To wish moving, upsizing/downsizing etc was easier?

[Jemandthehologramsunite]

I have a young DC and have realised how impractical my house is. I would love to downsize, have something with a garden for him; then later upsize when he's a teen so he has his own space. There's also my parents to consider, as they're getting older and if they may need to live with me, then retirement for us once DC leaves home. But ... with ridiculous house prices, taxes, moving costs, estate fees it feels like it's too costly to move to suit your life stages (apparently people used to move every 7 years). Renting would be so much easier, but that has its own problems too. A first world problem, but a problem! AIBU?

Although I guess in my grandparents generation, your house was your house for life so that's something too

I don't think people move less now than before, in fact I think our parents generations were quite well known for having a house they lived in for many decades.

My personal view would be why downsize just for a few years? I'm not saying it's wrong but it's quite unusual to plan a downsize and then an upsize based around your child's growth - with your plans and potential future needs I'd anticipate you'd be looking for something 'future proof' rather than downsizing and maybe never being able to get something bigger for whatever potential unforseen reason may come along.

Fully agree on moving hassle and costs though!

I agree. The total cost of moving including stamp duty is a pain as it stops people moving sideways for small changes.

I guess it's not downsizing as such, just the layout is so impractical and I'd be ok with a smaller place as the place now has lots of stairs which means DC is confined to a small area with a gate whereas he could move more freely in a 'safer' place. We have thought about renovating but there's a few things that can't be changed so I think we'd be better of moving. That's also exactly what I mean, it seems you can't downsize because of the ridiculous prices you'd never be able to get the same or bigger. I also wouldn't mind renting my place to rent another, but I know a few people with horror stories so don't want to risk that. It sounds silly and I have a few other things going on that don't help, but I'm really starting to hate my house and feel a bit 'trapped'. Although thinking about your comment, maybe it's because I don't see a future in this place and that's what's getting to me.

Ah, I get it now. I think I'd still be looking to do whatever you can to buy somewhere you'll last longer in rather than a short term fix, that may be downsizing or whatever works in general and just see how it goes? Your future thoughts re parents shouldn't form too much of the decision right now and I wouldn't worry too much about stairs, before you know it DC will have the run of the full house but I understand how frustrating it must be right now!

I agree with a pp that I'm not sure your reasoning makes sense, but I do wish there were better systems in place for buying and selling houses.

Our house doesn't work for us anymore, but we just can't face the stress of moving. I'm sure there are millions of households the same.