Too soon to downsize if it's the right house?

[BobLobla]

We've lived in a our lovely Victorian semi for 23 years and brought our two dds up in it. 4 bedrooms, close to amenities and community centre, reasonable sized garden; we've spent money on getting attic converted to bedroom and making kitchen/dining room into open plan space. We're very happy here. Eldest dd is final year at Uni and youngest is year 13, taking a year off then Uni the year after that. Dh and I are 57 and 55.

We've been thinking a lot about our quality of life. He's a nurse and has never been happier since he went freelance. I'm a teacher (30 years in) and am ready for a change. Job at local Uni beckons which is 0.5 and I can get freelance/supply work in the other hours. We've discussed downsizing in a few years when the girls are gone, de-cluttering, etc. and travelling more.

EXCEPT.... when perusing idly on Rightmove last week I spotted our 'ideal' downsizing house. 3 bed, open plan bungalow, same area but a bit further into the country and best of all has a wonderful view, which I have always hankered after. The view bit is a real deal-breaker for me as I feel so relaxed and happy when I have a view, so I always promised myself I'd have one, one day. Not many properties like this come up in our area. It's been completed refurbed and is gorgeous. But obviously has much less space and fewer nooks and crannies for the kids to escape/ folk to have their own space to watch different TV/ study etc. Bedrooms are smaller than we have here. We've even talking about eldest moving back for a year next year with her bf while she does a post-grad. Our present house is ideal for this - although it wouldn't be impossible in the bungalow. Youngest would NOT like to move but she's only here for another 18 months.

Just had our present house valued too and we'd be able to pay mortgage off too if we had this other house. We would not be considering it at all if we (I) hadn't seen this particular house - it's pretty unique. ARGH. I'm going to view it later. Almost hope it puts me off so I don't have a decision to make. But if it's suitable - would you downsize a bit earlier than planned?

I'm a few years younger than the OP and have no plans to think about downsize until the DC are settled in their own homes (my youngest is still at primary though so we still need a lot of space). Trouble is I think I'd rather stay here because the location is so good with eveerything in walking distance so we might just clear and abandon the attic bedroom and live in the house as a 3 bed with lots of party space.

The only thing I would say is that if your youngest is here another 18 months, in my experience house sales / purchasing take a very long time. Certainly no quicker than four months. So chances are, she’ll be in the current house for another six months at least. Even if you love it today, I doubt they would accept an offer from you until your house is sold.

i hope you went for it? Sometimes the right house just comes along when you least expect it and just makes sense! It takes around six months to move any how 😅 plus think very carefully about having dd and bf move in, we did this and nearly tore family apart! Mind you was during lockdown so extra stressful. We found our perfect brand new build detached bungalow in Feb this year just browsing rightmove! with electric gates just one of two on the plot, open plan, vaulted ceilings, modern, 2 Beds and completely different to our large 3 bed Victorian semi which we’ve lovingly renovated over last 20 years! DH is 61 and I’m 57, But so excited to start our next chapter, and young enough to explore new area and meet new friends. So I say help your family as much as you can to a point but also put your needs first as we have one life and you’ll be happier and therefore so will your family! 😊