To sell up now or wait (retirement)

[LOVELYDOVEY05]

We plan to downsize to another area in 4 to 5 years. The prices could go up in the new place (Scotland) and go down in the current (South East). We have somewhere cheap to live in the meantime so should we just not sell now while the going is good and bank the money?

I would especially if you can sell now in South East and give yourself time to find what you want in Scotland. FWIW I am in Scotland. For all the talk and even after 10 years of stagnant prices it looks pretty much like the steam is running out of the Scottish rally. Edinburgh is even starting to look a bit overcooked and Aberdeen is still on the slide. Enough new housing being built in Glasgow to keep a lid on prices.

I have agonised over whether we should do this but decided we shouldn't let house-price guessing affect our decision. Now well into our 50s, a 4 to 5 year period is actually quite a chunk of what's left (even in an average life span ) and we mustn't squander it living temporarily if possible.

Whereabouts in Scotland? It’s a huge country

Thanks lastqueen. We only have a budget of £175,000 (3bed) as near to Edinburgh as poss

If you're planning to move to a different area for your retirement, and can easily get suitable and well-paid job(s), I think it's better to move while you're still working. It's easier to build a new life and settle into the community.