Town or country?!

[Guineapiggiesmalls]

We currently live in a just big enough house in a great suburb with excellent schools and amenities. Covid has meant that both of our jobs are probably going to be at least partially working from home. A dream property, close to my family, has come up on the market and unexpectedly we can afford it. But it’s so far from the city, our friends and social life.

I am struggling to make the decision on whether or not to act. I know that I’ve been daydreaming about this house, but I’m worried that if our jobs revert back to as before it would mean we go from a 20 minute commute to over an hour, and also that we end up missing our social lives.

Has anyone made a similar move, and can offer some advice? Or maybe suggest something that might help us make the decision? We’ve got a 2 year old, and would probably hope to have another in the next year or so (if it’s relevant!).

I suspect you will regret it, whichever you choose! But that's because we never know what would have happened if we'd made the other choice.

Which house is nearer to your DH's family?

Does your current house have potential for expansion?

How unique and special is your dream house? I mean, if it's a wonderful old converted windmill or something, it's now or never, whereas if it's just a pleasant semi-detached house... meh, another will come along eventually.

Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

I think some things are better as daydreams, and this house might be one of these things. Moving from daydream to potential reality is already throwing up problems which make it less appealing.

We have the opposite dilemma!

We are currently 1 hr 30 mins door to door but close to my family after relocating home.

This house was always just somewhere to park our money for 2 or so years until we decided which suburb closer to the city, we wanted to move to (didn't need to pay stamp duty as FTB)

Now we may stay around here if dh only has to go in to the city 1 or 2 days (was doing 1 day WFH pre Covid) as I work locally already.

But, are we restricting future job opportunities by staying? We can't both work in the city so it's limited my job choice at the moment but will all companies offer some WFH in the future?

We are going to stay put for another year at least and see what happens.

Our house is big enough but I'd like a different layout and one more teenage friendly for when my DC are older, so we're not in a rush at the moment.

We live in the suburbs. It’s less pretty but wins hands down on a practical level. Easy commuting means more family time and less stress over childcare, keeping fit by cycling into the office, better schools, far more families amenities and activities etc.

Who comprises “your family”- tbh if it’s including kids your child’s age then it’s worth it imo- if it’s your parents then practically it’s better to be nearer things to do and where your social activists are

Just a bit confused about your job situation. Are you WFH temporarily? If so that would be a huge thing to confirm with your employer before buying a house over an hour away. DH has now been told that WFH is permanent. My company already has flexible working options in place but working all my hours from home would not be possible long term. So I guess my advice would be to sort that out before making huge life choices.

Totally depends on your job/line of work. The current situation is not forever.

Thank you everyone.

My work has always been able to be done remotely, but it’s largely been unused and a bit of a pain to get put in place. Covid has obviously changed things! The general consensus has been that we’ll probably all be working at least 50% of the time from home which would be tolerable, but if the last few months have taught me anything it’s that nothing is permanent. Well, that and to wear a mask!

I was slightly disappointed by the responses that suggested we stay put, so maybe I’m subconsciously pulling in favour of moving.

Have you been to view the house in person yet? I'd definitely do that first. The number of houses I've listed over online that have then been massive damp disappointments us ridiculous!

I would be in favour of moving, closer to family and a bigger house are a huge pull. Do you know the area well? Have you looked at the house?
I would be very tempted to look further into it and see if I could make it work.

@Guineapiggiesmalls

Thank you everyone.

My work has always been able to be done remotely, but it’s largely been unused and a bit of a pain to get put in place. Covid has obviously changed things! The general consensus has been that we’ll probably all be working at least 50% of the time from home which would be tolerable, but if the last few months have taught me anything it’s that nothing is permanent. Well, that and to wear a mask!

I was slightly disappointed by the responses that suggested we stay put, so maybe I’m subconsciously pulling in favour of moving.

There's your decision made

I think being close to family (after being away from them for 10 years) is priceless.

Goodluck with the move!