Is this a crazy and dramatic thing to do with properties?

[ButterGutter]

I got my first home around 5 years ago. It was a starter home and I’ve paid quite a bit off. I’m now mid 30s and I am going insane working from home all the time. The house was brought primarily because it was close to work. We will never have to go into the office again regularly, covid or no covid, the whole policy has changed. I sort of feel stagnant and bored and fed up, like I built my world around this area for work and work only (it’s very much a commuter sort of place) and now that reason has gone I feel like I’m treading water here.

I want to buy a second home and live in that for a bit and rent this place out. I have no idea what the new place would be like (it would be closer to family and no different in terms of distance from friends).

I just feel so shit being here day after day. Would this be reckless?

Absolutely not ! If you can afford the outlay for another , the rental you get from this one could boost your mortgage payment and possibly be a good income source

Can you afford another deposit ?
Can you rent this one out ?
Do I want the hassle of rental properties ?

I'd say go for it
Especially if it will improve your mental health and work life balance

Sounds like a plan, as long as both are in good areas where you can rent them out/sell them I’d you change your mind then go for it. Just be aware of the hassle and responsibilities that come with being a landlord.

@hazelgrey I can afford it just about. I’m just so so so unenthused and bored with things.

I know moving house won’t magically change that but I feel like a right idiot living here in a place that was centred on work. I don’t belong here, it’s not a place I have ever considered home. But then again it seems like such a bratty thing to do to just up sticks and find somewhere more appealing.

It's not bratty at all - I think it's quite sensible and brave

You bought a property due to your employment responsibilities
Now that the world has gone nuts - you can live where you want

And you should put your happiness and life satisfaction first
If you WFH you can almost work anywhere

You'll need to check your mortgage allows you to rent out - most don't- or if you'd need to change to a buy to let. Also, you're not a first time buyer so won't have the benefits of that.

But if you can, totally do it. If you can't would you sell up and move.?

2nd home mortgages usually 20-25% deposit as well so factor that in, as well as the extra stamp duty

Your plan sounds very sensible to me, not crazy and dramatic at all!

After all, if you'd changed jobs and your commute to the new job was too long, your current home would no longer be suitable and you'd move. Although you have not moved employer, what made your current home suitable no longer applies. I'd move.