In message , MM writes
Whatever you think, and whatever is PC, buyers think "COUNCIL HOUSE".
I'm not sure I recall where you are, but your experience is of 6 months, or so, of a localised property market, which is changing from massively overheated, to some semblance of normality at least. You are also probably looking at some inflated asking prices, which may reflect an expectation that the market would continue to rise at the same rate.
My experience is of 17 years of a localised property market, with substantial exposure to the national property market, (research, discussion with agents from elsewhere etc.).
Pound for pound, and similar spec. and location most people would be wowed by an older property with lots of character, whereas standard modern, would not have the same effect.
As I said - so far it has not been hard. Merely not as straightforward as you expected.
On the bit about your being 59 and this being your first move, presumably you may not be expecting to move again - If so, buy the house you like, and leave it to others to worry about selling it (little ).