I'm a single parent currently renting a 2 bed house with my DCs aged 9 and 10. We have been here for 8 years and are very happy, the house is small but we manage ok at the mo, can't imagine being here with 2 teenagers though.
DC have a room each and I sleep on the sofa in the living room (only 1 reception room), this situation has just kind of evolved and I don't mind so much but I would love to have my own space.
Rent here is fab, never had a raise but been warned of one in september. Bills are really low compared to others as house is so small. My income has risen since we moved in as I've done a post grad, had some promotions and work full time now. I can save a little bit each month thanks to maintenance from DCs dad and wanted to put that towards a house in the very distant future for us.
As people have discovered that I sleep on the sofa (parents, close friends) they have suggested that we may have a better quality of life if we moved to a 3 bed so I could have my own room and that it would be better for the children. I agree so looked at moving. Rents have gone up and I'm looking at an extra £200 per month for another bedroom plus the extra utilities etc so im in a quandary at the moment.
Do I coast it out for a while in my affordable 2 bed with two soon to be 6foot plus teenagers or really stretch myself and go for a 3 bed. Luckily my exp says he will help with some more maintenance which is kind but I worry as the bulk of everything is on me. I have job security and the ability to earn more each month if I work extra hours (NHS bank).
I appreciate that I am very lucky to even be considering this at the moment, moving will be an extreme stretch but maybe that will be worth it?
What would you do? I have a 3 bed house viewing at 2.15 so may go quiet for a bit.