Should we sell our new house after 14 months?

[FlyKim]

So we moved house 14 months ago because we wanted a bigger one. Same village, kids haven’t moved schools. The problem is, we’ve realised we really don’t like it. The house is older, colder, and I can’t quite put my finger on it without sounding crazy but I don’t get a good feeling about it. My husband feels exactly the same. Should we just put it back on the market or should we try and grow to like it?

What about how much you would have lost on stamp duty? 🤨

So the house may have risen in value slightly due to some minor renovations and to be honest at the moment I think we’re probably willing to take the hit. It’s not ideal but I’d rather feel happy.

Market is a bit 'depressed' atm, but how much depends on your area. You've given it 14 months, why not move if you can afford to, no point being unhappy if you can change things.

Speaking as a 60 something, life is too short to be unhappy in your home. Put it on the market.

I don’t think you’ve given it long enough.

What can you do to improve it? What did you like about it initially?

If you're in a village you most likely would need to move to town/a different village due to lack of stock? If so, would you be happy to have to move to a different place to be able to move?

Are you sure? Have you had it valued?

This is the thing I’m struggling with, how long is long enough? I absolutely love the character. It has a beautiful hallway, the fireplace, the old parquet floor and it’s very spacious. But as we’ve lived here I’ve grown to hate the lack of insulation, the creaky floorboards and the weird things that happen such as glass in the windows randomly cracking in my daughters bedroom.

Yes we’ve had two valuations

Maybe start by getting it valued and take it from there. Doing a bit of renovating may have added value but prices have come down since last year so you may not get that money back. Wouldn’t it be cheaper to fix the creaky glass, floor and see if you can insulate more?

Sorry op - my response took ages to post. Looks like you’ve got a valuation.

how much would it cost to fix things that annoy you?

Luckily we live in an area where there are several villages within the catchment area of my eldest’s school and also within 10 mins driving distance of my younger two’s primary school. Currently there are quite a few options on the market, although that could change.

I mean you could list it, but I don’t think it’s a great market. However, if you’re that unhappy there and you’re willing to take a potential hit…

It feels like you think it’s haunted. Maybe you should get a priest/shaman over to bless it?

So this is another thing. Initially we intended to replace all windows and renovate the kitchen. However, I’m reluctant to invest that much into it if ultimately we will never be happy here. Is it better to move now?

The strangest thing is, I’ve never believed in ghosts. But since moving here I’m questioning everything, including my sanity 😂

Some people don't suit old properties. Sounds like you are one of them. Move on and let somebody that does love it

I think it’s worth looking into but only having done a lot of research into what’s recently sold in your area - preferably the houses that match yours - because this market right now is less than buoyant. People are nervous about interest rises. Also, estate agents are notorious for over-valuing so they can hook people in.

But as we’ve lived here I’ve grown to hate the lack of insulation, the creaky floorboards and the weird things that happen such as glass in the windows randomly cracking in my daughters bedroom.

those annoyances will cost a lot less to sort out than conveyancing, EA fees, stamp duty, removal costs and all that disruption. Could cost you £30k+ to move, half that to get the niggles fixed.

Did you love it when you saw it, did you get that feeling? It sounds almost like if you dont like it now, then you never will. I really trust gut instinct. Life is too short, move!
If these things are bothering you already, does your like for the house overcome them?

It depends how unhappy you are.

I once sold a house after 8 months because we had moved areas (one end of country to the other) at the behest of first husband and I hated it.

Lost a lot of money because market prices at home had increased in just that short period and market in the new area had not but I was so desperate to move back so it was worth it.

I’d go for further insite into your reasoning. Draw up a list of pros and cons of moving. Then identify what you really dislike/ like about the house, involve all the family if your DCs are old enough. What attracted you to buy it in the first place.
Then consider how you might improve the house, albeit for a short while.
We once bought a house on the basis of its size and location due to a 100 mile job relocation. We didn’t really like it but there was little else on the market and intended to move after a couple of years. We made it our own and stayed 20+ years.

What do you mean about the window cracking, have the window panes broken?
If so, I'd get them checked incase the window frame isn't fitting correctly putting pressure on the glass, or maybe the window opening isn't properly supported.
Selling at the beginning of winter isn't the easiest time, maybe wait till Spring.
But life is too short to be stuck in a house you dislike.

Yes, the glass of the internal window of the double glazing cracked, and when I say cracked, I mean almost shattered! Not a hot day either. It was the middle pane out of 3. The windows are due for replacing, I’d say they’re probably 15-20 years old, but I wouldn’t have expected that.

Sounds like you are looking for concrete reasons to dislike the place. Why not replace the windows and have a new kitchen?
Or put it on the market and see what offers you get and then decide.