Ready for a change?

Let’s be honest. Moving house is not a decision that any of us takes lightly. However, the average person living in the UK will move home 8 times in their lifetime. Now, of course, some people never move; they stay in the same house their entire lives, whilst others may move every few years. My wife and I have both moved house 3 times. Recently, we made the decision to do so again.

As a mortgage advisor, I regularly help clients navigate the intricacies of property ownership and moving house. I have guided them through the stress, the highs, and the lows. Experiencing it from my client’s perspective, however, has given me a whole new perspective. I want to share our experience in the hopes that it helps others in their own property search. After all, moving house is more than just a transaction; it’s a deeply personal journey filled with dreams and aspirations.

The Catalyst for Change

Every move has a story. Sometimes it’s joyful, like a growing family, a dream job, or a seaside escape. Other times, it’s about closing one chapter before opening the next.

Whether you’re moving for more space, less space, a new job, a fresh start, or simply because life nudged you in that direction, moving house is a rollercoaster ride. So, why did we want to move?

As self-employed individuals, we found ourselves yearning for a home that aligned better with our lifestyle. Our previous space served us well for many years, but it didn’t quite fit the mould of our growing needs. For instance, one thing that was crucial for us was having enough space to work from home. With both of us running our businesses out of the house, we quickly realized that a dedicated workspace for each wasn’t just a luxury; it was a necessity.

Considerations Before Moving House.

I know, first-hand, that the logistics of moving house can feel overwhelming, but here’s a brief summary of considerations you need to make: (I’ll cover each of these and more in the next blog in this series.)

1. Know the True Costs

It’s not just the house price. When moving house, you need to remember there’s stamp duty, solicitor fees, surveys, removals, estate agents, and those sneaky extras like leasehold charges (if it’s a flat). So please, budget for surprises because, more often than not, they will happen, it certainly did for us! Our additional cost came the day before moving, when we suddenly realised we had a lot more stuff than we first anticipated! (You can read all about moving day in the next blog.)

2. Location — Really Think About It

Moving House needs to be more than just relocating to a ‘nice area’. Consider your commute. Is there a decent chippy or pub nearby? What are the schools like? Are there parks, doctors, and friendly neighbours? These are all important thought processes. Remember to visit at different times too. Saturday evenings can feel very different from Tuesday mornings. Are you on the school run path? You get where I’m coming from.

3. Property Chains — The Stress No One Warns You About

When you are moving house, being in a chain means your move depends on everyone else’s move going smoothly. It’s nail-biting, stressful, and can be expensive if things go wrong. If you can buy chain-free (an empty property, a new build, or a cash purchase), it’s a real game-changer. We were in a chain of 6, but thankfully for us, everything went smoothly.

4. Leasehold vs Freehold

It’s dull but important when moving house to check whether the property you love is leasehold or freehold. Leasehold properties (often flats) mean you don’t own the land, and that comes with ground rent and service charges. Check the lease length; anything under 80 years can cause problems.

5. Surveys Are Your Friend

That ‘dream home’ might be hiding damp, dodgy wiring, or a roof on its last legs. Pay for a proper survey, your future-you will thank you.

Now, in this instance, I didn’t take my own advice. ‘Why not?’ I hear you cry! Well, for us, because we had already decided to go for a ‘fixer upper’ (See below). We decided that if we had a survey/valuation and it came back with an endless list of issues, then it was unlikely to affect our buying decision. We chose to save the money. However, I will stress that it is a risky decision and not the advice I would give to my clients.

6. The Right Help Matters

A good solicitor and a reliable mortgage broker (don’t forget us, we’re friendly and approachable, visit our website via this link) make all the difference when moving house. Ask for recommendations, avoid the cheapest, and go for the most responsive to your questions. You want them to work hard for you.

Finding the Right Property: What We Looked For

When moving house, everyone has a dream checklist of things they want their new home to offer. You can discover the top 10 requirements the British public look for, as reported by Which? last year, by clicking on the link.

When we finally set out to find our forever home, we held a few key priorities that guided our search:

1. Garden Space for Our Dogs

As proud dog owners, giving our furry friends a place to run and play was non-negotiable. We envisioned a garden where they could enjoy fresh air and have room to roam, rather than feeling confined.

2. Room for Home Offices

Both of us needed a comfortable and productive space to conduct our business operations. This meant looking for rooms that could easily transform into efficient home offices, complete with the necessities for an inspiring work environment.

3. Accessibility for Family and Clients

As self-employed professionals, it was important for us to find a property that our friends, family, and clients could access easily. Proximity to public transport and main roads was a key consideration in our house search to ensure we weren’t far from the people who matter most. Likewise, we needed bedroom space for family staying with us, especially the grandchildren!

4. Convenience to Shops and Amenities

Let’s be honest, life is busy, and convenience is crucial. Moving house, for us, meant we wanted a location that offered easy access to supermarkets, coffee shops, and other essentials. Daily errands can already feel overwhelming, and we wanted the ease of popping out for groceries without sacrificing our time.

5. Embracing the Challenge of a Project House

While we knew what we wanted, we didn’t mind taking on a project. In fact, we embraced the idea of customizing a house to make it truly ours. The potential to transform a space to better fit our needs was exciting. A ‘fixer-upper’ offered us the chance to create the ideal environment while allowing us to infuse our personalities into every aspect of the home.

But remember, when you are moving house, choosing a property isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about envisioning your life within those walls. We looked past superficial factors and focused on how this home could be a habitat for our family, four-legged members included.

We Found our Forever Home

Yes, we found our forever home, and it ticked all the boxes. I can genuinely say it was worth every ounce of effort and research. Knowing we’ve carefully chosen a space that accommodates our lifestyle and future ambitions gives us immense peace of mind. This endeavour has not only brought us closer to each other but has also strengthened my commitment to the work I do as a mortgage advisor, and I know my wife can see her work being enhanced by our new forever home, too.

With the property chosen, we had to start the next chapter in our journey to our forever home. The paperwork, the financing, the planning, the packing, goodness me, the list is endless! I’ll cover this in my next blog.

Final Thoughts

Moving house isn’t just about bricks and mortar, it’s about the life you’re building. Yes, it’s stressful. Yes, it’s tiring. But it’s also a fresh start. A new chapter. A chance to create a home that fits the next version of your life.

If you’re reading this because you’re moving house, or even just thinking about it, know this: it’s completely okay to find it overwhelming. But it will get easier. Take the time to reflect on what truly matters to you and your family. Your home is not just a place; it’s a canvas where memories will be painted and a sanctuary where you’ll cultivate your dreams. Whether you’re looking for a place to foster your business, a haven for your pets, or a cosy space for friends and family, finding the right property can facilitate all those aspirations. I believe this wholeheartedly, both professionally and personally.

And when you’re finally sitting in your new space, obligatory cuppa in hand, exhausted but proud, it’ll all have been worth it! Stay tuned for more updates as we face the build-up to moving day and embark on the journey of transforming our new house into our forever home!

If you would like some independent mortgage advice, please do not hesitate to drop us a message via this link.