To move or to extend

[DeeDeeDaisy]

What would you do? (All hypothetical at the moment - we don't need to think about this seriously for another 2 years or so)

We bought our current home as first time buyers, 4 years ago. It's a typical 3 bed semi. Good size now for me, DH and DD but not really big enough for any future DCs. I love this house and have decorated it to my taste (DH has had some input, promise!) it has a nice big garden but the town we live in is...meh. Not the worst but a bit depressing. Think charity shops, barbers and takeaways. If we were to move to a nicer area within budget, any house big enough for us would need a lot of work.

My question is - would you stay and extend a house you love in a location you don't love, or would you move to a house that needs loads of work in a location you love?

The thought of the whole buying/selling process fills me with DREAD😂

Location trumps decoration for me. You can change your wallpaper anywhere you are, any time you like, but you can't change your neighbours or the high street shops unless you move.

You cld ask Kirsty and Phil for help? Love it or list it! I look forward to seeing your episode.

It all comes down to money really surely? Unless the location is much further away I'm guessing a house that will end up being a similar size (after you've extended this one) and fully renovated is going to cost a lot. Location adds a lot to the price, regardless of condition... and renovation is bloody expensive now.

If it's doable I'd move, but only if I was being fully realistic about the costs involved.

Our first home was a three bed semi. Next door neighbours extended theirs downstairs. It still had a pokey lounge, the old dining room became a dark inner room but they did gain a bigger kitchen. The small garden became even smaller.
We moved after five years, put our money into a bigger house. Best thing we did. More convenient location, better amenities.