Move or Improve? An AnyVan Discussion

Homeowners move for a variety of different reasons, one of the most common being that they need more space or features than their current property can provide. In such a case, you may believe that your only option is to find a new space that satisfies your needs; one with more space, modern features, a better location or whatever it is you require.

However, moving can be expensive. Not only will you need to find a new home, but you will also need to take out a mortgage (or pay a deposit, depending on your situation). There is also the matter of hiring a conveyancer and removal company, as well as the fees associated with changing over your utilities and council tax.

Most importantly, you should also need to consider exactly how difficult it will be for you to move. Finding a new home can be highly stressful for everyone involved, with kids having to move schools, adults having to change jobs and so on. In such a situation, you should think very carefully about whether it will be best for you to move to a new home, or simply improve the one that you already have!

Renovations, extensions or even a simple redecoration project could be more than enough to give you what you need, and for less than the cost of moving house. More importantly, you could increase the value of the property you have so that when you do finally come to move, you will have more money to play with.

Not sure whether to move or improve? Here’s what you need to consider!

Should I move or improve?

Whether it is better to move or improve is a fairly common question and not one that is easy to answer as the solution often varies from situation to situation. The best choice will often depend on your property type, your reasons for wanting to move, your location, and so on. As such, before looking for an answer, it will be important for you to decide exactly what you want to gain from moving:

• More space
• A better or more convenient location
• Different home features
• Cheaper utility bills

The best course may already seem obvious depending on your answer. However, it will still be worth considering all of your options before making a decision. For example, if all you want is more space, then an extension could give you everything you need, as well as some additional value for your property. 

So, let’s take a look at the alternative options available before you decide on moving house:

Extension

If you just need some extra space, it could be worth considering building an extension such as a conservatory, a few new rooms for your house or even a basement extension (these are particularly popular in areas like London where there is little room to extend anywhere but downwards). Before considering this option, be sure to give yourself a clear idea of what your current property will allow. Speaking to a local architect or builder will be useful here, as they should be familiar with local planning laws

Conversion

If you have an underused room such as a garage, loft or cellar, a conversion project could be the best option to suit you. The ease of doing so will depend on what you have to work with, so it will be well worth having a local builder to view your space before you do anything else. For example, the feasibility of a loft conversion will depend on the state of your roof and how much headroom you have to work with, while a cellar will need to be adequately waterproofed, and so on

Redecorate

This will be one of the cheapest options available to you. Looking at the state of the rooms in your home, you may find that a redecorating project will be more than enough to provide you with space and features you are looking for. For example, moving some furniture around or taking advantage of a few storage hacks could reveal space which you didn’t even realise you had. Most importantly, this option will definitely be more fun than moving!

Outbuildings

If you have the space on your property, such as in your back garden, you could get the space you need from constructing an outbuilding such as a shed or garden office. As exciting as this may sound, however, you will need to keep local planning regulations in mind. Again, your best option will be to hire a professional early on. You will also want to contact your local planning authority to ask about any relevant laws

What should I do; move or improve?

When it comes to the question of whether to move or improve, you must consider all of your choices carefully. Ideally, a moving day will be planned out several months in advance: more than enough time for you to research and find prices for each option available to you.

First, try to give yourself a good idea of the cost of moving house. This should include the cost of securing a mortgage, finding a conveyancer, changing over your utility providers and so on. It will also be worth considering the cost of hiring a professional remover to pack and transport your belongings safely. It certainly won’t hurt to spend some time researching the state of your local property market.

Next, start collecting quotes from local tradesmen for the home improvement jobs you are considering. Remember to consider how much each job could add to the value of your property, as this could put you in a much better situation when you do finally decide to move. For example, if you have unused outbuildings such as barns on your property, renovating them could provide you with substantial rewards, and there may even be local grants for you to take advantage of.

Most importantly, think carefully about exactly what you want to accomplish by moving or improving. A local estate agent should be able to help you decide on the best course of action for your unique situation, based on the property values in your local area. Remember, the more insider information you have to work with, the easier it will be to make the best decision possible!