At some point, there comes a time in many people’s lives when they realise that the space they’re in simply isn’t enough for them anymore. Whatever the reasons are, it’s important to keep in mind as they can very much help you find the property that best suits the next stage of your life. If you’re living in an apartment or just a smaller property and you’re thinking about whether it’s the right choice to move into a bigger place, here are some of the factors that should make you more confident about taking that step.
Your Life Stage Is Changing
For a lot of people, the need for a new home comes with a major life transition. This might mean, for instance, you’re planning to welcome a new baby into the family, getting married, adopting a pet, or even caring for your older parents. For some people, it may be more related to their work, like getting a job that has them working from home, so they may need space for a home office. Whatever the reason is, you have to ensure that the extra space helps you fulfil those needs. When your lifestyle and your living space start to feel misaligned, it could be a strong signal that it’s time to consider upsizing.
You’re Running Out Of Space
Of course, you don’t need to be in the middle of a major life transition simply to recognise that you don’t have enough space where you’re living. If your apartment is cluttered, storage is maxed out, or your furniture feels crammed, it may be time for more square footage. Aside from a growing family, new hobbies or spending more time at home due to hybrid working, you can see your once cosy space feeling a lot tighter these days. Upsizing to a house can restore breathing room, improve organisation, and enhance your lifestyle. Try to focus on what space you wish you had right now, whether it’s a home office, a yard, or something else, and make sure your next home provides that.
You Want Long-Term Stability And Freedom
While you’re still in need of flexibility to move and to live as you want, apartments can be great. However, if you’re looking to feel more stable and secure where you’re situated, and don’t want to live by others’ rules any more, then having your own house does offer you legitimate freedom. Of course, that mix of freedom and stability comes with long-term investment, so working with professionals like Harper Macleod properties is vital to ensure that you’re choosing the property that best suits your needs, now and for the foreseeable future. A house offers more control over your environment and often comes with a stronger sense of permanence.
You’re More Financially Ready Now
If your working situation has been improving or you find yourself with a serious windfall of cash, then you may find yourself ready to make a financial move that you were previously not ready for. Buying a home comes with costs beyond the down payment. You’ll need to budget for property taxes, maintenance, homeowners' insurance, and possibly higher utility bills. However, the expense can be worth it from a financial perspective because having tangible assets offers you a great degree of financial freedom. Aside from not having to pay rent anymore, you’re putting your money into an asset that has increased value to you as time goes on. Just make sure you truly can afford it. Upsizing should feel like a step forward, not a strain. When your finances are in order, it’s easier to confidently shop for a home that matches your goals and lifestyle.
You’re Planning For The Far Future
Sometimes, it’s not a matter of having a need that you need to fulfil right now. If you’re taking a look at your life five years from now, then a bigger property that fulfils more needs may well be a part of it. If you have the opportunity to buy or move into a new home right now, due to your local market being pretty advantageous, then you may be willing and ready to make a more future-oriented move. Apartment living often feels temporary or transitional. A house, on the other hand, represents commitment, which can help you better settle into your future plans. You might also want to start building equity for resale value now rather than in the far future.
Moving from a smaller property into a real home can be an exciting yet daunting step. Always keep the motives for the move in mind so you can be more confident in your choice of the property you end up moving into.
*Disclosure: This is a collaborative post*