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Original poster

Am I mad to be even considering this?

29 replies

Heatherbell1978 · 23/01/2023 16:48

DH and 2DC (6 and 8). We live in a 4 bed detached with garage in a nice suburb about 8 miles from city. Bought it new 8 years, extended downstairs and built a garden office in that time. House looks great, meets all our needs and kids are happy in local schools etc.
But...DH and I often gave this nagging thought that we'd like to live 'in town'. We do at times regret not buying originally in town particularly given how prices have rocketed in that time.

We've been tempted a bit by a new development which would essentially mean we could both walk or cycle to work, we'd be much closer to lots of friends, kids would go to a brand new school (and better high school in a few years than current catchment). So some nice lifestyle changes.
But, the most affordable option for us would be downsizing. We'd still be paying more but we'd lose the garage, potentially a bedroom and just overall space that we have now.

Things have changed since DC were small - we don't have as much clutter and toys so there are things we could manage there. But are we mad? We're in our mid 40s so this would also extend and increase our mortgage...

OP posts:

Nw22 · 23/01/2023 16:51

We are actually planning to do the same. We live in a 4 bed house with garden office about 20/25 mins drive from the city centre(5 miles).
we will be downsizing and spending an extra 100/150k but will be able to walk everywhere.

Original poster

Heatherbell1978 · 23/01/2023 16:55

Nw22 · 23/01/2023 16:51

Similar price uplift for us. £50-£150k depending on what we'd go for. The cheapest 'uplift' is a 3 bed semi-detached townhouse option, most expensive would be another 4 bed detached. But either option would still be less room than we have. Losing the garage would be a tough one!

OP posts:

Nw22 · 23/01/2023 17:01

Yea it storage I worry about most. We will lose the utility room and a bedroom.

Whyisitsososohard · 23/01/2023 17:07

I don't have children and live 'in town' I think lots of people don't get it. You often pay a kit for less space and a less aesthetic environment. But for me it brings a great quality of life. I've lived rurally and semi rurally and for me it meant lots of time in the car. I love having loads of amenities close by so I get it and don't think it's mad at all. But be prepared for lots of people not to understand.

Backstreets · 23/01/2023 17:08

It's a big change, but I don't think that's crazy at all :) There are a lot of perks to living centrally!

WelcomedHome · 23/01/2023 17:09

One thing to remember (though I think I'd still move) is that the children need more space in their rooms for desks etc as they get older. Less clutter downstairs but more space needed upstairs.

WhoNeedsSleepNotISaidMyBody · 23/01/2023 17:09

I can really understand your desire to live in walking distance to city stuff and walking/cycling distance to work BUT your current situation sounds lovely & for cycling to work 8 miles isn't much. nor is it far from friends.

Your kids are happy at school, do you really want to move them?

what are the busses to the city like from where you are? It's a stress free way to get into city & you can always get a taxi home if you stay out late.

I LOVED living within walking distance of various places, like Putney High Street, but I'm not sure I'd have given up what you've got now to be so close?!?!

I don't know... I don't think you're mad, but you would be giving up a lot of 'house & garage' to do it.

pluscwhatvwoukd it be like for the kids to play out on their bikes & stuff compared to now? Not so much right now, but when they're 2+ Years older & want to go by themselves?

LadyGardenersQuestionTime · 23/01/2023 17:09

It won’t be long before your children will appreciate public transport and a bit of action on the doorstep. Definitely worth serious consideration.

larchforest · 23/01/2023 17:23

I wouldn't. There will be no community 'feel' in a new development for years, and brand new properties sell at a premium compared with those even a few years old.

And yes, you would be mad to lose the garage.

Cornelious · 23/01/2023 17:28

I would do it in a heartbeat. Location is everything for me. I like to be able to walk to cafes/ bars/ shops etc. your dc will probably thank you for it too.

Krakenes · 23/01/2023 17:29

Definitely! We lived in town, but I had some friends that lived out. Their parents were very reluctant to give them lifts all the time! I loved having that freedom when I was younger. I’d never live out of town, I love the amenities.

springerspanielpuppy · 23/01/2023 17:35

The garage, what will parking be like in this new area and the garden space? After living in a detached that would be my biggest loss though and I would stretch myself for that, it will give you more bucks to downsize in later years too. Do you no longer need the home office?

