The decision to sell your home is a big one. It involves relocating your family from a familiar environment to a new and unknown one. Even if you only relocate locally, you will be leaving behind your neighbours, familiar places, and potentially friends. There is always a compelling reason for this life-changing choice, yet studies have shown that it still takes on average two years from when people first consider selling to them actually deciding to put their property on the market.

Relocating

People need to relocate for a variety of reasons. They may have been offered a better job in another part of the country; they may need to relocate to the catchment area of a better/more suitable school for their children; they may need to relocate to be closer to ageing parents; or they may need to relocate to shorten their commute to work.

Upsizing

Families quickly outgrow their homes as they expand. They may have more children, or if their children share a room, they may decide that as they get older, they need their own space.

Downsizing

When children leave home, the reverse happens. Paying to heat and maintain a home that is larger than they require may prompt empty nesters to relocate to a property that is more suitable for their needs.

Lifestyle

Moving from the city to the countryside is the most common lifestyle change that results in a house move. It is commonly associated with couples starting families and relocating from a busy city to an area where their children can run around in a larger garden. Most people in this situation find that the proceeds from the sale of their small city property can be used to purchase a much larger property in the country. Moving for a lifestyle change is, however, not only limited to young families. Older couples nearing the end of their careers may prefer to relocate away from the hustle and bustle of city life in order to enjoy a more quiet retirement, while others may choose to do the opposite, returning to the city once their children have grown and flown.

Equity Release

This can be accomplished by first selling and then purchasing a less expensive home. Downsizers who profit from having a more manageable property and a lump sum of cash to spend on enjoying life have a strong incentive to sell. It can also serve as a motivator for people who enjoy renovating properties and then moving on to the next project, investing the equity they have freed up to purchase their next property.

If you are considering moving please do give me a call on 07920 097 175 or send an email to linda.stringer@exp.uk.com and I will be happy to help you decide on the best option for your family.