Move Or Improve – What Homeowners Are Looking For
A recent survey from Zoopla has uncovered that around half of us live in homes that we’re not happy with. On average, people will stay in a home for around four years after realising it’s unsuitable for them. So that’s a lot of people unhappy with their living situations. So is the solution to move or improve? In large part, it depends on what’s wrong with the property.
Lack Of Space
One of the most common complaints people have about their homes is the amount of space they have. This can come down to not having enough bedrooms for guests or no space to dedicate as a home office. Sometimes it’s about the size of the kitchen or reception rooms. If this is your issue, there are often options you can explore without needing to move.
Loft conversions are an excellent choice for creating an extra bedroom or even a home office. Adding a garage or a garden building can expand your living space as well. Finally, a traditional extension can also drastically change the feel of your home. But, of course, all of these options require you to have the space to expand into. If you just don’t have it, you have no choice but to move to find the extra room you’re craving.
No Outdoor Space
Move or Improve – The pandemic has made all of us appreciate the value of a garden. Unfortunately, the amount of outdoor space your home has is pretty fixed. You could look into making more of the space you have or even adding a balcony as part of an extension. However, in most cases, if you’re looking for more outdoor space, the only real option is to find a new home altogether.
In The Wrong Area
If your home is no longer in the right area for you, it can be challenging. It can be about where your family lives, where you work, even about schools for your kids. If this is what’s making you unsatisfied with your home, then you really can’t improve your way out of the problem. In most cases, the only real way forward is to start property hunting.
What’s Stopping You From Moving?
Given that so many people are unhappy with their homes, you might be wondering why they stay put for so long. Well, two big reasons stop people from making a change.
The first reason that people stay in homes they don’t like is that they have a lot of sentimental attachment to the place. It could be that there are pets buried in the garden or marks on a wall to show the kids growing up. Getting past these attachments can take some time.
The second reason is financing. A lot of homeowners don’t think they’ll have enough money to move to a bigger place. But, on average, most homeowners undervalue their homes by £45,000. So it could be worth getting a valuation and taking some steps towards selling your home as it might be worth more than you think.
If you are ready to move home, we can help you with your EPC assessment. You’ll need to get one before you sell your home, and we can sort it for you with no hassle at all. That way, you can be on your way to a home you truly love.
