If you’re contemplating a potential move in the coming year, it’s a great time to set some objectives to transform your property aspirations into a reality.
Maybe you’re currently feeling a bit cramped in your present home, yearning for more space. Or perhaps you find yourself as an empty nester, rattling around in a place that’s too large for your needs and expensive to maintain.
No matter what’s driving your desire for change, it’s essential to recognise that selling and buying property involves careful planning and organisation, sometimes taking longer than initially anticipated.
Establishing specific property goals can streamline the entire process. Here are some valuable tips to assist you in this endeavor:
- Create a Detailed Timeline: Begin by crafting a timeline that includes crucial dates. This should encompass significant deadlines like school application closing dates and special occasions such as Christmas. Once you’ve determined your desired move-in date, work backward and strategically plan your selling and buying strategy.
- Exploring a New Area: If you’re contemplating a downsizing move to a different location, invest time in the area you aspire to call home. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of starting fresh, taking into account factors like maintenance, expenses, storage, and proximity to family. Additionally, consult with professionals to assess the financial implications of downsizing.
- Consult Multiple Estate Agents: It’s wise to reach out to several estate agents to gauge the health of the property market. This will provide a clearer understanding of the realistic expectations for the sale of your current property. Armed with this information, you can establish a budget for your future home and begin researching properties within your preferred area.
- Declutter and Spruce Up: One of the simplest yet most effective steps you can take is to declutter your current property. A thorough decluttering combined with a fresh coat of paint can work wonders, making any space more appealing and spacious.
- Consider an Alternative: If your primary concern revolves around the lack of space, you might contemplate the option of expanding your current property instead of moving. To make an informed decision, consult with a few builders and obtain quotes for the required work. You may be surprised to learn how inflation has affected building costs. Additionally, speak with an estate agent to assess whether these improvements will enhance the value of your property, making it more marketable in the future.
- Have a clear-out. Every property looks better and feels more spacious after it’s been given a good declutter and a fresh lick of paint.
And there’s one other option
- If space (or lack of it) is your concern, you may be considering extending instead of moving. To get clarity over which option would be best, speak to a few builders and get them to quote for the work (you may be surprised at how inflation has bumped up building costs). You can also talk to an estate agent to see if the works will add value to your property and make it more marketable in the future.
Contact us for a free valuation or a market update.
