To downsize when the kids are still young

[cowfacemonkey]

Family of four including two pre teens and a dog. Currently live in quite a large 4 bed house; which although lovely I feel has more negatives than positives. Huge mortgage, too many rooms to clean, unused space, high running costs and long term up keep. We can afford it BUT I feel actually it is holding us back and there is a better quality of life to be had if we downsized. Have seen a really lovely 3 bed bungalow and although we wouldn't completely clear the mortgage we could potentially be mortgage free in the next five years.
Anyone downsized and feel it's improved their quality of life and not just from a financial perspective?

We did it, changed our lives. Less stress, upkeep, more money for fun, holidays, living. Do it!

Downsizing might be ok but not to a bungalow. No privacy, not enough space to get away from each other if there are more than two of you, you'll all be able to hear each other's tv/music/conversation which is not great during secondary school onwards. We moved to one when I was 16 and it made A level study hard work. Even in my 30s it's hard to visit at the same time as my sister and even if just DH and I, awkward if we want to go to bed at a different time as can still hear tv/conversation etc. Others who grew up in bungalows have said the same to me though I'm sure layout and size may be relevant.

That's good to know all those things can be a reality Kitsch, I'm a bit worried I'm chasing an impossible dream!
I can see some of the downsides of a bungalow but I think long term it could remain our home into retirement which would save on the costs of moving again. I feel there is more scope to arrange living space layout to suit our needs in a bungalow as your footprint is on one level. All the 3 bed houses I've looked at have no real scope to create large open plan living spaces with extending downstairs which would defeat the object of downsizing.

Tnh it depends on the layout. The bungalows I've seen and been in were ace and you could all have your private space.

Another who has never upsized. Just 2adults 6 year old and dog. 3 bed in nice area (3rd bed tiny box room). Small mortgage. Most of our money is spent doing things. It’s much more important in my opinion than killing yourself paying a massive mortgage.

In your position I would get the bungalow. What’s it all the double beds needed for teens. Surely kids stay in singles - hell my dad sleeps in a single bed!!!

Move and enjoy life

I think if our first home had been in a nicer area we could have happily stayed there and not upsized. It's good to read positive responses, it feels like a huge decision but I also feel like something big has to change.

Are the bungalows definitely cheaper ? I remember when my parents were looking for theirs , I was surprised at the cost , compared with 2 storey houses.
We live in a single level house , which is great for keeping on top of cleaning. If open plan, they can feel like big apartments .

I'd do it. But I'd make sure there are two toilets. 1 bathroom is a nightmare

pink horses - I was just about to say the same. My parents paid more for their 2 bed bungalow than I did my 3 bed semi and we live less than half a mile from each other. We have 10 rooms, they have 6. My garden is bigger, but they have a garage.

Some bungalows are definitely cheaper in our area (2/3 bed semi) but ones that are 3 bed detached wouldn’t be, in fact I saw one that was actually as much as a good sized 4 bed house. But when you compare space and layout of an older semi detached bungalow to a new build 3 bed house in our area then you definitely get far more for your money with a bungalow.