[NSC] Life Choices- Moving From Brighton

[Herr Tubthumper]

For me, not wanting to rent is nothing to do with “culture” or thinking that ‘owning property’ has more ‘status’ than renting. There are good sound reasons why owning property is better than renting even if the renting sector could be reformed and tenancy agreements made more like leases rather than the periodic lets they are.

• Renting property gives less long term housing financial security than if you owned a property (especially outright) as the OP‘s situation illustrates
• Any decorative improvements you make are benefiting the landlord.
• You are lining someone else’s pockets who is earning appreciation on their property at your expense.
• You get no return on years of investment at the end of the occupancy.
• Property is still a good investment and something you can pass on to your descendants)
• If you need to move away temporarily, you can always let the property out so you have something to come back to
• Downsizing as you get older and reducing your overheads in life also makes good economic sense - paying off your mortgage before you retire gives you additional long term financial security.

I would be happy for BHA to build a few accommodation blocks in walking distance to the Amex so loyal members who have moved out of Brighton can have a cheap overnight stay after an evening match

Your post and thinking, in some respects, perfectly illustrates what I mean about the culture of ownership and renting; you view is very much through the lens of the UK.

Please note I’m not saying anyone is right or wrong, more than I could have predicted your reply.

I’m not just talking only about individuals though, I am talking about the entire situation of renting from private, to social housing companies, cooperatives, trusts to council housing to the actual renters through to government provision for renters in their retirement and declining health. At the very least there needs to be a discussion and a look at practices and cultures elsewhere.

 

[Zeberdi]

Your post and thinking, in some respects, perfectly illustrates what I mean about the culture of ownership and renting; you view is very much through the lens of the UK.

Please note I’m not saying anyone is right or wrong, more than I could have predicted your reply.

I’m not just talking only about individuals though, I am talking about the entire situation of renting from private, to social housing companies, cooperatives, trusts to council housing to the actual renters through to government provision for renters in their retirement and declining health. At the very least there needs to be a discussion and a look at practices and cultures elsewhere.

Ah, now you have expanded your point a bit, I agree but I can’t help being influenced by the culture I live of course in because the UK does indeed make it more risky and more expensive imo to rent than own property. Also, agree it is a personal choice, neither of which is right or wrong - I could easily list all the advantages of not owning property!

You will find this article interesting and perfectly illustrates the point you are making I think

Why are Brits so obsessed with buying their own homes?

If there’s such a thing as a British dream, it’s to own the roof over your head – and then sell it for a stonking profit. This seems a bit odd if you’re a foreigner

www.theguardian.com

 

[Justice]

A wealthy uncle of mine who wasn’t a snob (working class Brightonian, born in Canning Street) sold up about age 60 and with his wife moved to a large ‘mobile’ home in the Newhaven area. They loved it. Sociable people, they got on well with the neighbours and took up a hobby or two.

Someone mentioned that scenario above, good idea.

Scotland … unless you’re a high earner, you won’t be hit by greater taxes. But would you miss the sunshine here? I know someone who moved back to Scotland and they said that was the one downer.

With the other half being Scottish I lived and worked in Scotland for a year winters were horrendous.
One thing though 2ft of snow was common and everything kept going, two inches of snow down here chaos.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Ah, now you have expanded your point a bit, I agree but I can’t help being influenced by the culture I live of course in because the UK does indeed make it more risky and more expensive imo to rent than own property. Also, agree it is a personal choice, neither of which is right or wrong - I could easily list all the advantages of not owning property!

You will find this article interesting and perfectly illustrates the point you are making I think

Why are Brits so obsessed with buying their own homes?

If there’s such a thing as a British dream, it’s to own the roof over your head – and then sell it for a stonking profit. This seems a bit odd if you’re a foreigner

www.theguardian.com

I totally agree, my post was not aimed at you but society in general. Regarding the point I have bolded.... I am no different...I have bought an apartment here.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

With the other half being Scottish I lived and worked in Scotland for a year winters were horrendous.
One thing though 2ft of snow was common and everything kept going, two inches of snow down here chaos.

I remember being in Chicago a few years ago, in decent weather I add, and was sitting outside somewhere having a coffee and my eyes fixed on a road sign which said something like the council snow clearers stop if the snow if over 4ft. I cannot remember the exact amount but it was something ridiculous. It took me a while to get my head around this.

 

[Weststander]

I remember being in Chicago a few years ago, in decent weather I add, and was sitting outside somewhere having a coffee and my eyes fixed on a road sign which said something like the council snow clearers stop if the snow if over 4ft. I cannot remember the exact amount but it was something ridiculous. It took me a while to get my head around this.

In the entire history of the city 29” is the record snow depth (1979).

The Buffalo side of the Great Lakes does get huge blizzards and snow dumps.

 

[worthingweird]

Moved over to Worthing 6 years ago...love it.

 

[Sid and the Sharknados]

Kings Lynn is on the edge of that horrible flat area of Lincolnshire. Keep going and you will find some beautiful areas. Wonderful beaches, cracking pubs. Just stay away from places like Burnham Market which are full of 2nd home City wankers.

Believe me, I don't need telling about South Holland, I used to drive down from Sheffield. 2 hours on the A17 doing about 30mph on roads so straight I could have steered the car with my cock if I'd tried.

As it was I just rested my left foot on the steering wheel while reading the Sheffield Star.

Seriously though, I did get up to the north coast a few times and saw some nice dunes etc. but never got around to going to Norwich. The aforementioned hours on the A17 limited the appeal of that. I did think it was a nice area on the whole but it didn't strike me as even vaguely like "the North" as described in the post I replied to. Unless that was specifically referring to Humberside, now that I think about it.

