Do we move or extend?

[hollysaysboo]

We live in a 2 bed semi-detached Victorian house on the Essex/East London borders and up until a few weeks ago were considering moving into a bigger house on the coast (where I currently work). We'dlike to try for another baby next year so will need an extra bedroom.

However, my parents live 10 minutes away at the moment, all our friends are around here and my job at the moment is merely a stepping stone and if I want to earn more money I will prob be best working around here or in London (I work for the NHS so london weighting doesn't apply in the hospital I work in).

I am now getting major cold feet about moving and I was wondering whether our best bet would to be to add a loft conversion and lose the side return by extending our kitchen/dining room so it's a massive kitchen diner. We could stay here for the next five years until my partner and I are more stable in our jobs and then move if we still want to.

Sorry for the long message but I'd appreciate anyone who had to decide whether to relocate or extend their house instead.

I would stay put.If you do have another baby and need to go back to work you will almost definately need help from family and friends.The only thing you need to watch out for is investing too much money in your property for the area [essentially pricing your house out of the surrounding market].Look at the costs and resulting payback of extension v. conversion - will you ultimately recoup the money on sale?.

We had the same conundrum six years ago. We extended to a fourth bedroom/bathroom and massive kitchen diner.

It's been a great investment. We're on the market now as want to trade up but if you are in any way unsure, go for the extension.

Mind you, I hope you like dust and mud....