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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU To think it is not too late to 'upsize '.

39 replies

SnickettyLemon · 10/10/2021 11:57

I am in early 50s, DH is early 60s. One DC at University. We have lived in the same 2 bed house for over 20 years. We own it outright and have extended in on ground floor. We have recently recieved a windfall( keeping it brief , as may be outing) Do you think we are too old to move to a bigger property? I would love to have a spare bedroom and more importantly a downstairs loo. My hubby thinks it is pointless as DD may not want to come back to our town when she completes Uni. I am looking ahead to when( if ) she has a family and comes to stay. Also generally we have very little storage space here, think vacuum cleaner and ironing board stored in corner of kitchen.

OP posts:
KingdomScrolls · 10/10/2021 11:59

It's not so much about an extra bedroom it's the extra living space, I'm assuming you're looking at a 3 bed not a 6 bed

GreyhoundG1rl · 10/10/2021 12:00

Do you need a mortgage? I think I'd baulk at remortgaging at 60, but otherwise of course there's every point in living in the kind of house you'd like to.
Go for it.

whatswithtodaytoday · 10/10/2021 12:01

I think it would be sensible to buy a place that will suit you as you get older - so downstairs loo, maybe another reception room downstairs, and yes spare room for extended family if/when that happens.

KingdomScrolls · 10/10/2021 12:02

Both mine and DHs parents have 3 beds, when we visit PIL it means DS has his own room and if we go to my parents for Christmas we put our DS plus two DNs in one spare room (twin beds plus a trundle), the other has a double bed and the dining room has a sofa bed so DB and I take one of those each with spouses. It's cosy but enough room for everyone to be comfortable.

Bells3032 · 10/10/2021 12:03

My in laws had a windfall in their late 50s and decided to buy the house they'd always wanted. Their elder child had moved out and their younger was about it. But they always wanted to do it and finally had the money to. They have zero regrets

MissCruellaDeVil · 10/10/2021 12:04

Yes it would be sensible to move if you can afford it, you will love the extra living space as it sounds like you have outgrown your home.

Original poster
SnickettyLemon · 10/10/2021 12:05

Thank you for your swift replies.
@KingdomScrolls yes, only thinking of one extra bedroom.
@GreyhoundG1rl, we would be cash buyers.
@whatswithtodaytoday, my thoughts exactly.

OP posts:
Sarah2384 · 10/10/2021 12:07

Buying a house with downstairs toilet is future proofing for old age. I'd be looking at one where there was a second reception room in case you ever need a downstairs bedroom and space to install a shower.

GreyhoundG1rl · 10/10/2021 12:07

GreyhoundG1rl, we would be cash buyers.
Then go buy the place of your dreams! We only get one life 🤷🏻‍♀️

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 10/10/2021 12:09

It can be worth looking at a suitable property for retirement. I'm basing this is on the small sample size of my parents and in laws... but my DM is late 60s and struggles with stairs due to her eyesight. Downstairs toilet helps greatly. Walk in showers ate easier than baths. For my in laws its having a spare room just for the grandchildren (plus a normal adult one). The children's one (nicknamed the dormitory) has two single beds, a third pull out one, the cot disassembled on standby, and toys and books etc.

Quire · 10/10/2021 12:09

If you’d be cash buyers, why on earth not? You could think ahead and buy/adapt somewhere to be exactly what you need for the rest of your lives. Go for it.

CSJobseeker · 10/10/2021 12:13

If cash buyer, go for it!

For future proofing, I'd choose something that has a downstairs shower room and potential downstairs bedroom. That way you wouldn't have to look at moving again. Maybe a really nice bungalow?

Maxiedog123 · 10/10/2021 12:39

I work on a Geriatric Rehabilitation ward. If you plan to stay in this house when old then having a downstairs toilet, shower or space for one and enough space for a bed in the living areas can make a huge difference in whether you get home .

WomanStanleyWoman · 10/10/2021 12:45

@Sarah2384

Buying a house with downstairs toilet is future proofing for old age. I'd be looking at one where there was a second reception room in case you ever need a downstairs bedroom and space to install a shower.
Exactly what I was going to say. I would go for it; especially considering you’re that bit younger than your husband. This next house could be your home for 25 - 30 years - it’s hardly too late to move!
Cindi85 · 10/10/2021 12:50

I think it is a great idea, 100% do it. What else are you going to spend it on?

DinosApple · 10/10/2021 13:14

I'd do it for future proofing your own living arrangements. A downstairs loo and a bigger home is a great way to spend it!

MatildaTheCat · 10/10/2021 13:22

Absolutely move to the best and loveliest house you can afford. I get the general concept of thinking ahead but it’s very depressing to see so many posters advising a person in their early 50s to be thinking about downstairs bedrooms and installing a stair lift.

OP if you can afford something gorgeous then go for it, a downstairs loo is obviously convenient as is a spare room and extra storage. Don’t get too bogged down in issues that hopefully won’t happen for another 20 odd years.

tttigress · 10/10/2021 13:26

What else were you going to do with the money?

If you plan on just putting it in the bank "for a rainy day", that might be a bad idea due to criminally low interest rates and high inflation.

RealhousewifeofBarnardCastle · 10/10/2021 13:31

You’re not too old, do it

dottiedodah · 10/10/2021 13:37

Defo not too old at all! Go ahead and enjoy !

GreyhoundG1rl · 10/10/2021 13:50

I get the general concept of thinking ahead but it’s very depressing to see so many posters advising a person in their early 50s to be thinking about downstairs bedrooms and installing a stair lift
Indeed.

CSJobseeker · 10/10/2021 13:56

@GreyhoundG1rl

I get the general concept of thinking ahead but it’s very depressing to see so many posters advising a person in their early 50s to be thinking about downstairs bedrooms and installing a stair lift Indeed.
It's not that I think she needs it now, but if she's planning to find somewhere she loves and live there for the long term - why not? Moving is stressful and expensive, and even more of an upheaval if you end up needing to move in your 70s or 80s.
PickAChew · 10/10/2021 13:57

Nothing depressing about wanting a bottom heavy house in your 50s and 60s when you've got more energy and financial resources to make it into a home you can enjoy. Moving is stressful and expensive so a bit of medium to long term planning is sensible.

chipsandgin · 10/10/2021 13:57

I’d love to ‘size’ at all, 50 & renting with no hope of buying anything big enough for a family when even tiny, run down houses in the less desirable areas here cost more than 10x our yearly income.. So why the hell not OP, do it, life is short - do things that make you happy if you can!

coodawoodashooda · 10/10/2021 14:02

Would you not prefer a different adventure? Like a lodge or second cottage home?