I wanted to share something

@jonf

What’s lured you back to browsing, survey hiccups, second thoughts, or just keeping options open? Thought you’d already put an offer in on Jemmia Puddleduck Cottage. Do you think now you rushed in too soon? This  cottage you have shared has got charm too, but it’s very remote again. I thought you were hoping to move back nearer civilisation.

Just spotted a few things in this other cottage’s listing that might be worth checking. It says “full residential use,” which is great, but also mentions “Council Tax Bands, Business Rated” and Band F. Bit of a mixed message, so probably worth asking the agent or council to clarify. If it’s still on business rates from its holiday let days, you might need to switch it back if you're planning to live there full time. That status could also affect building insurance unless it’s clearly defined.

It’s on private drainage and shared well water, which is standard for rural spots. But if the septic tank discharges to ground, it needs a drainage field built to BS 6297. Discharge to a stream or ditch isn’t allowed anymore and would need upgrading. The listing doesn’t say, and the agents haven’t tested anything, so I’d ask non-compliance could mean extra costs.

Broadband looks good with ultrafast and ADSL, but Ofcom says mobile signal is limited, so it might be patchy. Worth checking if you rely on a mobile phone.

Lovely looking place and very cheap. Just make sure there aren’t any hidden surprises. Could be a gem, but best to go in with eyes open before your heart starts measuring up for curtains.

Not a surveyor, just someone with a fair bit of experience. My husband and I bought our first home at 19 and moved several times to accommodate our growing family of six children. Over the years, I’ve become very familiar with the ups and downs of the property market, and I’ve helped each of my children navigate their own home purchases too.

So when I read a listing like the cottage you shared, I tend to notice the little things, like the mixed council tax wording or the mention of untested drainage. Not to take the shine off anything, but I’ve seen how quickly a charming property can come with hidden costs. It’s lovely to dream, but even lovelier when the dream holds up under scrutiny. As I often say to my children, the big print giveth, but the small print taketh away.

When my husband passed away unexpectedly six years ago, many assumed I’d downsize. I did think about it, but the truth is I feel fortunate where I am. The house may be more than I need now, but it once held a lot of life and still holds a great deal of happy memory. These days it’s just me and the dog, but it still feels like home. And to me, the location is hard to beat, five minutes from the beach, half an hour’s drive from the New Forest, and everything I need close by. I do love the countryside, but I think I’m a townie at heart.

@jonf

Yes, it’s the south coast, actually, it’s my hometown. I did move away, but came back 32 years ago when my mum was widowed. She was happy to help with childcare and save me the cost, and somehow, I never left again.