Made the wrong move

[Polly5678]

We rushed into buying a bigger property because I was pregnant with DS2 and panicked about lack of space in our last house. Love the space in the new house but wished we had been courageous enough to move to a different area. There’s nothing wrong with the current area and it’s safe etc but on reflection, we don’t want to live here forever. We’ve been here 8 months and DS1 starts school in September so any move would mean uprooting DS1 part way through reception/year 1. Any success stories of moving your child/ren in reception/year 1. I’m also worried about trying to sell quite soon after buying.

We did exactly this. We brought and then moved 6 months later but due to the market at the moment and with some diy/improvements we still made money. It was mentioned by our buyers about selling quickly but we explained it was for a long distance relocation and that the price is higher due to the market at the moment. Onward buying has been difficult for us but not impossible due to lack of supply.

You could always put it on to gain a feel for what you would get and see what the onward purchase market is like in your desired area. There is nothing stopping you from pulling out before exchange if you think it’s not worth it or you cannot find anything (apart from your buyers sanity of course).

No young children though so can’t advise on that aspect. Though I’m not sure there is ever a great time to move with kids as there will always be reasons why not too. I think earlier is better in terms of life stages and friendships but that’s just me!

Haven't been in your exact position but my eldest moved schools (due to relocation) between reception and year 1 and it was fine. I don't think one move at primary school age is a big deal really, although the younger you can do it the better.

I think reception / year 1 is fine. There’s been plenty of movement in my son’s class and even in year 2 I think you’d get away with it. His class has been very receptive to the new children and it’s like they’ve always been there.

Just keep an eye on secondary catchments when you do move. Yes schools can and do change, but you can get a feel for them. Otherwise you’ll be thinking about moving again.

Is there any reason why you’re in such a rush to move? Not wanting to stay there forever doesn’t necessitate moving now.

@TatianaBis I think a move beyond reception/year 1 would be harder for my son so my thinking is to move ASAP