Selling our house, renting instead, need to invest the equity

[ApuskiDusky]

We're just about to put our house on the market as we need to relocate for work. However, DH will be a contractor in the new role, so we won't be able to get a new mortgage, and so we are planning to rent.

Assuming I don't get a permanent role in the meantime, we're looking at 3 years of renting before we can buy again - so I'm starting to think about what we should be doing with the equity in that time. If property goes up in value, we don't want to get too priced out, so need an investment that will at least keep pace with any rise in property.

Any suggestions of what we should be thinking about? Will no doubt get finanacial advice when we've sold, but would like to start to understand the likely options.

TIA

have you thought about renting your house out until one of you are in a position to get a mortgage for a new house or until the housing market picks up more? there are plenty of estate agents who will act as managers for you for a fee of course!

It has crossed our minds, and hadn't ruled it out if the house didn't sell, but I'm worried about the process of selling it a few years down the line when it might be a bit shabbier and might still have a tenant. Just haven't much experience of it tbh.

bump
I am in a similar position. Will the market pick up again? Do I really want to be paying rent to live in someone elses property anyway?

The market will pick up again at some point in the future because, simply put, there is a general shortage of housing and there is a 'bubble' of people who need to move house but have delayed it. I think with house-buying, because it's something you might do several times over many decades, you have to disregard the short-term to a certain extent, try not to overstretch yourself, but sell and buy according to need rather than specifically trying to make a profit every time.

What is absolutely true is that, whilst property values rise or fall, rent never gives you a return on your money.

the only investment that will keep pace with the private property market is private property (up or down).... however if you own one property I would call it a 'home' and not try and second guess the market (as cogito said). The best way to retain an interest is to rent your home as countrylass has suggested. You get tax breaks (CGT exemptions and various other stuff) and it is really the only way not to take a punt on what the market will do whilst you're out of it.
I believe there are professional bodies such as the landlords association (or some such) and I'm sure they provide a lot of useful information with regards your rights/issues and how to go about doing this. A local agent would also give you a steer.