I guess this is a personal question and no right or wrong answer, but just curious about other people's opinions. When restrained by finances, do you prioritise your housing or your lifestyle, obviously most of us try to strike a compromise, but do you worry about one more than the other? We had children quite young (unintentionally but without regret!), meaning we bought our first home while still paying childcare and didn't have much of a deposit, we have a small but functional 3 bed semi, house prices aren't too bad, midlands so achievable but not cheap (new build so the boxiest of box rooms, one reception but a million toilets thankfully ha) but in a great location especially for the children. Location was what swung us actually, good school, safe area, little to no commute so lifestyle comes into it that way too, as we could afford more in an unknown area with commute. It's fine, as I say it's functional, but ideally we need something bigger for proper dining space, home work space, play space and storage. We might be able to upsize in a couple years but would mean a mortgage nearly double what we pay now potentially, but we love our holidays and leisure time. We love to plan, look forward to them throughout the year and there's so many places we want to see (perhaps another by product of having kids young?). Holidays are one example but also it's generally not sweating to pay the mortgage, not worrying about days out etc. This feels sensible, but then I feel guilty we haven't provided the spacious family home I would love to have for them, should this take priority over holidays, activities, christmases etc? We could stretch ourselves to achieve sooner. We will afford that house one day, but I worry it'll be half way through their high school years.
Anyways I'm not really looking for an analysis of my situation, but know people tend to like a bit of context when being asked a question! How is it for you? Have you had to compromise? Is the house the most important thing? (Ps I'm aware we are not in a bad situation and lucky for what we have, I'm only worrying whether we have our priorities straight).