Original poster

Heatherbell1978 · 23/01/2023 17:39

So we are lucky that we have decent transport links where we live now - train in 20 mins to centre and bus in around 45 mins. It honestly does tick so many boxes which is why on paper it sounds a bit mad. But there's a vibe to being close to the action that we both miss. I think the DC would adapt to moving schools quite well. They have their friendship groups here but they're thankfully quite adaptive. I'd certainly want to make a move before high school anyway.

The only think really putting us off is the money. We're talking a potential doubling of the mortgage if we go for something that ticks more boxes. And repaying that until our mid-60s. That would have compromises for us too and that's quite a scary thought.

If interest rates hadn't rocketed recently it would be much more affordable!

OP posts:

Original poster

Heatherbell1978 · 23/01/2023 17:41

And the home office we have is amazing but we both miss being in the office too so living closer would mean we'd probably only do a day each at home. At the moment I'm practically full time wfh as is DH as we have the ability to do it (and a commute)

OP posts:

springerspanielpuppy · 23/01/2023 17:54

So what is your commute now compared to what it will be, including changing out of cycling gear and where will you keep the cycles at your new home?

Original poster

Heatherbell1978 · 23/01/2023 17:56

springerspanielpuppy · 23/01/2023 17:54

So what is your commute now compared to what it will be, including changing out of cycling gear and where will you keep the cycles at your new home?

So it's either door to door in an hour on the train or 30 min drive at the moment. The place we're looking at would be a 30 min walk or 10-15 cycle. I'd likely walk to be honest.

OP posts:

Paq · 23/01/2023 18:00

Not mad. As the kids get older it's so nice for them to be able to walk to stuff.

IsThePopeCatholic · 23/01/2023 18:05

I’d do it. Your kids will thank you for it when they’re teenagers.

FlounderingFruitcake · 23/01/2023 18:09

Sounds great, I’d do it in a heartbeat but then I live in zone 3 London and will never move out further so I’m definitely biased in favour of city living. I know the kids will have to resettle but surely it’s worth it for a better secondary and having loads of stuff to do on their doorstep as teens?

parietal · 23/01/2023 22:34

Go for it. walking and cycling everywhere is a big improvement, particularly for the kids.

Krakenes · 23/01/2023 22:36

FlounderingFruitcake · 23/01/2023 18:09

Same! I moved out to zone 3 and although we have amazing transport links and a cab home is cheap (under £20), I’m very tempted to move back to zone 1!!!

ManchesterGirl2 · 25/01/2023 17:48

Being in town would be better for the typical teenager I think - more independance and sponteneity. And walking to work sounds great.

Think about how much you could declutter your possessions. You might be fine with less storage.

SollaSollew · 26/01/2023 09:54

I don't think you're mad at all and we're doing exactly similar next year, currently have a big 4 bed detached with double garage to move to a city most likely terraced house with a city sized garden. I actually can't wait for all the reasons you say, things on your doorstep, being out of the car, older child can walk everywhere. Honestly go for it.
I also wanted to share my experience of living in a new build as it was actually quite different to a pp. Where we bought there was an instant camaraderie in our little part of the development because we'd all moved in within weeks of each other.
For example we shared outside Christmas lights and had a switching on ceremony with mince pies and mulled wine etc. We did move after a few years though which I also think is quite common for new builds.
You only need such a big house now because you're in it so much and it sounds like the idea is to be out doing more, so go for it.

Sling · 26/01/2023 10:11

I'd say go for it, being more central has loads of benefits.

Two things I'd consider for teens

space in their rooms to study - will their bedrooms be big enough in a smaller house?
number of levels especially if it's a townhouse - whoever is on the top floor bedroom can become a bit isolated. We just moved from a townhouse for this reason, I find it much better on two levels with teens.

Last point parking? I know you said you'd walk lots of places but consider your options if you do keep a car or need to get a second for teens etc.

Onlyme54321 · 26/01/2023 14:17

I would go for quality over quantity always… I have had a big house out of town… so much happier now I’ve downsized and closer to amenities. Not having to jump in my car for everything or consider public transport / taxis is fantastic

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