WWYD in my position?

[Guardsman18]

Am looking for some advice as to whether moving is a good or bad idea and wonder whether anyone has been in this position and either regretted it or were glad they did it.

I am starting a job tomorrow. I've probably got about 10/12 years working left in me if I'm lucky enough!

I don't have a mortgage but the house is terraced (nowhere to park car etc - nightmare some days). It is big enough for us although needs some money spent on it - nothing major. Mainly decor.

I have inherited some money (not a huge, huge amount but very nice) and could afford a bigger, detached, house with drive. Obviously, by using the money for the new house, I won't be able to treat myself or have that comfort blanket in the bank.

I know that years ago, property was the best thing to invest in. I can remember people stretching themselves to buy houses for £28,000 that are now worth £200 plus and appreciate that that is not the case now.

So, WWYD mumsnetters? Stay put and have nice holidays, car, help DC, redecorate, new furniture or move to a 'better' property?

Thank you

It sounds like you've made your mind up but I'd be concerned at spending all of the money on a house, particularly now with Brexit looming and the economy, including house prices, likely to tank. How secure is your income and pension? How much help financially would you like to give your children? I would want to set aside £20K to replace cars, large appliances and have savings for house maintenance. Those are the things I'd be thinking of. I would stay until retirement (invest the lump sum) and then take stock after that. A drive isn't worth putting all your eggs in one basket.

I would definitely move.

How old are your children?

If you're going back to work then how much better off will you be per month? You say you won't have a mortgage - will your wages enable you to take holidays?

A bigger and more expensive house will go up in value by more (in real terms) than the house you're in, so moving is a way of saving.

I think it's well worthwhile spending a bit of money on getting the place looking good - decluttered, fresh paint, everything fixed - but I wouldn't invest in a new kitchen or bathroom or anything expensive.

A detached house would be fantastic - you wouldn't have to rely on having good neighbours, which presumably you do have to at the moment.

I'm just concerned that due to one thing or another (I don't feel master of my own ship atm although I should be/can be) that I am staying here to appease other people to my detriment.

That sounds really tough. I think you should do whatever it takes to feel in control of your own life again.

What would be the children's attitude to a move? Would they stay in the same school?

Have a look at a new build as it will be super efficient and you may get a deal on stamp duty etc.

I would do it though .. I've always had a drive and hate the thought of not having somewhere to park when I come home 😬

I agree with the comments about having a place to park.

But one thing which I haven't seen mentioned (or I might have missed) is your retirement plans. If you moved, would you have enough income in retirement to live on. If so, I would move. If not, then it might be worth considering saving your money and using it during your retirement to live on so you don't have to worry about bills and things.

Thank you so much for all the constructive advice.

I'll try and answer as best I can. One DS 19, one 14. Nineteen year old is not quite independent yet. Fourteen year old would still be at the same school.
That's a good idea about a new build although a lot of them are on 'strange' estates - half built, near Asda whereas the two i'm looking at are overlooking the sea and other one very pretty small cul de sac.

As for retirement, I don't know. It does worry me sometimes but I (probably naiively - sp?) it'll all be ok!

I have just been to look at new builds. Didn't go to sales office as I had just walked the dog and look as if I couldn't afford a tent!

Has anyone else ever lived on what looks like a building site? Not sure I found it that appealing tbh. They might buy my house off me though?

Thanks @chanson. I'm feeling really positive about this move. Not sure about the one overlooking the sea now as the 3rd bedroom is smaller than the one in this house.

However, I have found one that has water views - uninterrupted no less - which is within my price range. Same council tax band, water etc. There isn't a picture of the garden though which is a bit worrying.

Yes I could but it's not far away from me so I can go and have a look soon.

I'm so pleased I have this job - I have been really lucky - but I want to do things NOW! Feel like a toddler. I am working Monday to Thursday so the serious stuff starts on Friday morning.

I do have someone picking up a sofa tomorrow that's not needed after work. That's a start anyway.

Just in case anyone thinks I'm a spoiled brat - I'm not honest. Not sure why I feel the need to put this on here, but I do. I've had a crappy 10 years where I felt I couldn't do anything, having to stay in a house that has cost me a lot of money that needn't have really.

Op, you don't need to make any decisions now. Consider all your options.
New builds: usually smaller rooms, come with a high price tag (think new car) and drops in value the day you move in, often lots of families on new builds, do you want to live surrounded by small (noisy) children?
1970s houses: often poorly built, featureless, are 50+ years old so will need upgrading (windows, roof, electrics etc), usually bigger.

Thanks for your reply @Soon. Where does that leave me then? I have ruled out new builds. I couldn't live on a building site.

I'm looking at 10 year old houses that are easier to heat etc? I have always loved old houses and have had so much work done on them, I would be scared to look at how much it has cost me over the years.

I think I just want to buy cushions and curtains now, not have major work done if that makes sense

Thank you. I'm feeling the weight lifting already!

Life is odd isn't? I've been given this money so I could just stay at home no, go on holiday, have enough to buy a new car, afford for my dog to be looked after whilst I'm away ... No, not me - I've been offered a lovely job which is perfect for me!

Thank you for the flowers x

home now *

For anyone still reading, DM and I went for a drive this morning. I have ruled out about 5 houses.

However, the one near the sea is back in the running! I didn't want to have any work to do but the garage could be converted into another bedroom I think, I hope! ...