Move or not?

[Curlingstone]

NC cos outing.
I'm planning early semi retirement from a highly stressful job which has sucked the life out of me. I'll do some freelance work and cash in my pension early (taking quite a big hit). Working longer is not an option for my wellbeing.

LP with DC 14 (yr 10). Little input from ex, no financial help.

I love my current house - period semi, amazing neighbours, friends all within 5 mins etc.

However, always jobs to do and realistically bigger than we need ( altho I do like having space for parties ).

A 3 bed terrace very near has come up for sale. It's immaculate but small. I could sell here, clear my mortgage & still have some left to supplement my (reduced) pension.

The idea of more disposable income, smaller bills etc is very appealing. However, I'd never be a position to reverse and go back up the housing ladder. No magic money tree or inheritance coming.

If I stay, this house will continue to gain value - I live on one of the most desirable streets & property here is at a premium. I could stay a few more years and capitalise on that growth. Or, have more money now.

Sorry for the essay.

I'd appreciate thoughts & wise words, thanks

As long as you can afford it, I'd stay put for now. You're already making a massive change to your life so why not just see how it all pans out for a while. In a few years you will still have the house in the desirable area, your DC will be grown up, and who knows where your freelance work will have taken you.

Good point about not changing everything at once & letting things settle. I'm very impulsive which doesn't help!

Also do not underestimate how much space a gaggle of teenagers take up.

We lived in a small cottage when DS was younger and had a strict limit on the number of friends allowed. Where we are now (and where we're buying) there's no issues with space and we've become the default for parties and overnighters. There's often miscellaneous teenage boys in our house for no apparent reason which pleases me greatly (most of the time!)

Is DC likely to move schools for years 12-13? Or go to uni?
I would suggest leaving it until after GCSEs or A levels.

You could always go part time or move to a less stressful job, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Have a look at how you can transfer your skills.

Thanks everyone. This is all really helpful.
DC is a complete introvert, so no teen socialising. I'm the opposite!
6th form colleges a bus ride away, all local kids go to the same one or two. Will be going to Uni.
I think the all or nothing comment is right. I'm in danger of ditching everything because I'm burnt out in current job.
Doing nothing, for now, sounds like the best idea.