The Move vs Improve Debate. Thinking of moving home? Should I stay or should I go!? If you were in the market for a new home, would you buy something less than perfect, then spend time doing it up? Or would you rather stay in your current home, even if there are things you are not happy with? Or are you hunting for that dream home, that is already perfect? Decisions, Decisions!!
Slater & Gordon Solicitors have a new survey out. It has revealed that 61% of people would rather improve their existing home, rather than move to another property.
It turns out we are a nation of DIY'rs. Here in the UK, we love a DIY project and a spot of home improvement. We would much rather improve what we have, rather than finding that perfect house. (That is why I have been married 20 years!!)
Additionally, over half of the people surveyed (56 percent) would be willing to buy a property that they weren’t completely happy with. Knowing they would need to improve it themselves.
When choosing a new home there are certainly lots of things to think about. The right neighbourhood, enough space, south facing garden the list is endless. What would you look for in a new home? Let me know. As a blogger, I would hope the lights are bright for that perfect selfie. Lights Camera Action!!
The main point of the survey is to highlight the importance of thorough checks. Whether you're buying, selling or remortgaging.
I do sometimes dream of moving to my perfect house. When you are home 24/7 you can get a little down. A shopping trip usually perks me up. So what makes a house a home?
What makes a home?
Choosing a home is obviously a long-term investment. I was asked: "what would you look for if you were to move home?".
Great question. It would not be practical to move home at the moment. Our youngest two are settled in school, but who knows in a few years? Why not?
Here are a few things I would be looking for if we decided to look at a new home.
Big City Bright lights:
A home closer to a big City would be nice. Not too far to walk into town for a shopping trip with my Daughter. Perhaps a nice meal with Robbie Williams, sorry with the Hubby. At the moment we have to travel an hour just to get to a big City. So on the outskirts would be nice.
Moving survey:
For 35% of people, location is the most important factor when choosing a new house.
Moving survey:
For 35% of people, location is the most important factor when choosing a new house.
A Smaller House:
Sometimes I get fed up with living in a big house. We collect so much clutter. I often dream of a smaller decluttered house. We got a larger house with having 4 children, but with 2 at University the house seems too big at times.
Moving survey:
For 27% it’s all about the size (number of bedrooms etc).
A Nice Sized Garden:
Our home is quite big but our back garden is small. I would love a nice big garden full of character. A nice flat garden with a bit of a hill at the bottom. A few trees for the birds to sit and sing, maybe an old apple tree with lots of tales to tell, in the corner.
A Conservatory:
A good sized conservatory on the back. Or enough room to have one built. A place to have my morning cup of coffee and dream about what the day will bring. Watching the birds in the trees.
All these things have entered my head over the last few years. Then I find myself looking online trying to find a perfect property. Maybe the ones which are a few million might be, although I will never be able to afford those!!
The survey also found out:
- 56% of people would be willing to buy a home that they weren’t 100% happy with, with the view to improving it themselves.
- 61% of people claim they would be more likely to improve their home themselves (renovating, painting etc) if they weren’t 100% happy with it as opposed to moving.
- 52% of people think they will move home again at some point in their lives
I often look at houses that are for sale in different countries. Just to see what kind of house you could get for your money.
 |
| How pretty is this home and garden? |
- Not much of a front garden.
- How horrible is the wallpaper in the room?
- What colour is that bathroom suit!?
- How gross is that carpet!?
- I love that house but the kitchen looks horrid.
- That wooden floor looks amazing but the door?!
- That chimney looks so big but I love the house.
Most of the things I don't like though, I could and would change myself. I would not pay over the odds for any house, no matter how nice. If I could get a similar one cheaper, that was a fixer upper, that would be wonderful.
I once even fitted a kitchen at my old house. It was cheaper doing your own work and I definitely appreciated it more. Some things though are best left to the experts, like major plumbing work for example. Hey, Hubby!!! ( There's another Hubby DIY disaster story to tell another time!!)
The most important things for me in buying a new house would be, the size, location, garden and price. Everything else I would change to my tastes.
After all perfect might be what I want, however, a challenge would be what I need!
So when daydreaming of moving home, I dream of doing it all up nicely to my tastes:
- Imagine sanding the floors.
- Scraping that wallpaper off and picking out new curtains.
- Replacing the kitchen cupboards.
- Having wardrobes fitted.
- Dreaming of a walk in wardrobe.
Next thing I know an afternoon has passed, the children are home from school. Eeek, I best get round with the hoover, to pretend I have been busy all day!!
Over the next few weeks, I am going to improve my own house. Here are a few of my plans:
Front garden/door makeover:
The front of my garden has a bit of a lawn, a small path and a white front door. I want to dig up a little of the grass, plant some pretty flowers, buy some hanging planters and fill them with beautiful coloured flowers. Paint my white front door, turquoise. A little bit of Summer when we arrive home.
Back garden Makeover:
I have no flowers on the back either so I am planning to dig some of the grass up. Summer flowers all round. Paint the old shed in the corner, adding a nice outside table. Maybe a gazebo even some decking? Everything will be refreshed.
Kitchen plans:
I started my kitchen makeover last year. I still have lots to do. I think this will be my first project for Spring. I need to rip out all my old cupboards. Maximise my space with a few new ones, adding hopefully a nice Welsh Dresser. Finishing off the kitchen with a new sink unit, double oven and an American-style fridge freezer. Perfect....
The move or improve survey:
Do you like DIY or would you pay someone to do it for you?
Improving or Moving your Home, what are your thoughts!?
Let me know in the comments below :)
About this post:
This post is commissioned but as always, all thoughts are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands I work with.
Front garden/door makeover:
The front of my garden has a bit of a lawn, a small path and a white front door. I want to dig up a little of the grass, plant some pretty flowers, buy some hanging planters and fill them with beautiful coloured flowers. Paint my white front door, turquoise. A little bit of Summer when we arrive home.
Back garden Makeover:
I have no flowers on the back either so I am planning to dig some of the grass up. Summer flowers all round. Paint the old shed in the corner, adding a nice outside table. Maybe a gazebo even some decking? Everything will be refreshed.
Kitchen plans:
I started my kitchen makeover last year. I still have lots to do. I think this will be my first project for Spring. I need to rip out all my old cupboards. Maximise my space with a few new ones, adding hopefully a nice Welsh Dresser. Finishing off the kitchen with a new sink unit, double oven and an American-style fridge freezer. Perfect....
The move or improve survey:
Do you like DIY or would you pay someone to do it for you?
Improving or Moving your Home, what are your thoughts!?
Let me know in the comments below :)
About this post:
This post is commissioned but as always, all thoughts are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands I work with.
