Should I Stay or Should I Go? A guide to knowing if it’s time to move on…
Not sure if you should stay, or go?
If you’re thinking of moving house in 2020, this guide will help you know if it’s time to make the move.
Many of us get restless with our current lives and think that maybe a major change, such as moving house, will solve whatever problems we face. While moving may help, it’s a good idea to think through your decision. And before you make the move, you should consider several personal questions. For example, consider what drives you to move? And what will you miss most about your current home?
Long-term planning is important since moving is a big commitment and requires a lot of energy, patience, and financial resources. Will you/ your family be better off (physically, emotionally, spiritually) in the future by making the move? Is moving right for your family right now? What if you delayed it for a year or two? How would this impact your current situation?
Once you’ve done this, you can look at the climate for moving. On the face of it, the market looks thin with a seemingly limited choice of property available. But if you take a closer look, and if determined, I know you will find the right property in time. And you’ll be able to negotiate a fair, and good, deal for the sale. Especially considering some vendors are determined to make a quick sale. Given the current climate, the advantage is you shouldn’t face too much competition.
Prices have remained relatively stable, so it’s an excellent time to buy and sell. An unpredictable market with big price moves in either direction makes moving tricky. So this is an excellent opportunity to transact without having to contend with difficult fluctuations.
The advantage of interest rates.
Interest rates are at an all-time low, so there’s really only one way for them to change. And that is up! While we don’t expect any dramatic rises in the short term, it is sensible not to overstretch yourself and to fix at a good rate if you can. Great fixed deals are available and as long as you build in plenty of contingency, it’s a good time to obtain finance. Current levels of stamp duty are, in our opinion, here to stay so I don’t expect we can hold our breath for any improvements anytime soon.
There will always be something to prevent you from buying and selling. We’ve had political and economic uncertainty for over ten years now, but if you wait for a perfect blue sky, you could wait forever. And we’ve come to know there’s always something around the corner!
But inaction, and failing to make a move that’s required, has a big impact on personal and family life. It can cause tension and unhappiness. So in this context alone, it’s better to take the bull by the horns and make the move so that you can enjoy your new life in your new home.
Costs are increasing.
The costs to move continue to rise. And it’s a trend that’s unlikely to change. The sooner you do it, the lower the costs are likely to be.
Why wait?
By holding off, you’re potentially restricting your life choices (whether it’s regarding your job, your children’s school, your partner, or lifestyle in general). Therefore, my advice is: do not put your life on hold. Every day I see happy people who made the move. They chose to not put their life on hold, and instead they took a deep breath and got on with it. And I can honestly say that of these people I’ve helped, none have regretted it.
If I can be of assistance, please contact me on 01244 313 900 or pop into our offices at 18 Grosvenor Street. Alternatively, my email is lisa@curranshomes.co.uk.
