Scrimp, you could inherit all your dad's stuff anyway so why would you need to buy the house it goes into? He might give it to you anyway and how old is his furniture? Most condos have appliances. And how old are his appliances? You'll have to replace them at some point, unless then are less than 5 years old now.
And a larger home needs more maintenance and repairs period. There is no way around it. Roof? Bigger roof = more expensive. Just materials even if you do it yourself. Deck? Etc
So why do you need a single family home for just you? How much stuff you do have?
It sounds like you are thinking I'll get a home that's furnished with my dad's stuff so it's a great deal. You aren't stepping back and asking yourself financially and emotionally, do I want to deal with all this stuff?
Will I like his furniture? If it's already 20 years old, will you want new stuff? How do you know your heating bills are comparable to a newer home that has better insulation, new storm windows, etc?
When I move into my next home, a single family home, I will be installing solar panels, tankless water heaters, more insulation, new windows, etc. I plan on it being my final home.
But I am having kids and dogs. I need more space than my 1 bedroom condo could have afforded. And my townhouse now is perfect for us and 1 kid maybe 2, depending on the parents and in-law situation.
But I haven't spent much updating and doing energy efficient solutions because I know I'm not staying. Will you do these things to your dad's home?
You have asked us how to save for the home before you broke up. And Jim has said you can't see the forest from the trees. Same thing with this house babe.
What do you really need? Where do you think you'll be in 5 years? Do you ever want to get married? Would you consider marrying someone who is divorced with stepchildren even if you don't want kids? How will that affect your lifestyle?
Would you be unhappy if you meet someone in 5 years and they wanted to move to a different home. Didn't like the home you were in? What if they have a house they love and want you to move into?
These are all questions that cannot be resolved quickly or easily. Consider long term prospects and goals before just leaping into "i'm getting a deal for my dad's home".
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