Should I buy a bigger house?

[Snowrose1311]

Hi everyone, this is actually more of a WWYD - I have a big decision ahead, can't make up my mind, your views would be appreciated!

Situation: when I separated from my ex I bought a small 4 bed hse. I have 3 kids, 2 attend (different) schools about 13 miles away (DC3 is only 2, doesn't attend school). I drive them to and from school each day, which I don't like, but it's better than the bus service, which we really didn't get on with.

Now I'm divorced, have received my settlement money, can afford a bigger house near the schools. I can't decide whether to move or not!

I am happy in my current house, except for the driving/school runs, so I'm thinking why spend all that extra money on a bigger place? My kids would quite like to move but won't be fussed if we don't. So it's really up to me.

Part of me thinks, if it ain't broke, why fix it? I do like my current house. But if I move I won't have to spend so much time driving to the schools and back. And I'd have a bigger house and bigger garden.

WWYD?

Having trouble imagining a 'small' 4 bed house. But, why don't you do a pros and cons list. A bigger house that's closer to school is an obvious plus, but any negatives? Would it be a built up area with more traffic? What about distance from grandparents etc. And what do the eldest children think about it, would they be away from their friends etc

Having trouble imagining a 'small' 4 bed house. But, why don't you do a pros and cons list. A bigger house that's closer to school is an obvious plus, but any negatives? Would it be a built up area with more traffic? What about distance from grandparents etc. And what do the eldest children think about it, would they be away from their friends etc

Have you paid off the mortgage on the current house? If not, could you use the settlement to do that?

Having trouble imagining a 'small' 4 bed house'

Yes, I did too.

Do you own your house outright? If not I'd use the money to pay down the outstanding mortgage.

I drive them to and from school each day

How much longer will this continue? How old are they?

I'd look in to moving but not necessarily to a bigger house if it wasn't needed.

I went to school a fair distance from my home and found it affected friendships as I couldn't just pop out to see them or easily meet up because it was such a mission, I felt I missed out a lot. Because of this I wouldn't ever want to live too far from my childrens' school.

New build with rooms you can touch both walls in? Or a 2 bed terrace with the loft converted front and back? Not all 4 beds are huge!
Move closer to school, definitely. Doesn't need to be a bigger house though, surely?

Not sure why the thought is of a bigger house, surely you'd just be looking to one closer to school?
I guess if they are 13 miles from their school, they are 13 miles from most of their friends? That might matter to them as they get older.

I'd think ahead to where is the best place for secondary schools and for teenagers get out and about under their own steam.

How old are the older two? Isn't it a hassle having them in separate schools (or is it by necessity, due to Sen?)

Moving is so stressful and expensive that I would put the idea on hold until you are sure you want to move.

Think of the future.

How long do your DC have left in education?
Will they be changing schools soon? Will they be able to walk / catch a bus to school?
Do you work? What is your commute?

I'm lazy so I'd move.

depends if you work, havefamily near by, have friends close

There is most likely a property crash on the way. In your position I would put the house you have currently on the market and see if you can make some money on it. If it stay put, if you can sell it and rent while prices continue to drop and buy when the market stabilises again. You may also want to consider the opportunity cost associated with a larger house. Could that money be better utilised by paying for a better school/tutition/more school trips etc. Or maybe it could provide a good safety net in the event that you see a change in your financial situation-remember that you must always have sux months worth of expenses saved up to avoid going into debt in tercentenary that you loose your job or something like that.

Thanks for your replies so far. Yes I own my current house with no mortgage (I do appreciate how fortunate I am). Current house is small, about 1300 sq ft? 3 small double bedrooms + 1 small single bedroom (box room), all rooms on ground floor are pretty small too. It would be nice to have a bit more space, but I'm not sure the hassle & cost of moving is worth it!

Also, the housing stock in the area near the schools is such that all the 4 bed houses are pretty big (2000sq ft or more) and expensive. DC2 has SEN, can't really change from his current school, which offers no bus service. I've even offered to home ed him, but he declined.

I think it's partly a confidence issue - since my separation & divorce I am a lot less confident than I used to be. Now I'm faced with this decision, I'm afraid of getting it wrong and regretting giving up my current home. I don't know if I need to be more brave, or listen to my feelings!

How old are they, OP? How much longer will they be in these schools?

And can you extend your place?

Extending is a really good idea as above. You don't even need planning permission if you are putting in a conservatory for example so it can be quicker than moving.

Are you managing to work while driving all the school runs? Would less commuting make work easier?

Maybe buy a normal sized house nearer rather than bigger so you can buy outright?

If you will own the bigger , more convenient house with no mortgage I'd go for it , if it means getting a mortgage then stay put . Will the school run become more difficult when the smallest child starts school ?

If moving house means less travel and possibly moving closer to childrens friends and activities I would definitely consider it. A larger house usually means a better standard of living.

Why not keep your eyes open for a suitable house and also do plenty of research about social and work opportunities as well as future schooling? Doing that amount of driving around means you will be tied down as a taxi for many years and long term it will restrict your work options.

I'd do a pro and cons list but I'd rather not be a taxi service, so that would be a big pro for me. Kids get bigger too which also makes a bigger house nicer...