 

[Nitram]

If you love the cosmopolitan life that Brighton offers then seriously consider all your options before you leap into places like Dorset or Norfolk.
I lived and worked in Dorset and if you are fine turning your back on modern city life that’s ideal but I found it constricting and boring after a while. I love Norfolk for a holiday but could not contemplate living there.

 

[Brian Potter]

Believe me, I don't need telling about South Holland, I used to drive down from Sheffield. 2 hours on the A17 doing about 30mph on roads so straight I could have steered the car with my cock if I'd tried.

As it was I just rested my left foot on the steering wheel while reading the Sheffield Star.

Seriously though, I did get up to the north coast a few times and saw some nice dunes etc. but never got around to going to Norwich. The aforementioned hours on the A17 limited the appeal of that. I did think it was a nice area on the whole but it didn't strike me as even vaguely like "the North" as described in the post I replied to. Unless that was specifically referring to Humberside, now that I think about it.

Ah, the A17. I have never hated a road as much as I do that one. I gave up on it and just stick on the A47 until it hits the A1 when heading north. And I agree, Norfolk is not like the north. It is just .. well, Norfolk.

 

[Barham's tash]

It is a mammoth decision which I thought about for years before actually doing it.

I sold a large period flat in Hove and cash bought a 2 bed house with a 150ft garden and still released nearly 50% capital from the proceeds of sale which I put in fixed bonds and ISAs - that gave me enough to live off the monthly interest, pay national insurance stamps until I retire and reduce my working hours to part time without having to claim means tested benefits.


eel free to PM me if you want any more specific info or recommendations for the area.

Kudos in taking that huge step and realising your ideal - beyond buying the same property in rural/urban Sussex - scenario.

I honestly think, having tried but failed to help my dad in a similar situation, there is a book to be written guiding either your generation or their children in navigating such a difficult and life changing situation.

I'm sure there were huge challenges involved but also you should look back on this with a huge degree of satisfaction having achieved something not many people manage to.

 

[amexer]

This thread does highlight the desperate need for a change in the way the UK approaches housing. Not just government policy but also how we all view and approach home ownership and renting.

Remember sometime ago relatives/friends in Germany said no stigma attatched to renting and 50/60% were happy to do so Is this still the same

 

[joydivisionovengloves]

I think that living in a place you love and feel happy living in is really important for all sorts of reasons.
As someone else said better to live in the worst house in a nice area than a nice house in a shit area.
Before you burn your bridges really research what you can do financially.
Could you afford a mortgage if you downsized ? Or moved a mile up the road ?
I'm in my late 50's and have considered over 50's housing. Its generally half the price of other housing stock down here in Bristol and generally of a higher standard.
Who cares if it's a retirement flat if it means you have your mates, favourite pubs, football team etc etc in easy reach.
I lived in Bristol for 25 years and moved out to the countryside about 8 years ago. Although Im only 50 minutes drive away I feel really cut off from things.
The people and places we love and their familiarity are what keep us going and without them, in my opinion, we are lost.

 

[Eeyore]

I think that living in a place you love and feel happy living in is really important for all sorts of reasons.
As someone else said better to live in the worst house in a nice area than a nice house in a shit area.
Before you burn your bridges really research what you can do financially.
Could you afford a mortgage if you downsized ? Or moved a mile up the road ?
I'm in my late 50's and have considered over 50's housing. Its generally half the price of other housing stock down here in Bristol and generally of a higher standard.
Who cares if it's a retirement flat if it means you have your mates, favourite pubs, football team etc etc in easy reach.
I lived in Bristol for 25 years and moved out to the countryside about 8 years ago. Although Im only 50 minutes drive away I feel really cut off from things.
The people and places we love and their familiarity are what keep us going and without them, in my opinion, we are lost.

I don't think a mortgage is a good idea. But having such a low budget (in housing terms) causes issues. I could afford to buy a small retirement flat outright and I love living amongst older people. There are a few in my block, one of whom I visit every week and run errands. I enjoy doing it. Perhaps I'm just trying to put karma credit in the bank for if I reach old age

My only concern is all the hidden costs and maintenance charges on those. But it's an option I'm more than comfortable with.

 

[dazzer6666]

Remember sometime ago relatives/friends in Germany said no stigma attatched to renting and 50/60% were happy to do so Is this still the same

Germany has almost the lowest % of home ownership in Europe……

Homeownership rate in countries in Europe 2023 | Statista

In the presented European countries, the homeownership rate extended from 42 percent in Switzerland to as much as 96 percent in Albania.

www.statista.com

 

[Eeyore]

Remember sometime ago relatives/friends in Germany said no stigma attatched to renting and 50/60% were happy to do so Is this still the same

I do wonder that legislation in Germany is far tighter and more geared towards tenants. I think they have rent controls too. I'm sure I did read about it a while back.

 

[Jackthelad]

50’s is still relatively young. Don’t be scared of change. People do degrees in their 50 and 60’s they change career, move around. I’d look to Sussex, you can’t really go wrong with the likes of Seaford and Newhaven, especially Newhaven these days it on the up and quiet.

 

[Mellor 3 Ward 4]

Good Luck in whatever you decide to do.

Only thing I would say is that if you move away, it's difficult to move back....

 

[DJ NOBO]

In your position my first choice would be live in a cheaper part of Sussex, second choice go further afield, maybe Norfolk, but not as extreme as Cumbria or Scotland which would be a massive culture shock.
Shout out also to the West Country. Better weather, nice countryside and relatively cheap housing. The people are laid back Too. It’s not trendy , like Brighton, and I miss the sea, but overall i have no regrets settling in Wiltshire.
And there are a couple of county cricket clubs to keep you entertained.

 

[Bry Nylon]

I could have steered the car with my cock if I'd tried.

Happy to share lifts anytime.

(Doesn't really matter where to).