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Original poster

How to buy and sell when relocating?

21 replies

hairycabbage · 21/08/2019 13:50

We're planning on relocating 450 miles away in the new year.
The date we need to be there will be set in stone due to work commitments and school start dates etc.
We have a house to sell (we've been told it should sell quickly but you never know) and will be buying another when we move.
I'm worried about chains falling apart at the last minute and being stuck (we're moving to Scotland where the system is much different!)
What would/ did you do?
1- sell our house now, move into rented and set new house purchase up for the date we need to be there (less of a chain and shouldn't fall through as it's in Scotland)
2- sell here and buy there, crossing everything that nothing goes wrong (and if so, find short term accommodation until it sold)
3- sell here and move into rented there
4- sell here, move into rented here then move into rented there and take our time to find something to buy.

It would be difficult if we hadn't sold our house and had to move into rented there as would mean paying rent and mortgage- not impossible but annoying!
I can't work out if there is an easier option than any of these- has anyone been in a similar position?

OP posts:
putthehamsterbackinitscage · 21/08/2019 14:00

Is is a company sponsored move? As in they're helping/paying?

Years ago, we relocated on that basis and when we couldn't sell (mid 90s) they bought the house from us - at a significant loss but we were able to make a fresh start - and bought a new build so no chain either.

If not, then are you able to let your current property in the event it doesn't sell?

putthehamsterbackinitscage · 21/08/2019 14:09

Sorry posted before I meant to.

Meant to say, I would definitely sell your current house AsAP and rent if necessary at either end so that you are able to buy there when you need to and move quickly when you find what you want.

It may cost a little in rent but would effectively make you first time buyers with no chain if you have already sold and if you don't have the luxury of a company move/assisted sale that would probably keep it as simple as you can.

Also if you rent initially you can try areas before you buy... and move on if it's not what you expected ...

HMArsey · 21/08/2019 14:12

Definitely rent in Scotland first, then you'll get the best insight into the area.

Finfintytint · 21/08/2019 14:14

Same position here. We will sell here and rent in the new location initially. We can’t offer on a house in Scotland because you are more committed with Scottish house buying rules whereas in England and Wales it can fall through at the last moment.

ParrotsForLife · 21/08/2019 14:17

We’ve just done this.
Well not to Scotland but a substantial relocation in England.
We moved into a rented place and sold my house. Which is all fair and well but it meant paying rent and mortgage for two properties and two sets of council tax. Which was hellishly expensive as it took 6 months to sell the house.
But the up side is we have been able to start work in the new area and can now sit and wait to find the right house without the pressure of a chain.

Original poster
hairycabbage · 21/08/2019 14:22

Thankfully we know exactly where we want to live when we move!
Our employers might offer to buy our house from us; alternatively they could assist with relocation costs but we don't yet know specific details. I'd be loathe to leave here before our house had sold and really don't want to have to rent it out as I know first hand how stressful that is Grin I absolutely love my house and it will be such a wrench leaving it.
My gut instinct is to sell here and move into rented then have something lined up to buy when we're ready to move; if there's a gap we'd have to find something cheap and short term. however I just cannot work out of this is the most sensible move!

OP posts:
DreamingofSunshine · 22/08/2019 06:13

I think your gut is right. We are doing a big relocation of 500+ miles, spanning two different buying systems. We put our house on to sell and started to look in our new area. As its happened its gone through relatively smoothly so we have a month of staying with relatives but we were prepared to rent for a bit. It's been less stressful and put us in a good chain free position to make offers.

stucknoue · 22/08/2019 06:20

We attempted to buy and sell, not easy. I would sell and take a 6 month rental, we had to in the end because our chain fell apart and we needed to move, paying rent and mortgage is a possibility of course

stucknoue · 22/08/2019 06:22

Pay rent where you are moving too, we had a very near miss, seemed amazing from a distance but once we lived here we near it was a horrible area

Original poster
hairycabbage · 22/08/2019 08:35

Thanks for all the thoughts. I'm still undecided... if our employer will buy our house then it seems fairly straightforward to go ahead and buy something but if not it seems likely we will have to live in rented for a short while at one end. So stressful and we don't even have a date yet 🤔

OP posts:
SavoyCabbage · 22/08/2019 08:39

I’d ask your employer to put you in a serviced apartment and put your stuff into storage for a few months until you find somewhere to buy. Live like you are on holiday rather than move all of your possessions twice.

Els1e · 22/08/2019 09:18

I would go with option 3. Gives you time to get to know the area and puts you in a good buying position.

Memberblahblahblah · 22/08/2019 09:43

We did this earlier in the year. Priced house competively and it sold straight away. Had higher offer but we went with a couple who were super keen. Thankfully it went through OK.
Couldn't find anything to rent so booked a holiday let with air bnb for a month who were thankfully happy to let us bring our cat.
Really took the pressure off the move as it was a lovely place.
Struggled to find a rental and what we have is very expensive and slightly depressing but I try to not think about it.
Now struggling to buy as nothing is coming on due to brexit.
But I dont think we could have done it any other way as we had no relocation support and house buying so unpredictable.
Good luck.

FeeFee832 · 22/08/2019 10:12

Definitely 4. You'll be in a strong position with cash in the bank and can take your time.

Not sure where you're moving to but Edinburgh is HOT right now. Houses on at £700-800,000 going for £1,000,000!!!

FeeFee832 · 22/08/2019 10:13

Also renting rules in Scotland are amazing. You can leave at anytime on 4 week notice. They just changed.

Original poster
hairycabbage · 22/08/2019 10:43

I think I'm just trying to find the easiest/ laziest solution! The situation is slightly complicated by us having two dogs and three dc so I imagine it'll be tricky to find rentals. Dh also works away lots so in reality although he will do whatever he can, most of the packing and organising will be down to me Confused
Thankfully we have a few months to sort out what we're doing and hopefully the Brexit effect won't hit us too hard...

OP posts:
FeeFee832 · 22/08/2019 10:44

Where in Scotland?

FeeFee832 · 22/08/2019 10:44

You can pay a firm to pack the house up. Usually around £250 and it's a godsend.

GreenTulips · 22/08/2019 10:47

You pack suitcases a dog you’re on holiday and find a short stay rental when yours is sold.

Use a decent removal company if work a paying it’s a bonus. They should help you pack and store items.

This takes away the pressure and stress.

Original poster
hairycabbage · 22/08/2019 10:49

I'd definitely consider using a packing service. When we moved here I swore we'd never move again as it was so horrendous! Dogs could potentially stay with family for a few weeks if we needed a rental so worth considering a short term solution and putting our belongings in storage, thanks.

OP posts:
Bluesheep8 · 23/08/2019 06:24

Definitely sell and rent in the area you think you want to live. We tried to tie up a sale and purchase when relocating a distance and it turned out to be for the best when the purchase fell through. We proceeded with our sale and rented for a year. Ended up buying in a village we'd never considered when looking to buy. You need that time to get to know the area. I would never even go and view the house that fell through now. Good luck

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