What would you do - house related

[Decisionstomake88]

So this escalated quickly over the last few days so after some advice on what people would do in similar situations

Current situation

DH and I have a nice 4 bed house, semi detached, garage converted to a small office as I WFH 2/3 days a week, driveway parking for 1 car, and have to find a space on the road outside for other car. Walking distance to primary school (children are 8 and 5 so a few years left there).

However the house needs some work - 2 new bathrooms, a new kitchen, a new boiler and general updating as we haven't done a lot since moving in 8 years ago and house is coming to 20 years old now.

Our mortgage fixed term is also due this year and we know the cost is likely to go up by £200 - £300 a month (kicking myself for not fixing for longer now!) However nursery fees finish this year as youngest will start school in September so the cost isn't too much of a concern.

A house in a neighbouring village has come up. It's still a 4 bed, is detached driveway parking for 2 cars and is only 2 years old so needs a lot less work. Space for me still to have a home office and generally a nicer area, but would mean driving to school everyday (wouldn't look to change schools at this time as oldest is happy and settled and have just applied for youngest to go as well.

However the mortgage costs are likely to go up by about £600 - £700 which we could afford at a push. Mortgage term would stay the same on both options.

Just wondering what other people would consider doing?

Is stay put as I’d hate to drive to school but if you don’t mind. I’m quite risk averse so again would stay put as I think the new house is a big stretch.

I'd stay put. It sounds less stressful and healthier. Great being able to walk to school, and money which would have gone on stamp duty and moving costs could go towards the renovations you are thinking of making.
I'd also consider whether it would be possible to manage with one car, which would remove the parking problem and save more money.

I would stay put. Moving will incur additional costs like stamp duty etc

I would stay out, and put the money you would have spent on stamp duty, moving costs towards renovations. Can you pave over your front garden to make another parking space?

Stay put, you will have to pay to upgrade things in your house every now and again, are you going to move every time you need a new boiler etc? Surely you don't need to do new kitchen, 2 bathrooms and a boiler all at once.

What are you gaining v a move for the sale of no repairs ?

I wouldn't want to drive to school either, and I definitely wouldn't want to pay an extra £600 per month if I didn't have to. Think what you could do with that money instead! Depends how much you love the new house and different area, I guess.

I'd move personally.

Get a reliable (!) Builder and push through with all the renovations . It doesn't sound a huge amount. Get your house all smartened up and enjoy it. Much less stress. And cheaper.

Walking to school has always been a priority of mine. I just think its such a good habit to instill in kids rather than getting in a car everytime you leave the house.

Stay put. Soon enough the kitchen and bathrooms of the new house will start to look old and tired and you’ll have to replace those. The stamp duty is a huge consideration, plus the other costs of moving. Driving to school will be more stressful than walking too if there is traffic.

I'd stay put. I'd rather spend the time and money getting the exact bathrooms/kitchens that I wanted.

Stay where you are.
Plan your renovations in order of priority - surely not all of this needs to be done immediately.

Where is the new school in relation to senior school and for future independence for teens. It does come around quite quickly. is extra parking going to make life easier. Does being detached matter to you. Are you wanting to invest more cash in property than currently. If its a long term move I'm not sure I'd decide not to based on being able to walk to school, you can always drive part way and walk the rest.