For many homeowners the question often arises: should we relocate or invest in upgrading our current home? 

As a practice we work on both updating existing homes and ‘next step’ properties, so have an understanding of all the different thoughts that can occur to home owners.

Why it can make sense to improve

There are many elements to consider before making a decision on whether to move or improve; the location, the schools, where you work and how that will affect the commute time/impact on family, the transport links and of course the costs.

If you love your home and it is in a prime location for your family’s needs but you just need more space, then you may want to speak to an architect for an initial consultation. Often the drive to move is to gain more space and an extension of some sort may be the answer. But sometimes it’s a little more straightforward and you could increase the amount of useable space by reconfiguring the existing rooms to make them flow better or convert a garage and/or loft. This would be cheaper than moving, so it’s well worth investigating.

We are all more conscious of our environmental responsibilities and the increase in energy costs since 2022 is a driver for change. Instead of moving to a new home that is better insulated, you could consider energy efficient upgrades and sustainable renovations to reduce your own carbon footprint. These might include upgrading your windows and insulating the loft, plus you could use a Government Grant for changing your boiler to a renewable green energy Air Source Heat Pump – https://www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme/what-you-can-get. These changes will not only benefit the environment but also lower your longer-term energy bills.

Moving to a new home can be a costly affair, between the stamp duty, estate agent fees, legal expenses and the actual cost of purchasing a new property, the financial implications can be substantial. Investing in some home improvements allows you to enhance your current property for now and the future.

Improving your home is a sound investment, with a well-executed renovation your property’s value is likely to increase, offering an excellent return on investment when the time does come to sell.

Right time to move

There are many reasons why it may be time for you to move.  As we progress through life our preferences and priorities evolve and moving to a new home provides the opportunity to align living spaces, with current lifestyle needs. These may range from relocating for work or schools, wanting to live in an urban or rural location, or looking to upscale or downsize your home.

Moving home provides choices; the location, the style and size of property, access to that all important transport system and investment opportunities.  Moving can give you the freedom to choose a property which is right for your life now, because lets face it we have all thought – if only we had … or I wish we had!. Moving provides the ability to gain what you don’t have in your current house.

A new home may lack the modern amenities and conveniences that you crave but offer the right amount of space. Putting your own stamp on what was someone else’s house and transforming it to be your ideal home can be very appealing.

If may even be that you have always hankered after building your own home and the creative freedom that brings. If you are lucky enough to have the budget and find a site, a new build house can provide integration of modern technology, energy-efficient systems and most importantly a chance to create something unique for you.

If you are thinking of starting a new project, please do not hesitate to contact us we would love to talk to you about your ambitions – hello@cleararchitects.co.uk