Hmm.. which option would you go with?

[Inanna]

I think I would keep looking too.... I think the proximity to town is a really really big draw card. He could walk you only need one car, If the schools are good - which usually the closer the cBD the better the schools...
I wouldn't go flight path - too much pollution both noise and aviation fuel. Not good. The power line thing... Are they high voltage? If not thern they are probably the run of mill ones that most of us are subject to.

I would go larger house smaller land. Less maintnenance and there are lots o parks. Good luck with your decision...

[Nicambhar]

Hmmm, I agree with a couple of other posters, keep looking. It kind of doesn't sound as though you are in love with either of these houses as much as you were in love with the land IYKWIM...
As for buying a house needing reno's, 3 young kiddies and reno's = HUGE HEADACHE, that's just me anyways.
Best of luck x

[Arimeh]

SW - apart from the fact that it would be out of our range that we want to spend (we could get a loan for more money, but I want to stay at home with the kids so we need a fairly low mortgage for that) its a crap house thats falling apart. Yesterday I couldn't even get the oven to work until I swore at it continuously, banged the door shut and turned it off and on a few times

Nic - yeah I know. Theres just something about that older house thats all.....

[somewoman]

Theres just something about that older house thats all.....

personally, I'd go with the older house. The extra land would be nice, but the older house seems to scream of potential.

My theory is buy the worst house in the best street! The house can always be improved, the neighbourhood, not so much