The Case for Investing in Your Current Home
Are you feeling a little cramped? Is your family outgrowing your space? For many homeowners, this leads to a familiar question: should we sell up and find a new house, or should we invest in the one we already have?
In today’s property market, the decision to move can be daunting. From high interest rates and the rising cost of moving to the sheer stress of finding the “perfect” new home, it’s easy to see why so many people are choosing a different path.
The answer for many lies in unlocking the potential of their current property through an extension. Here’s why now is the perfect time to build, not buy.
1. The Financial Advantage: It’s Cheaper Than You Think
When you factor in all the costs of moving, the financial benefits of extending your home become clear. Let’s break down the hidden expenses of a house move:
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- Stamp Duty: This is often the most significant cost, and it’s a non-recoverable expense.
- Estate Agent Fees: Typically ranging from 1% to 3% of the sale price, these fees can run into tens of thousands of pounds.
- Legal Fees: Conveyancing solicitors’ costs for both selling and buying add up quickly.
- Survey Fees & Removal Costs: Don’t forget the price of a structural survey for your new home and the logistics of moving your possessions.
By contrast, the cost of an extension is an investment directly back into your property. It’s a strategic use of funds that not only improves your living space but also adds significant value to your home.
2. Add Value Without the Stress of the Market
The housing market can be unpredictable. When you sell, you are at the mercy of market fluctuations. When you extend, you are taking control. A well-designed extension can transform a three-bedroom house into a four-bedroom, add a sought-after open-plan kitchen-diner, or create a valuable home office. This kind of improvement can boost your property’s market value by 10-20% or more, far outweighing the initial investment.
3. Stay in the Area You Love
Moving means leaving behind the community you’ve grown to love. Your children’s schools, your favourite local park, the short commute to work – these are all valuable aspects of your life that an extension allows you to keep. You get to solve your space problem without sacrificing your roots.
4. Design a Space That’s Uniquely Yours
This is perhaps the most exciting part. An extension isn’t just about adding square footage; it’s about tailoring your home to your exact needs and lifestyle. Do you dream of a sun-filled kitchen with bifold doors leading to the garden? Or a quiet, private space for a new office or gym? When you extend, you have the creative freedom to design a space that a new-build or existing property might not offer.
The First Step: Professional Architectural Drawings
Whether you’re planning a single-storey rear extension, a loft conversion, or a complete two-storey side extension, the journey begins with professional architectural planning drawings.
This is where Outline Design come in. We work with you to turn your vision into a detailed, buildable plan. Our drawings are essential for:
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- Gaining Planning Permission: We ensure your plans meet all local council requirements.
- Receiving Accurate Quotes: Builders need precise drawings to give you a reliable price.
- Ensuring a Smooth Build: Clear plans prevent costly mistakes and delays on-site.
Don’t wait for the perfect house to appear on the market. Create it yourself. Contact us today to discuss your ideas and take the first step toward building the home of your dreams.