‘BARGAIN’ COTTAGE COULD BE MAKEOVER DELIGHT
F
INDING the worst house on the street in a popular and pricey location and turning it into one of the best houses, adding value at the same time, is the makeover dream
A current example of this scenario is this cottage in Cardiff, part of a row of distinctive period properties on a main street running through the popular suburb of Rhiwbina.
The most recent sale on the terrace was in January 2019, when a three-bed cottage sold for £213,000.
That makes this neighbouring abode, currently on the market for £130,000, a bit of a bargain; until you step inside and see the vast amount of work required. It’s a total gut job.
Planning consent, building controls, structural engineers and maybe even an architect are all stages you may have to engage with before you even have a chance to pull on the tool belt and test your DIY skills.
But a variety of possible buyers might decide that the renovation headaches may be worth enduring to bag a bargain or get on the property ladder in this suburb.
With Rhiwbina village high street in one direction and Whitchurch village high street in the other, a petrol station and convenience store at one end of the street and an array of pubs, cafes and restaurants within walking distance of the tiny terrace, the property is well positioned to be popular with first-time buyers.
The house is also within the catchment area of good primary schools and Whitchurch High School, so the home might be perfect for a small family too.
Whoever likes the look of this renovation project will have to have a hefty bank account, as it’s for cash buyers only.
Nestled in the middle of the pretty terrace this three-bed cottage is currently the beast amongst the beauties, but the neighbouring homes illustrate its potential.
The front door opens straight into the front room and a light and maybe surprisingly generous space awaits, with space to create a cosy lounge and dining area in this only reception room.
Through to the kitchen and the standard of the property worsens, with mould making an appearance to join the crumbling plaster.
But again the room has potential to become the heart of the home.
The kitchen then leads into a walk-in shower room that includes a shower unit and the boiler.
Up the staircase to probably the most frightening area of the cottage: the dark and dingy landing with a bulging ceiling and patches of mould, both suggesting there is a problem with the roof. Add that to the “to do” list.
Rather surprisingly there are three bedrooms on this first floor, all of a decent size for a traditional cottage.
Take a look at the neighbours’ properties from the outside, and get ideas for how you could transform this home.
This cottage with oodles of potential is currently on the market with Peter Alan for £130,000. Give their Whitchurch branch staff a call on 029 2061 2328 or email them via the website at peteralan.co.uk to register your interest.