few old houses round here that have literally no foundations. A friend of mine lives in one, two old brick cottages knocked through. In was was the garden is a modern detached house, built in the 70s. The modern one has has major subsidence problems, fixed now by a lot of digging and concrete. The old one has never moved, but I suspect it would be tricky to get a mortgage on. Another friend lives in a lovely cottage in Norfolk, near Wymondham, that is of clay lump (mud) construction. She inherited it, but assumes should she ever want to sell that anybody wanting a mortgage would struggle. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 18 Apr 16 15:31   Someone else moving - Dog

>>Any thoughts? Anyone living in a subsided property? This is an example of why our system of making an offer STC can work to our advantage. I've pulled out at the very last moment on more than a few properties I've made offers on, when I, not some over-paid excuse for a surveyor, have discovered major faults with properties (use your eyes!) I've bought-and-sold 9 properties over the years, so I've seen it all in one way or another. Don't fall for the 'nice retired couple who have been there 20-odd years' malarkey - it's you and your family which matters. Buy with your head not with your heart and, buy a property which you can sell on quite quickly if the (financial) need should arise. This was the first property I bought in 1987. It had major subsidence, but was underpinned by the previous owner who was a builder. When my wifes G/father (property developer!) found out I'd bought it, he had kittens!! www.google.co.uk/maps/@50.8605831,0.5583142,3a,54y,226.9h,87.21t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1shbj9gKnudK3wjNPKwqzK7A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1 Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 18 Apr 16 16:12   Someone else moving - Focusless

Thanks for that everyone. Yes, we're still looking for a plan B, and Mrs F is heading back over there to view a couple of other possibilities tomorrow. Surveyor is having a good (£500) nose around on Thursday; see what that throws up. I've also asked for details of their current insurance. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 18 Apr 16 17:40   Someone else moving - Old Navy

Two separate areas of subsidence, not mentioned until raised by a buyer, one only a tree, the other fixed but is it a permanent fix? I wouldn't touch it with your bargepole. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 18 Apr 16 17:59   Someone else moving - rtj70

The clues to the subsidence for the house we looked at (could have avoided the survey!): 1. Front of house looked in very good condition including pointing. Well it had been rebuilt on new foundations so it should have! 2. Doors not all square. 3. Side wall rendered (probably a big crack under that). 4. Huge tree trunk a few feet from kitchen window There were other issues with it as well (woodworm in the stairs down to the cellar) and it needed a lot of work doing on it to bring it up to standard and to extend the kitchen. The other thing I discovered myself was there was actually two lots of subsidence that had been dealt with. Buyer only divulged on one! The front of the house had been rebuilt on new foundations (and paid for by the council!!?!?) but the party wall also needed underpinning. How did I find that out? I just looked at the council planning department computers for the work. Did a look up on this house before we got a survey. I am so glad we spent the hundreds we did on the structural report on the other house. And we got a discount on the same report/checks for this house :-) Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 18 Apr 16 20:00   Someone else moving - Focusless

>> Two separate areas of subsidence, not mentioned until raised by a buyer, No, it was the sellers telling us about them that kicked this off. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 18 Apr 16 20:10   Someone else moving - Old Navy

But not up front enough to put it in the description? Just waited until you were through the door. Last edited by: Old Navy on Mon 18 Apr 16 at 20:11 Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 18 Apr 16 20:18   Someone else moving - Runfer D'Hills

Any history of flooding, subsidence or a neighbour with a flag on a pole in the garden and I would be unseen retreating due to the clouds of dust. ;-) Reply to this message | Report message       1

Mon 18 Apr 16 20:29   Someone else moving - Old Navy

Maybe lack of focus has a couple or three hundred thousand quid going spare that he can afford to be without. :-) Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 19 Apr 16 07:57   Someone else moving - Old Navy

Cynical old me wonders if the late disclosure of subsidence is covering their legal backs in case of future problems. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 19 Apr 16 08:06   Someone else moving - Clk Sec

South of the border, ON, one has to complete a vast amount of paperwork, with questions about subsidence, floods, grotty neighbours, etc, etc... ;-) Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 19 Apr 16 08:26   Someone else moving - Old Navy

When contemplating a move some years (and two houses) ago I looked at a new house which backed onto tree covered hill. The builder had cut into the hillside to create a garden space. Although the houses were new and unoccupied I could see the trees on hillside leaning towards the houses and a closer look revealed horizontal cracks across the hill. A very short viewing. Last edited by: Old Navy on Tue 19 Apr 16 at 08:27 Reply to this message | Report message