As your family grows, it may be worth considering upgrading your current home.

Upsizing your home isn’t as easy as upsizing your fast food. Accommodating a growing family is a significant decision that involves several considerations to ensure that the new space meets your needs and preferences.

Here are a few things you should consider before making the change:

Space Requirements:

As your family grows, so do your needs for space. It can be challenging to live comfortably in a home that is bursting at the seams with belongings and people. Evaluate your current property and identify the areas where you feel cramped. Determine how much extra space you'll need to accommodate your family's needs comfortably.

Budget:

Before diving into the upsizing process headfirst, it is crucial to set a realistic budget. This means taking into account not only the cost of purchasing a larger property but also potential renovation expenses, moving costs, lawyers, and agency fees.

Home Layout:

Pay attention to the floor plan of the prospective homes you're considering. Look for features such as extra bedrooms, storage space, the layout of common areas, and any additional spaces you could need like a home office or playroom. For households with teenagers, it could be worth considering two separate living spaces/rooms and incorporating a media room, to provide everyone with their own space and entertainment options.

Outdoor Space:

Assess the outdoor space available with the new home, especially if you have children or pets who will need room to play. Consider factors such as yard size, landscaping, and outdoor amenities like a patio or deck.

Location:

Consider the location of your new home carefully. Choosing the right location can make a big difference in how smoothly your family transitions into a larger space. One of the first things to think about is proximity to schools. If you have school-aged children you may also want to consider the children's sports or after-school activities. Additionally, consider the proximity to work and other important destinations such as grocery stores, parks, and medical facilities.

School Zoning:

Speaking of school, if you have school-age children or plan to have them in the future, research the quality of the schools in the areas you're considering. A good school can significantly impact your children's education as well as your property's resale value.

Commuting:

Worth considering if you're choosing country over town. Often children who can walk or bike to after-school activities puts less stress on the family having to provide transport during work hours.

Future Growth:

Anticipate any future changes in your family size or lifestyle that might affect your space needs. While upsizing now may meet your current needs, it's essential to consider whether the new home will still be suitable in the long term.

Resale Potential:

While it's essential to choose a home that meets your current needs, also consider its resale potential. Look for features and proximity to amenities that appeal to a broad range of buyers and consider how the neighbourhood and local property market may affect resale value.

Home Inspection:

Before finalising the purchase of a new home, conduct a thorough home inspection to identify any potential issues or repairs needed. This can help you avoid unexpected expenses and ensure that the home is safe and structurally sound for your family. If unsure, get a builder through or better still get a comprehensive builder’s report.

By taking these key considerations into account before you decide to leave your current space and upgrade to a larger house, you can ensure that your decision is well-informed before taking the plunge. For additional guidance, feel free to reach out to me at Tall Poppy.