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This may be a rash thing, though I feel it is the right thing to do. My OH says offer £10k less, I think they’ll see that as a bit of an insult, and reject any other bids from us.
Never offer the asking price in your first offer. It's not an insult and would not cause the vendor to "reject any other bids" from you.
Are you sure about this? I don't want to patronise, but the fact you are posting about this on a public forum does hint that you are looking for others to validate your decision.
The big question is why haven't other developers picked up this site? Streetview images captured in 2009 show these slabs in place. What is happening with the other, adjacent plots? For distressed sale, no way I would be offering asking.
Meadowfoot Gardens is it? You will definitely hear the M74 and there will probably be vehicles in and out of that warehouse/barn at odd hours. Also there's what appears to be a slurry pit on the other side of the building. Go back on a calm day and check the noise and smelĺ. Personally I wouldn't touch it.
the fechan has an unenviable reputation...
the fechan has an unenviable reputation…
Please explain.
The big question is why haven’t other developers picked up this site? Streetview images captured in 2009 show these slabs in place. What is happening with the other, adjacent plots? For distressed sale, no way I would be offering asking
I didnt know it was that long, we were told 2018, which was when the current planning application went in. The Builder went bust, 3 of the plots were sold, the others, no-one knows what has happened to them.The Sellers live to the side of the plot, and have been there for 50+ years, so know all about the village, they are on the Community Council etc. The Farmer had originally sold the land up to the Motorway to the builder, but subsequently got it back from the Liquidator.Farm smells wont be a problem, it is far better than the constant smell of weed being smoked around here, and a little noise from the M/way isnt a problem either, we're builidng a well insulated house, so noise inside will be low. Again, there wont be drug dealers revving their cars, banging doors/fighting at 2am there.
I wouldn’t be so sure - it’s not the nicest patch of the region, by quite a measure I’m afraid.
https://www.google.com/search?q=ecclefechan+drugs&rlz=1C9BKJA_enGB951GB952&oq=ecclefechan+drugs
Honestly - you were on the right track previously but I would suggest at the very least a really, really good look at the Fechan and immediate surroundings before committing to moving there.
I have every sympathy, I have also lived in a house where the neighbours made our lives hell. I don't think 'it can't be as bad as where we are now' is a good reason for buying somewhere though. Don't assume that small, rural villages don't have similar problems.
My guess is that the house prices in that area are so depressed that they couldn't sell them for enough to make money.
Do you know if the base is an acceptable spec/condition for a kit house company to use?
My gut says run a mile.
My cousin lived there and moved because of constant harressment from a well known character that lived there. So it can happen anywhere.
I can try ask him what it was but he is not very good at replying to emails.
Given the size of the slab, should be easy to calculate the cost of a house build and compare that to local property prices.
I reckon that in lots of areas, given the big price increase and delays in getting building materials, the economics of self-building are starting to not stack up. OK if you’re looking to settle long-term and are mortgage free - less so if you’re having to borrow and getting someone to do it for you.
@JamesMio that Google search is a bit misleading as it encompasses the stretch of M74 where every drug deal in Scotland comes through from England and the drug squad sit and catch them there.
Fechan was certainly lively and a known reliable source of recreational drugs in the 90/00's but then so was Annan and Lockerbie.
I think that plot is over priced though, by the time you build on that you'll be lumped in negative equity in a less than desirable postcode.
We spent 25 years living across some fields / half a mile from a motorway. Noise was very wind dependent, varying from silent to very intrusive. And with all the night time truck movements, it never stops.
Very glad we've moved to somewhere quieter - I get a stark reminder of the noise we've escaped every time I cycle to / from work crossing the motorway corridor. I definitely wouldn't be going to the effort and expense of building a house near a motorway.
I've just come here to say about the noise...
I'd maybe go back on a less windy day.
It was slightly naughty I grant you but please don't let that detract from the point. It's a bit of a nothing bin of a little place, it really is.
I think that plot is over priced though, by the time you build on that you’ll be lumped in negative equity in a less than desirable postcode.
Indeed, the Land Register is your friend here. A quick look shows the nearest house in the development that this plot looks like it was part of before it was abandoned. Number 4 - sold for £132k July 2009. Zoopla estimated value now £127k. So it sold at the bottom of the post 2008 crash and after 10 years of general rises + Covid bonkers rises it has gone down in price.
This isn't aimed at making you feel bad OP, this is well meaning. I hope you find what you are looking for, good luck.
Keep looking OP!
My cousin lived there and moved because of constant harressment from a well known character that lived there. So it can happen anywhere.
