What To Think About When Upsizing To A New Home
Moving to a bigger house is something that most of us plan to do at some point in our lives. Often it is because your family is growing and the starter home you bought when first stepping foot on the property ladder now feels like it’s bursting at the seams. Or perhaps you simply need a little more space to entertain friends, welcome guests or indulge your favourite hobby. Upsizing is generally good news and a sign that you are now feeling more comfortable and secure. However, it can still be a daunting prospect, which is why we have put together these top tips to make it as stress-free as possible.
Room for a few
If you're welcoming a new addition to the family, or your teenage kids now want more space, your priority might be more bedrooms. Bear in mind that your circumstances can change over the years as more children arrive, or an elderly relative comes to live with you so flexibility is the key. Sometimes it is worth looking at houses with an extra room than you currently need so you have space to expand without having to move again.
Have purpose
Start your house hunting with a discussion about what different members of the family want in a new home. Perhaps you are looking for a larger kitchen and dining area so you can cook while also keeping an eye on the children, or maybe you want extra storage for sports equipment. When viewing a property, look at how you can make the best use of these rooms, both in the short and long-term, and think about how your furniture will fit into them. As well as the practical side, don’t be afraid to factor in those luxury features you’ve always dreamed of – whether it is an en-suite, walk-in wardrobe or cosy snug for film nights.
Holding the purse strings
Moving to a bigger house will almost always increase the size of your mortgage, and the monthly repayments. Look carefully at your income and outgoings to find out what you can afford and always ensure you will still have money left for a rainy day, along with any additional new furniture you might need. Don’t forget there are plenty of free online tools, like the Miller Homes mortgage calculator, to help you find the best option for your household.
Chain reaction
You may have heard nightmare stories from friends and relatives about a sale being delayed – or falling through – because of another buyer or seller in the chain. Whether it’s because one party couldn’t secure a mortgage in time, or someone pulls out, it is particularly unsettling for ‘second steppers’ who have not experienced it before. One of the big advantages of buying new is that there is no upward chain so you can move into your home as soon as everything has been signed, sealed and delivered. Miller Homes also has a range of incentives to make the process easier, including part exchange and assisted moving.
Top location
As well as finding the perfect house to grow into and make your own, look at the wider community and think about how it suits your needs. Chances are you’ll want to stay in your second home much longer than your first so consider where you might be working in the future and if your children, or are planning to have them in the future, research both primary and secondary schools. Proximity to a major town or city, good transport links and the number of parks and green spaces nearby are also important considerations when moving.
Upsizing to a new home is always an exciting time so enjoy every step of the journey!