Another house moving topic but don't know what to do...

[Polgara2]

...need wise words!!! We are moving to get a bigger house and be nearer the school that the dd's currently attend. Simple enough you'd think! We have a buyer for our house but can't find one to move to!! In my head I wanted larger bedrooms, larger garden and walking distance from school. BUT there aren't many houses for sale at mo AND the one's where I had my eye on aren't that big it turns out. So what do I compromise on - location (tho only about half a mile) or size of house? The only house that would suit is slightly further away and doesn't have a particularly big garden - BUT it is 3 bedroom which we would extend to 4 and then have 3 really good size bedrooms, and it is a good layout. Or do we hold out for my original, much desired area but end up with smaller rooms and house layout I don't really like . Oh god this is so hard!!! I really don't know what to do and its making me very very stressed.

how much further away is it?

About half a mile I think.

so still walkable to school?

think I'd go for that house.

Hmm so having never lived near enough to walk before - how long is ok? More or less than say 20 minutes? (Not sure how long this would take by the way - have to try it.) Also how much does a biggish garden matter? Am really struggling with this.

What age is your child? Do you want walking distnced because they are in senior school? I have to say personally, that I would put up with a car journey every day to get more space. Young children growing up and with adults in the house, the more space the better for all; espcially if they end up with bigger bedrooms to do their homework in.

1/2 mile is only a 10 minute walk for most adults. How long your kids need to walk that far depends on them... you could cycle, too.

I'm the opposite from Pisces, I'd go for smaller house nearer the school (if I wasn't prepared to walk further) because I always vowed I'd live walking distance to my child's primary school (assuming that the extra 10 min. walk each way is impractical for you). You can usually change the layout of the house. Living near the school means your child can visit with their friends more easily, too.

Have you considered the possibilty of extension with any other houses ? Ie if you find a smaller house near the school - look at it with the idea of extensing it - compare with houses near by - have any of them got extensions ? Would it likely get planning permission, is it technically possible, could you afford it. Bear in mind it might be up to a year of inconvience while building work is going on.

That way long term you may get both your objectives of near school and bigger house.

oh ball hooks !!! I agree with everyone . There aren't any houses nearer to school that are for sale at the moment thats part of the problem. Most of them are too close to allow for much extension room unless you get an end plot and whats the probability of one of them coming up soon? Well actually there are a couple but they are in an area that I said I wouldn't go to, its a bit scruffy/rougher than I would like. DDs are 5 and 8 so still at primary but the secondary school is next door to it. Of course the other major factor is that our buyer is being pushed by their buyer so am feeling under pressure to decide something. What do you all feel about gardens - how big is big enough? Aaarrghhh this is way, way too hard - think I'll go bury my head in the sand!!!!

Why not rent for a while rather than rushing into a choice you later regret?

Having just moved (trauma!!!) - I wish you the very best whatever you decide!