There are many different signs that might tell you it might be time to look for a new home. Maybe it’s a lack of space, or maybe you’ve got a new job, but knowing when it’s time to look can help start the process.
1. Horrible housemates
When you moved in, it seemed like a brilliant adventure. Making new friends, always having someone around to share a meal, grab a drink or watch a movie with. Living with housemates is, whilst usually a necessity, often a joy as well.
However, sometimes that can change. You might outgrow the situation or perhaps you no longer get along with the people you live with. Even if you haven’t necessarily had a fall out with your housemates, you might realise that you want your own space.
Living with others can be difficult, but if you’ve decided that it’s time you start thinking about buying your own home, there are things you can do. Start thinking about
where you’d like to live,
how much you’d need to save, and what you can do to get there.
2. Living with mum and dad
Living with your parents is in many ways a gift – less responsibility, fewer costs and usually, the promise of the occasional cooked dinner. Many young (and not so young) people either stay at home or move home to save up for their own place.
As much of a gift as it is, moving home can be difficult. Remaining an adult with authority over your own life, and not falling back into teenage or childhood patterns can be hard. It’s very easy to let your parents do everything for you as they once did, to overstay your welcome or for them to feel you aren’t grateful.
If living at home has started to put tension on your relationships, it might be worth looking to move up your timeline,
supersize your savings and see
what deals are out there on your dream home.
3. Renting with a partner
It’s easy to say that renting is ‘dead money’, but at reallymoving we don’t necessarily think that’s true.
Renting allows you to stay in a place that you make your home. The only difference is that you’re not investing long term into your future. Rent pays for now, whereas a mortgage pays for both now and the future.
But it’s easier said than done to trade in your rent for a mortgage.
However, if you’re renting with a partner, maybe this is the year to start thinking about what you could get a mortgage for, and where you might like to buy. It’s much easier to buy with someone else, and if you’re starting to dream of a place you can make your own, make changes to the décor and invest in something long term with your sweetheart, maybe this is your year.
Start with our first time buyer mortgage guide.
4. Cramped with the kids
Maybe you already bought your first home? You’ve scrimped and saved and had that moment of joy and pride as you stepped onto the property ladder. Perhaps your home was perfect – small and affordable in a great area with pubs and restaurants, and everything you’d need for your first home.
But then, life changes.
That perfect little flat doesn’t have room for the pram, or it has too many stairs for a toddler, or it means you need to park miles away. Maybe there’s no green space, or you simply don’t have the cupboard space for everything you now own. You might be thinking about school catchment areas for the future.
Perhaps your friends and family have moved further afield, or you’re getting tired of the city slog. Maybe it’s time to
move somewhere with more space, fresh air and new opportunities.
We outgrow the places we love and trying to make them work for too long can be exhausting.
If this is the year you decide to upsize, we can help. From finding the right property (and asking the right questions) to understanding what your survey means, it’s all up from here.
5. Lack of parking
Another reason you may want to look for somewhere new might be because of a lack of parking. Maybe you don’t have a drive and must park far away from your house, or maybe you need room for more cars in the drive.
Looking for a house that is more accessible might make your life easier.
6. Lack of outdoor space
As well as lack of parking, lack of outdoor space can be a main motivation to look for somewhere new to live.
Maybe you have young children and would like a safe space for them to play, or maybe you’d like to grow your own fruit and vegetables, it might be time to look for a new house with a garden more suited to your needs.
7. Your home is a little too big
For some, the opposite problem arises – you have too much space. Maybe the kids have moved out, or you just want less stuff, lower bills and fewer hours spent cleaning. For those who have grown tired of their large house and dream of something a little more manageable, downsizing can offer a great number of advantages.
Firstly, you can get rid of a lot of your stuff, perhaps selling it to make a bit of money and saving yourself on your removal’s fees. By choosing a smaller property, you’ll be cutting down bills, and hopefully releasing equity in your home, giving you a little more money to play with.
If it is time you downsize, there’ll be a lot to look forward to.
8. Your job
Another way you might know it’s time to move is if you’ve accepted a job offer that means you need to relocate.
Choosing your dream job might be daunting if it means you need to move, but keeping prepared might mean you end up with your dream job and your dream house.
Alternatively, you might be tired of the commute where you currently live and decide to move closer to your office.
9. Problems with neighbours
As with horrible housemates, nightmare neighbours might motivate you to start looking for somewhere else to live.
Even if your neighbours aren’t awful, you might be looking for somewhere a bit quieter as you approach retirement. Finding a new neighbourhood that is more suited to your needs can improve your quality of life.
Remember, that if you are
moving amid a neighbour dispute you must disclose it otherwise you could have a claim made against you for misrepresenting the property.
10. Always waiting for the bathroom
It might seem like an obvious one, but if you are always waiting for someone to get out of the bathroom then it might be time to look for a new place to live.
If your family has got bigger, the line for the bathroom might have lengthened too. A house with an extra bathroom can solve the problem.
There are many signs that might point towards you looking for a new place to live. Being prepared can help make the process easier.