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AIBU?

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Original poster

Dilemma over house wwyd?

155 replies

Biglifedecisions · 08/03/2025 14:09

Crunch decision to make and hoping you can help?

Dh and I are in stable professions and enjoy our jobs - although we are getting more tired, mid fifties with adult dc (18 and 21) We are about to downsize. Staying in the same area.

Would you:

a) Move to house A which is under budget, big enough for dc but not huge and potentially retire early and /or go very part time, and have a healthy savings pot. House is lovely but not exceptional.

b) Move to house B which is slightly over budget, much bigger with a really lovely garden, and it’s a pretty house. It means we will definitely have to work to 60, and in part time after that probably for a few years.

Option A gives us more freedom and options, option B would be a lovely home for us for many years. Wwyd?

YABU House A
YANBU House B

OP posts:
ApiratesaysYarrr · 08/03/2025 14:14

Personally I'd go for A. House A is big enough, your kids will almost certainly be leaving home within the next 5-10 years (and even if they don't you still have room for them to come back/for guests to come). You have savings now, and more flexibility with life choices - you might decide to work past 60.

House B is bigger - what do you need bigger for? You can't tell what's round the corner and there is a significant change of circumstances e.g. you or family member became ill, you would potentially struggle to drop to PT work. However there may be other variables to house B that make it worthwhile to you...

Poppyseeds79 · 08/03/2025 14:14

A - DC will presumably move out soon, having extra time and funds for yourselves would be fantastic. Also what if your or DHs health impacts working longer long term.

Loopytiles · 08/03/2025 14:14

A for me. Or keep looking for something within budget that you like more.

I’d not want to be splashing cash for a little more space, aesthetics and a garden.

I’d prioritise space, ease of looking after the place and location - especially proximity to amenities and ease of access if you have health issues as you age.

Unless perhaps you have high confidence in maintaining your health and earning ability until 65 and love gardening!

Climbinghigher · 08/03/2025 14:13

Similar age and I’d choose A.

We have just paid off our mortgage & I do like the freedom that gives us to reduce working hours whenever we decide we want to.

Yellowhammer09 · 08/03/2025 14:10

I'd go for option B, but I appreciate that A is a very tempting offer.