We are empty nesters in our mid 50s. In 2019 we downsized (in size not cost) from a 4 bed semi-detached house to a 2 bed detached bungalow in a 'naice area'. It suited us well as it was 20 mins drive from family, an easy commute to both our jobs and as we were out all day a small cosy place was all we needed to come home to. The plan was we'd hopefully never have to move again - health permitting.
Fast forward nearly 4 years and we both now (willingly) work from home permanently and full time - no risk of being recalled to an office. MIL and my parents have died and our adult kids are settled independently.
We've decided that our little bungalow doesn't suit our needs anymore. We need a room each to work from due to the nature of our jobs and feel like work stuff is always 'there'. Lots of houses around us are being extended upwards to 3 stories so it's like being in a goldfish bowl all day.
We've decided to move and have been on the market for 2 weeks. Viewings are steady and we've had one offer that pulled out in a panic because we hadn't yet found somewhere else. So we're actively looking for our next home and have realised just how much more 'house' we could get for not much more than our little bungalow is up for.
We've found a gorgeous 4 bed detached house about 40 miles away. Not overlooked, and close to some great amenities. It's had everything done to a lovely standard so we'd just need some new furniture to fill the space.
There's a downstairs study, so we could have an office space each, a hobby room, a bedroom for us and still have a spare bedroom.
Sensible me says just move a short distance to another (slightly bigger) bungalow. But my heart says go for the kind of house I've always wished I lived in. We can afford it but would we be mad to take on a bigger house just for the 2 of us and our dog?