Battenberg

BBS are fine. The 2 beds can feel claustrophobic as there is no 3rd bedroom and the kitchen is in the living room. Quality is fine as 1000s of these were built across the area.

I would always opt for a semi or end of terrace with a BB. As these have a side window and throw a lot of light into the downstairs area. If your in a mid terrace or a block, they can feel a bit dark on the ground floor.

Otherwise, nicely laid out property with good outside space.

Agents aRe untrustworthy, they will probably have a greater profit margin on the other property. Hence their advice

Hi Terry

How strange. I have heard all sorts of things come out of agents mouths (not all agents are created equally I have to say!), however, this is a first.

A couple of things spring to mind. If the agent knows you are likely to definitely buy a house, they may be steering you based on either their commission or the fact they have another interested party in the Battenburg one, therefore direct you elsewhere so they get two sales.

Finally, does it really matter what people think of you? The Spanish looking down on you? As an ex-Pat, I must say my experience has been nothing but positive in our village from the Spanish locals. I find that making every effort to integrate yourself helps. Anyway, if you don't speak the language, you will have no idea what they are saying so you won't care!

In all seriousness, I would suggest the 'guidance' and direction from the agent is likely to be based on their own financial gain. Most (NOT all) agents I have met see their prospects merely as transactions. Disclaimer - there ARE good agents out there too!

Follow what your dreams are, not the dreams or desires of others.

Hope it helps

Hi Terry,

Unfortunately, some agents just can't be trusted and I agree with the others - that sort of talk is almost certainly about the agent's commission.  I wonder what the vendor of the Batternberg would think if they could hear their selling agent speaking about their property in that manner.......?

You could visit another couple of agents in the area and make a general enquiry about that type of property, without mentioning the other agent, to see whether you receive alternative views.

Good luck.

Kind regards, 

Kim

Hi Terry

Sorry to hear you have experienced the worst of sales tactics.  The Battenburgs are still a popular style and have been standing long enough for any problems to show themselves (if there are any).  They do need to be repainted every few years so check out whether that is arranged by the community or if you have to do it yourself - just a maintenance consideration.  I have no idea if the other house has a permanent render, therefore no painting required, or whether that will require painting every few years as well.

As 271935 said, the end terraces or semi's have more natural light as they have the extra window, but that goes for most townhouses.

If you would be happy with either house then I personally would always go with the old adage of 'location, location, location' - you can change the interior of a house to suit your tastes (and will do so whichever one you buy), but you cannot change the location.

I would suggest that over the weekend spend a lot of time walking around the two areas, talk to the locals, and it is important to visit in the evening to monitor noise levels from any nearby bars.

One more consideration is the immediate surroundings - if there is an empty plot very close by then think carefully about how a 3-4 storey block of flats appearing there would interfere with your outlook and sunlight.  Better to buy where all around you is already established.

Good luck.  Trust you instincts but buy with your head as much as with your heart.

Bev

Hi Terry 

I bought a Battenburg last year and have never regretted it. I’ve updated it and it’s amazing how a bit of paint can brighten rooms. I agree with all previous comments and your agent should not be giving you information for his own purposes. I hope whatever decision you come too is the best one for you, good luck 😎😎

Lorraine

Dear all,

Thank you very much for all your time that you took to reply. I’ve come back to the UK now and not put in an offer. I’ve been offered a place to rent from September by a friend so might take this route.

The agent trying to put me off the battenberg wasn’t selling it. He asked if I liked any others and then told me why I shouldn’t buy it but buy his one. (I liked both to be honest).

Yes the other house is rendered and south facing but I was truly disappointed with their efforts (it was a tag team effort) to ‘torpedo’ my interest. Information from this forum helps a lot and it isn’t end of terrace so I probably won’t be offering on either. I’ve sold in the UK and need somewhere to live but I’m not desperate so will probably rent from September for a few months on the ground so to speak.

Once again thanks for all your help and advice, it is greatly appreciated 

Terry

Thanks Kim,

They are very trying but I’m not going to make a life changing decision because someone wants a commission. I’m sure I’ll find the right one for me in September/October.