Happened to my girlfriend and her family when they lived there. I've heard it from others who have moved there in more recent years too. Basically if you're not a Fechanite of many generations born and (in)bred then it's pretty much a given...
Fechan was certainly lively and a known reliable source of recreational drugs in the 90/00’s but then so was Annan and Lockerbie.
Nowt's changed...
Sandside** is an area that's not great but slowly improving, helped it has to be said by the demise of the pub right next to that plot. Gradually changing from largely social housing to owner occupiers.
The plot at Greenlea looks pretty much straight at the railway line (which isn't very busy) and might be a bit soggy underfoot but otherwise not too bad a bet 🤔
Edit: **can't get the link to work but it's the auction one Paton referred to...
200m from a motorway across open field? That will be loud!
I'm 400m away through woodland and there is still a background hum.
Decent noise cancelling headphones can help mitigate some of the road noise, but who wants to sit in their garden with headphones on?
We moved to our house almost 20 years ago and I am.surr that the road behind me has become significantly busier since then, so much so that I now despise going out in the back garden.
200m from a motorway across open field? That will be loud!
I’m 400m away through woodland and there is still a background hum.
We're 600-800m from the A9, which is surrounded by woodland and banks.
It's still a constant noise in the summer, even with leaves on, really noisy but less traffic in winter.
You can clearly see those houses / plots from streetview on the M74. It is 100% going to be irritatingly noisy.
I've been visiting D&G for pretty much my entire life so can appreciate the things that are attracting the OP. I can't see that plot delivering what is wanted (apart from a slight chance it might end up a cheap house).
Spotted a plot for sale in the middle of Shawhead when I was up there for work today, not that far from Crocketford...
Not sure if this'll work but here goes 🤔
Scotland
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ziaEUmmQ1SQGj4fy9
Edit: zoom in on the notice on the fence from a slightly different angle and the sellers details are visible on streetview 😁
Crikey, I'm not one to wee on someone else's chips but that motorway plot looks pretty ropey.
Silage stored behind the house, working warehouse, long vacant plot next to other empty plots, seriously close to a motorway (looks about 150m with no tree cover) with the noise and pollution that comes from that and nearby houses that have dropped in value. There must be better plots around, please don't let your situation force you into a decision you might regret.
There must be better plots around, please don’t let your situation force you into a decision you might regret.
When the OP orginaly was looking in The Borders we said that buying a good plot isn't easy, looks like it's not just The Borders.
I'd recommend that they just sell up and rent somewhere they'd like to live, while looking - but make sure where they rent is nice, as they could be there a while...
In Scotland I'd be looking at the long-term population forecasts, some areas like Argyll and Bute are looking at over 30% drops in population by 2080, that's going to mean property prices sinking. It's not going to be evenly spread but it's a serious factor if your house is your main asset.
Interested in where that stat comes from BnD?
Cambridge Analytica
Forecasting a general drop in Scotland c7% East Lothian the only area with any real growth
I imagine there will be ghost villages like the ones you here of on the continent. The difference maybe that the Airbnb sector sees them still active but with shrinking permanent population. Again it will probably see a lot of variability depending on the attractiveness of the area.
England the only home nation with population growth, M5 corridor quite striking
Nrs data with a declining population forecast as well
https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/statistics-and-data/statistics/statistics-by-theme/population/population-projections/population-projections-scotland/2020-based
Oh no, plot now showing as sold and OP has gone quiet.
I sincerely hope this isn't the start of globalti mkII.
I reckon OP has been too busy dealing with solicitors and agents to come back to this thread. He'll be feeling pretty chuffed then, in a day or so, will catch up with the chat here.....
I'm sure it will work out fine!
does the town still have 3 Greggs? tells you all you need to know really
Tbf I'd rather live in fechan than Bolton.
I dont know why it is showing as Sold.
We have agreed a price with the seller, which is a lot less than they paid for it 6 years ago.
We need to sort a Solicitor out now to put in the formal offer. We currently have no money to even put a deposit down, but, hopefully that will change in the next few days as my mortgage offer is supposedly coming through 'soon'.
Yes, I have taken note of what everyone has said. We still think it will be a good spot for us. And, it is cheap. There is £20k+ of concrete and drainage/water already in. Similar unstarted plots are £80k+, that is beyond our means if we want to be mortgage free.
Thanks for the leads Duncan, I've spoken to Dougie, it is looking like a year before we move in, which is fine, it gives me time to sort my current house out, and get all the plans ready.
does the town still have 3 Greggs? tells you all you need to know really
Used to be able to see one Greggs from the other - but they moved one to the other end of the high street.
