There are many reasons why people want to move from their current property to a larger one.
These include:
Romantic Relationships
You’ve met each other’s friends and been to some family events. It’s time to pool your resources, stop living out of a suitcase, and get a bigger place together.
Family Ties
Often, people move home to be nearer to family. This might be to support your parents as they’re getting older or to be more involved with nieces and nephews. You need more space to have them all round.
The Pitter Patter of Tiny Feet
You’d like to start a family. You might want to grow your family. You know you need more space. A baby focuses the pain points of your current property and you know you need to upsize. How do such small humans need so much stuff?
Older Kids or Relatives
Sometimes upsizing stems from a change of needs. Maybe an older family member needs to move in with you or your children are getting older and need more space and that must-have for all teenagers – their own room.
New Projects
It might be that your needs have changed within your lives. A new hobby might require a music studio, a she-shed, a man cave, a photography studio, or even a space for working from home.
New Career Move
You’ve finished your training. You’ve got that promotion. You’ve switched careers. Moving for work is a common reason that enables an upsize as you’re likely to be in a better financial position to get what you really want after moving on from your starter home.
Living Luxuriously
You’re a savvy saver and have been working hard. It’s time to move up the ladder and put your money where it’s safest – by investing in a larger property.
1. Get the right advice
We understand how hard it is to find the time but getting the right advice at the start of the process will end up saving you time and, more often than not, money over the course of the whole transaction. Google can tell you a lot of things but there’s nothing quite like having an experienced estate agent at the end of the phone to give you accurate and bespoke support.
2. If it looks too good to be true...
When you’re busy, quick sale companies can seem appealing. They have their place but usually as a last resort.
3. Planning and packing
There’s a lot to get sorted when you’re moving. Make a list of jobs to do around the house and work your way through them. Get your financial and legal paperwork in order as early as you can. Start packing. Pack everything away that isn’t useful in your daily life. Personal items like photos, ornaments, seasonal clothes or toys can all be the first things to be boxed up. It makes tidying for viewings easier, too.
4. Assess the market
Some estate agents use the unscrupulous practice of valuing your home for an unrealistic price. However, your property then ends up stale and stagnant on the market. You just don’t have time for that. Get three agents round to carry out a valuation or market appraisal. Assess them, not on the figure that makes you see pound signs in front of your eyes, but on the clearest comparables and most comprehensive plan of how they’ll help you achieve your goals.
I/we need a particular figure for this property to make the move possible. What can you do to make that happen?
No good estate agent can guarantee you a specific amount, but they can support you in achieving the best possible price for your property in the market. The caveat for this is your goal figure must be realistic and achievable.
Four factors influence the outcome:
The location of the property itself, the nearby amenities, general environment, and services in the area.
The presentation of the property, current condition, and possible improvements required.
The estate agent you instruct to manage thesale. Good, experienced agents will be able to achieve several thousands more for your property through their practised skill.
The strategy for selling. Make sure your estate agent has a good plan in place, so you know what they’re doing and if you need to do anything, too. We can advise you on this.
How long will it all take?
How long is a piece of string? Seriously though, a lot of it boils down to the four factors. The earliest offers are generally the best ones – when your property is new and fresh on the market. This can happen quite quickly for some properties. The next stage involves the mortgage providers, building surveyors, solicitors and other agencies involved if you are part of a chain. This can be a difficult and drawn-out process, but not always. We make sure to communicate with everyone during this stage so you’re never out of the loop.
We make sure to communicate with everyone during this stage so you’re never out of the loop.
Which solicitor should I/we use?
A bit like when you’re choosing estate agents, it can seem really tempting to choose a solicitor based on their fees.
Unfortunately, it’s often a case of getting what you pay for. That’s not to say you need to hire the most expensive firm in the market.
We know the good guys and the less great guys, so just ask. We are always happy to share our experiences to make sure you avoid any pitfalls.
How do I know if I can really afford to do this?
With a bigger property often comes an increased monthly mortgage cost. Your council tax and other bills are likely to increase, too.
On top of these, a bigger place means more responsibility. This might mean a bigger garden to manage or more gutters to maintain. You might also need to spend out on new furniture to make the new space work for you.
Don’t just doodle some sums on the back of a
What other costs are involved?
As part of point three from our Top Tips (see previous page), it’s worth thinking about every element when you’re planning.
You might need to spend a little on getting the house itself ready.
There are Stamp Duty costs when you’re buying in the UK.
We can chat through all of that with you as it depends on what you’re looking to buy. The solicitors will charge a fee and there’s also fees within that (depending on their payment structure).
You might need to hire a van or a moving company to help on moving day.
We’re used to it all and can explain it for you so you’ve got it straight in your mind and don’t end up with any panic situations that you just don’t have time for.
napkin! We have great, independent, whole of market financial advisers here, working alongside us, who don’t charge any broker fees.
They can help find you the best deals in the market on things like mortgages and insurances.
Your time will not be wasted - they have over 50 years experience between them and they are one of the leading mortgage brokers in Yorkshire.
Below is an 11-point checklist to help you prepare for your property sale and your move:
When you’ve decided it’s time to put your property on the market, contact at least three estate agents for valuations. Check if the prices they provide seem realistic by doing some research online.
Instruct a conveyancing solicitor before listing.
Begin decluttering — charity shops, home clearance, auction houses can help.
Start packing early.
After accepting an offer and agreeing a completion date, get quotes from at least three removal companies.
Inform banks, utility companies, and insurance providers of your move.
Redirect your mail.
Prepare an essentials box for moving day (e.g., kettle, cups, keys, medicines, wallet).
Notify schools and childcare providers of your move.
Arrange disconnection/connection of utilities at both properties.
Check your home is clean and secure on the day you leave.
JP Harll in association with
