Searches Back

So the searches have come back on the bungalow. Nothing unusual to report except that the house is in an area of archaeological importance but I think I had seen that somewhere before. Also there is no planning permission (probably not needed) and build regs (needed) for the lean to that is on the back of the house - worst case scenario is I have to knock it down. I knew this was likely the case and that I would have to make some changes to it so that it got building regs. Or else I put a conservatory on instead. It is not a vital part of the property, just a useful extra area, so that is not the end of the world.

Things Moving Slowly

So as is the way with UK property transactions, things seem to be moving slowly. I sent back a long list of answers to questions that my buyer had and also had to include the planning permission for my own house which was built in 2000. Initially I thought I did not have these papers but then found them in a bunch of stuff that was sent to me when I bought the place.

Anyway, things are also slow on the buying front as the old lady who owned part of the house died. Her husband is still alive so it passes to him and hopefully that will not delay the transaction. I need to get in some removal men soon for quotes and also possible storage costs if I have to move out of my house before moving in to the bungalow.

Survey Back, Contracts with Solicitor

So I had a survey done on the property and there wasn't really too much that I didn't know which was a relief. The place needs a lot of work and most of the jobs I had written down were pointed out. There were just a few things like a couple of loose tiles on the roof and the sofits (or fascia boards, I can't remember) needed painting.

I have sent both the sale and the purchase contracts back to the solicitor but am just waiting for the Property Information Form from the seller which seems to have been omitted. Hopefully all will go through within a month.

Bungalow Before Pictures

So there won't be too much to report in the coming weeks as I wait for the purchase to go through (touch wood). I have instructed a surveyor to do a homebuyers report which will hopefully be done next week. I went round to have another look at the place last weekend and took some pictures. One thing that struck me was that the bathroom was smaller than I thought and there is only just room to put in a small bath. The other options are to move the wall into the kitchen a bit to give more space but I am pretty sure it is a load baring wall. However, it still might be worth doing as there is enough room in the kitchen to take it and a bigger bathroom would be a big selling point and might be worth the extra cost. I will get some quotes as soon as I get the keys.

Lean-to off the back of the kitchen

Kitchen door from the lean to

Back of the lean-to

The lean-to off the lean-to!

back garden

Flat roof on the lean-to needs replacing

Kitchen

Main bedroom

2nd bedroom, electrics need insetting

Living room bay window to front

Fireplace in living room

door to kitchen

wetroom shower and sink

Waiting Game

So it will likely be a waiting game for a while as the contracts start going through the solicitors. UK property transactions are notable for taking a long time and usually take at least 2 months. I am holding off getting my survey done until my buyers have done theirs just in case they decide to pull out for any reason.

Offer Accepted

So yesterday I had my offer accepted on a bungalow that needs modernisation. This is my second home modernisation project but my first bungalow and the first one I will have to live in while doing the work. I am hoping that the purchase will go through in 2 months so I can start work in May but these things tend to take on a life of their own so who knows what will happen!