Used to be able to see one Greggs from the other – but they moved one to the other end of the high street.
to encourage exercise?
There are four Greggs in Dumfries and immediate surroundings that I can think of.
As a follow up to this, the plot at Fechan is ours on May 6th. We've arranged a few changes to the building to suit us, the Architect, who we finally met on Saturday, is a lovely old guy who is also arranging the planning amendments, and sign off for us.
We're going for a SIPs framed wooden house, with slate effect tiles for the roof.It may have negative equity once finished, but, there is nothing for sale that will meet our criteria within 50 miles for the total price we are paying (expected to be £200k) so even though the local market is depressed, there are no houses with the spec we are building to, and it will be just what we require design wise, and low cost to run.
Motorway noise. We've been 3 times in the last 8 days. Yes, it is heard. But isnt a bother. (new) neighbours, a little closer to it say they never notice it at all, just a background noise that is ignored.
Ecclefechan itself. The Roofer we are getting a quote from lives around 15 doors away up the road. He moved from Leigh, Lancs. 5 years ago. He told us he was told the same about Fechan, 'dont move there, its rough as..'. He says he hasnt lived in such a nice place. The 'rough streets' , 2 or 3 with some council/social houses, are far smarter than a lot of the private houses around here in South Leicester. It isnt a downtown sink estate!
Local sights. We've been out twice on the bikes, down the Annandale Way to Annan, then to Newbie beach and, yesterday, to Powfoot beach. Newbie is a bit grim for a beach, being all pebbles,but Powfoot is brilliant, 8 miles from home.The Indian Restaurant in Annan is good, 2 pubs we went in were fine too.
Just waiting now for quotes for the timber frame, once that is ordered we have up to 6 months to sort this place out and get it sold, and get moved.
Best of luck with the project. My wife and I have been looking for a while, considering the possibility of retirement / semi-retirement there. Assuming we’re still healthy, the combination of sea, surf, awesome Kitesurfing spots, MTB, cheap house prices and some really stunning older properties is fairly appealing. Looking a bit further West and not any time soon but I think it’s a good shout.
Sounds like a good move. I loved Galloway - perhaps a rose tinted, pre-kids, just myself and mrs_oab view of life. But perhaps it really is a green, quiet gem with delightful coast, lovely and empty hills and a welcome of off-comers that I remember.
And can I check - is £200k including land(!)...? For how many bedrooms?
Yes, £200k total.
4 bed, 3 up (could be 4 up, but she wants a huge walk in wardrobe) 1 down, with ensuite for guests and air B&B arrangement. (marketing it as suitable for bikes and motorbikes with secure parking in the large shed at the back). Very well insulated, so it wont cost much to run. UFH downstairs, maybe a few radiators up, but they could be missed out as the MVHR will help heat them.Living room down, large (to me) kitchen and dining at the back.
Land and fees associated with planning is less than £70k. The first quote for the timber frame, from MBC, who are known to be expensive, was £90k for passive standard. We're hoping for around £70 for the frame and walls. The roof will be roughly £12k. Rendering will be £5-7k. ASHP fitted by me will be £5k ish after the grant. Plastering will be another £5k ish, though I may do that myself which will bring it down to £1k or under.
Electrics and plumbing done by me, around £2k for parts. Bathroom fittings, maybe £3k, probably less for the 2 bathrooms. Kitchen, done by me for around £5k inc. appliances.
Flooring materials, not sure, at £500 per room will be close to £3.5k, but probably less. Extravagant stairs (her choice!) £5k.
That leaves £12k for things like the woodburner, driveways/landscaping and windows/doors which are around £7k.
It'll be tight, but I reckon we can do it for that.
Fair play, and your giving mrs_oab and I hope to self build soon!
We're currently doing the last year of boy at school, tied into a mortgage, and looking at mrs_oab having to change jobs soon. We've a chunk more than you're spending already, so would be mortgage free in a nice energy efficient modern house is the plan...
When we did our my Mum's place (converted one of our 'barns') we went with a all-in-one quote with a local Contractor, timing was well behind but quality & price were as agreed.
It seemed expensive at the time we agreed it, but there was no pressure on us to deliver anything other than keep on top of the Contractor. I'd part renovated somewhere previously so had experience plus my OH is a Project Manager by trade - but we didn't want to 'lose' our life for a year or two.
Good luck.
a regular question here:
Welcome to the `shire...
your local club
Yes, thanks, we're on the local Fechan FB group, and will have a look at the cycle club too.