I think we all probably know someone who has moved house recently. There have been for sale boards popping up all over the place. Turning to sold signs and then coming back down as new owners move in, The stamp duty holiday had a huge part to play in that, however people started to look at their situation differently during the pandemic. With working from home more accessible and families enjoying that extra time together, different properties have been sought after. You might be looking for more space, less space or maybe a different type of home. It could be a different area, leading to an alternative lifestyle. Whatever the reason you’re looking at new houses, ask yourself whether you are better moving, or adapting what you already have. Let’s have a look at some benefits of both options.
Stay Where You Are
This home already has plenty of memories. The four walls you live within is already a home. It’s more than a house, or a flat, or a maisonette. You know the area, you know the shops, the neighbours, the local parks. You probably have friends and family in the area and can walk home from the pub even after you’ve had one too many. The problem is, you might need more space. This is one of the top reasons some people move house. Are you able to adapt what you currently have to fit your new situation. Maybe you need to work from home so require a dedicated office space. Perhaps you had a bit too much time on your hands in lockdown and you are expecting a new addition to the family. Whatever the reason, could you convert, extend or alter your property to become the home you now need?
Move House
Maybe you really want to get out of the area you are in? Perhaps the life you’ve been living has been ideal when working in the city? However with more freedom to work from home, you’d like some countryside nearby. If you don’t want to extend or add to where you already live and a new town, village or even county is calling, what can you look for? Firstly you need to get your own house in order to sell. Start the de-cluttering because you don’t want to pay a removal firm to shift stuff you don’t need. Whilst looking for your new home, don’t be too ‘sticking to the list’. We’ve all seen those shows where the ‘wildcard’ is actually the best house of the three. Have you requirements but don’t set them all in stone. Of course, you might want a ready made office downstairs, three bedrooms and a driveway for two cars. But would a four bed property with driveway for one and garage really be much different? Maybe you want to move closer to family and have a specific area you want to search within. However, stretching your search radius but only a few miles might open you up to more affordable properties.
Get Your Finances In Order
Whatever you intend to do, you need to get your finances in order. You need to ensure you can afford the changes you want to make to your home which may mean refinancing. If you are moving to a different property in a new part of the country, it might mean getting a new mortgage. With that in mind you will need to figure out your payments and how much it will cost you over the course of the term.
It can be a stress to live in a building site when you are making structural changes to your property. However it can be nightmare to move house and for everything to fall into place to make that happen. Whatever you decide, there will be ups and down. You just need to ensure you afford, without putting too much pressure on your finances. Whatever you decide upon, it’ll be the right thing for you and your family.
