Factors To Consider Before Moving House

There’s no doubt that moving house can be incredibly exciting, but it’s also a daunting prospect for many. Packing up, relocating and putting down roots in a different place is a big decision, and it’s worth taking the time to make sure it’s the right choice for your family. If you’re thinking about moving, here are some factors to consider first.

Location

Some people choose to move around the corner, while others have grand plans to relocate to a new city, county or country. Before you make any final decisions, think carefully about the location. What are you looking to gain from your move? If you’re happy where you are, but space is an issue, or you’ve fallen out of love with the property, it makes sense to stay local. If you fancy a change of scenery, or there are opportunities to progress at work or find new jobs elsewhere, you may be thinking about moving further afield. Weigh up the pros and cons, investigate different options and research the local market. Often, moving to a different town, city or region can affect house prices, and you might find that you get a lot more or a lot less for your money. If you find an area that you love, but prices are higher than anticipated, expand your search area. In property hot spots, even adding a few miles to the boundaries of your search can make a huge difference. 

Budget

Moving house can be an expensive process. Once you’ve bought a property and paid all the fees, you have to factor in costs, such as hiring a removal company. When deciding whether to move or not, make sure you have an accurate idea of how much you have to spend on a house and include charges and extras that will be added to the purchase price. It is always beneficial to analyse your finances and set an overall budget before you start looking for new homes. You don’t want to fall head over heels in love with a house that you can’t afford. Once you have a figure in mind, you can set filters and work with local agents to identify properties that match your criteria. 

Lifestyle

Many people choose to move house to enhance their lifestyle and improve quality of life. If you’ve outgrown your home, you’re spending hours commuting every day, or you’d like to be able to work from home, but it’s not viable in your current property, moving could open doors. Consider your priorities and look for houses that offer solutions to the problems or inconveniences you currently face. Open-plan living may appeal to families who want to spend more quality time together, changing location can cut commuting times and enable parents to spend more time with their children and adding space can provide a solution for home workers and those keen to expand the family. 

Moving house is a major milestone, and it’s not a decision to take lightly. Before you hang the ‘for sale’ sign out and up sticks, it’s worth considering these key factors.