Dilemma re moving

[MilkTrayLimeBarrel]

We have a dilemma and would appreciate advice. We currently live in a desirable area in a well maintained house. We get work done and new furniture, decoration, etc. done when it is needed as have the spare cash to do this.

We would like to move to a bigger house (just me and DH - no kids), but not sure if it would be better to stay where we are, able to do any alterations and enhancements or buy new carpets when we want them or to move to a larger house which would use nearly all my capital and have no spare cash for doing work/buying new stuff.

Your input, please?

Can you find a house that gives you a happy medium? Presumably you want to move for more space than you currently have, but houses inevitably need maintenance every now and then and you don't want to find yourself in a position where the boiler breaks and you have absolutely no way to fix it. Can you find a house that allows you a little extra space but also a little extra cash for emergencies / necessary maintenance? DH & I always push ourselves to the max, but the "max" for us would always include spare cash for a rainy day.

My advice would be speak to an architect and see what you can do for what price in your own home. Cost that up to the price of moving home factoring in the price, stamp duty, legal fees, moving fees etc and see what the difference is.

Why do you want a bigger house?
What space are you missing? Are you looking for a second bathroom, study, more storage, space for guests? It'll be easier to make suggestions if we know exactly what changes you're after.

We effectively have no spare room as the 2 extra bedrooms are being used as 1) my dressing room and 2) DH's office so we need another bedroom at least. The hall is very small as is the landing and we need a larger living room as the current one is long and thin and just not suitable for our needs. Although I love my kitchen, it is purely a kitchen - no room for sitting or eating. I would also like a utility room for washing machine and dryer and a larder if possible. There is no room to expand outwards as the garden is not huge - adequate but not large. On the plus side we already have 2 bathrooms and a 'family/dog room' downstairs. Hope that gives a bit of a better idea.

I think in your position I'd start looking to move then, but it would have to be the perfect house. It wouldn't be worth moving for a 'good enough' property. There's a lot to be said for having money over to spend on things!
Presumably a well-maintained house in a good area would sell very quickly so I wouldn't put it on the market until I'd found something I wanted to buy.