moving to new area now or end of lockdown?

[halloween2020]

Hi,

We were hoping to move in 2020 and have been looking for new properties. Even put an offer in on one last week. However, the plan was to move to a new area of London away from our family/friends and am now having second thoughts.

We have a one-year old and dont drive - but the plan was to finally buy our own place but can only afford in a different area from where we live now. I am scared that we will just be really isolated for god knows how long without knowing anyone (and wont be able to make any new friends due to Covid). We've been here for a couple of years now - have a few mummy friend and live close to my PIL.

Has anyone ele moved to a new area this year? How did you find it? I am weering towards staying for six months or so and seeing how it goes, but DH thinks that house prices will go up even more and we should move now. Any advice? I know there are unusual times but they seem to be dragging on and on.

I’d just move and be done with it. Otherwise, you could end up getting cold feet for another few years. I know you can’t really make new friends during lockdown, but even if you stay put, you’ll only see people on video calls anyway? So you could as well call them from another area. With regards to driving, it’s really unnecessary in most of London so nothing to worry about there.

Move. The housing market is very busy right now, so prices might well go up.

As PP said, most socialising will be remotely for a bit anyway.

I find local FB groups are pretty chatty.

We’re hoping to move very soon (fixing up house), I don’t know anyone around that area, but it was the right time for us to buy.
Hope it goes well

Thanks for everyone's feedback. Guess most people think we should just go for it regardless. Food for thought. The world is just so weird right now that I keep doubting myself and our plans all the time

Even if you find a house next week and the offer is accepted it will still take time to move. It took us 8 weeks with one house and that was with being keen to complete in a short time.

I know...just scared of spending the next 12months essentially not seeing anyone as we both WFH. Moving seemed like a good idea before all this happened

Go for it, and if it doesn’t happen it doesn’t happen. Just moved today and delighted with our new home. Just right for what we need now.

it won't be 12 months not seeing anyone, OP. The vaccines should be there early-ish in the year.

At least 3 months before you move as a general time, so that is end Jan assuming you have an offer in soon.

Based on what you’ve written, I’d stay. During these times it would be more important to me to be close to friends and family vs buying a home. It depends on how far away and how much you like the new area, I suppose. Also if driving will ever be an option.

Are you renting at the moment? I’d be so tempted to buy if I could. I know what you mean about meeting new people but kids ALWAYS give you opportunities to meet new people. You’ll make your best mum friends when the D.C. start school.

Good luck with everything!

I moved to a new area in London in September (FTB).
Won't lie, felt massively uprooted for the two first weeks, but I didn't have most of my stuff as I wanted to keep the flat as empty as possible for laying a new carpet.

Now it's been 6-7 weeks and I'm totally acclimated to my new place, new neighbourhood and new habits. No regret at all.

I'm not dreading the new lockdown at all (fortunate to still have a job!) and will use that time to make some improvements and decorate.

yep, we are in rentals at the moment and were totally looking forward to having our own place. but with the lockdown am now feeling that the opportunity to meet my friends for even a one to one coffee, go to the playgrounds where we know everyone and see my parents a couple of times a week (even if they stay in their house while we potter around outside) might be invaluable to my mental health.

to everyone who has moved this summer/autumn - how are you finding being in a new area? did you manage to meet new people or are you just happy being in your own place?

I'm moving to a new area. I'm not able to see anyone as it is so figure not knowing anyone wont make a difference anyway. I'll use the time to explore and friends can happen over time