Everyone has their reasons for moving, and in this economic climate there even more reasons. Moving to a new home is not just about changes in finances, but also social factors, relationship factors and even factors regarding well-being. For this reason, moving houses needs to be a well thought out decision because otherwise, it could do more harm than good.
You Have Saved Up
When you think of reasons for moving, this is usually the first one that comes to mind. The natural progression of houses for some, (should life not get in the way) is that the houses you live in are getting consecutively bigger. Nonetheless, it is such an achievement to be able to put down a deposit on a home and think “I earned that”. During lockdown there have been many signs of encouraging people into buying, from the Help To Buy extension, to reducing stamp duty. If you are considering a move, think about it at a time of an economic slump (if you can) – you may find that houses are slightly cheaper, the base rate has gone down, and there are incentives to get people to buy.
Consider using a service like Mortgage Calculator UK – which allows you to measure how much you can afford, based on income and deposit amount. I have been obsessed with this as I know how what properties are within my reach when window shopping in the early hours of the morning.
Catchment
I wouldn’t have even thought of this as a reason until my parents went through it themselves. To get into the best school in town, we had to move house onto the estate where the school was. Although this may seem like a lesser reason to move, for some it is the ultimate decider. Even non-parent buyers consider this as a factor and purchase a home near to a good school (just in case). You would never want to purchase a home, then have to move because there are no schools nearby.
Want a DIY project
Have you always had a bucket list dream of doing up a home? Consider making it a reality by purchasing a fixer-upper, or building your own home. It may be cheaper to purchase a home that needs renovating, although it does become costly quick. Establish a final budget (accounting for pricey issues) and try not to waver from it too much.
Check out how I renovated my spare bedroom into an office for £100
Want More Space
Lockdown has got us all got us craving space right? The Home Builders Federation survey revealed: “2 in 5 (40%) people say that they would now prioritise space for a home office if they were searching for a new home.” If staying at home as got you watching the pennies and saving inside, consider purchasing a home that has more space. Ensure that you are not biting off more than you can chew and get the right amount of space for you. Do you need x bathrooms? Is a double garage necessary or can I make do with one? Learn what you need before you start looking because chances are you may fall in love with a property that is more than you actually need.
Downsizing
This is also another reason for moving that many do not like to discuss. Downsizing has always been associated with financial reasons; “you wouldn’t move into a smaller place if you had the money?” Thing is, that is not always the case. Maybe your kids have moved out, then how many spare rooms do you need? A bigger house = more work and maintenance – so sometimes it is just easier to get a smaller home that suits your requirements better.
Moving In With Someone Else
Progressing a relationship into the next phase by living in the same place can be an exciting step. Although it should never be rushed. I am not a relationship advisor, but things always get more complicated when there are assets involved. Determine whether you are going to share one of your properties, or move into a new one – and find an arrangement with sharing finances. Establishing a solid financial agreement first will make it easier in the long run when life gets in the way.
Related: 11+ Ways To Vamp Up A Room Using Cheap Decor Items
New Area
Sometimes we just need a change right? Wanted to live somewhere your whole life? Well for many, that becomes a relality. When purchasing a new place, ensure to get to know the location first, especially if it is completely unknown. How far are you from the town centre/train station/amenities? Determine your go-to route to places, and where your home fits into the mix. The good thing about starting afresh is that you usually have a bigger geographical range to find the perfect home, so make the most of it.
The commute is Too Long
If you are going into work every day, it can be an absolute nightmare travelling in. 9 am traffic is a contributing factor towards where you move to, added to the time to your day from travelling. If you have a job that either is new, or you have been there a while, consider purchasing a home nearer your workplace. Not only is it better for the environment, but it is also cheaper for fuel and will get you home quicker. Do not rush into a decision like this, – if you are worried about job security, for example, progress with caution, because it may therefore become a costly move.
Getting Out Before More Problems Occur
Maybe you have a home that needs some work? Maintanence can be costly, and there is no guarantee whether it will last the test of time. For example, living on flood plains will always cause complications. I had to move out of my childhood home because the amount of work that needed doing was the same as a deposit for another place (complete renovation + electrical wiring). The biggest issue with sticking by a fixer-upper – if you do not move out straight after completion, the money you have invested will be tied up within the property. This can therefore become a costly expense, even if you have increased the value of the property.
Move Closer To Family
Sometimes, living far away from everyone can be isolating. Or maybe someone needs care and support you cannot offer from a distance. This is another reason why people move, and one that is led by the heart rather than head. Even with these decisions, you still need to find a financial solution you are happy with, and ensure it is as thought out and not rushed if possible.
Lifestyle Changes
This is always taken for granted because lifestyle changes are sometimes taken for granted. This can be as simple as purchasing a home that is pet friendly or moving from the busy city lights to suburbia. Maybe you prefer somewhere warmer, or a bigger garden for kids or retirement. The house you bought years ago may not have the same needs you have now, so pro and con the move and see whether it is worth it.
All in all, moving home should not be daunting, rather thought out and within your means. Homes are a major life purchase so never settle and find what’s right for you and your loved ones.
