Would you relocate to pay off mortgage?

Jillinoz

domino wrote:

Our ultimate aim too. We have quite a lot of equity in our house and want to get away from town life. Looking maybe to the north but need to check out areas first before making any decisions. Anyone got ideas of good locations.. preferably coastal.

Well, it's definitely not coastal (although there's a beautiful canal!) but I can definitely recommend Hebden Bridge, which is close to Bronte Country, in the Pennines. Last year, it was named as the 'fourth funkiest town in the world' and was also in the press last summer when it topped the list of the UK's most individual (ie non-clone towns).

"Of the 33 per cent of towns to escape censure, Hebden Bridge, in the Yorkshire Pennines, scored the highest for best retaining its individual character." The Independent (See below for more from The Independent)

Hebden Bridge, a market town in West Yorkshire, is, however, named the most characterful shopping centre. The Times

Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire scored 48.6. This was the best example of what the foundation called a "home town" - one retaining its individual character. Others included Peebles, Lewes, Whitley Bay and Monmouth. Guardian

There's a great community spirit, some starred restaurants and real-ale pubs, fabulous independent shops, beautiful walking and bike trails etc etc.

On second thoughts, it's a terrible place to live (don't want everyone moving here! )

sheba2

We did this nearly two years ago. Moved from south Essex to south lincolnshire. Sold average 3 bed semi for 183k bought very large 3 bed detached with 2 extra receps. plus quarter of acre for 134k. Didn't get rid of all mortgage but managed to pay off nearly all outstanding debts. Now have much better lifestyle.

biblejohn

Doesnt really apply to me. I cant get any cheaper than my house unless i sell up and move into a caravan. Ive a 3 bed semi in a cheap dodgy area. The same house 30mile up the road where i work would cost twice as much. Even in other local areas you can just about get a 2 bed terrace for the same as my house is worth, so it just isnt really viable me trying to get anywhere cheaper as i cant.

Sure, if i lived in london, i can do like a lot of people do, and sell up my expensive home and buy a cheaper bigger house in the country with a flash car.

Alfietinker

sheba2 wrote:

We did this nearly two years ago. Moved from south Essex to south lincolnshire. Sold average 3 bed semi for 183k bought very large 3 bed detached with 2 extra receps. plus quarter of acre for 134k. Didn't get rid of all mortgage but managed to pay off nearly all outstanding debts. Now have much better lifestyle.

Can I ask how you managed with your work? Did you find a job and rent up there before buying your house or did you get a mortgage before moving there and then finding a job? We're looking to move from Essex to The Wash you see and wonder if it's feasible without renting for ages.

Alfietinker

biblejohn wrote:

with a flash car.

:rotfl: You should see our car!!! (A very un-flash Fiat Punto. I do have a gorgeous 35 year old VW bug though - bright purple )

mummytofour

One day downsizing would be nice, for now Im up sizing!

Growing family, need bigger house!

domino

Jillinoz wrote:

Well, it's definitely not coastal (although there's a beautiful canal!) but I can definitely recommend Hebden Bridge, which is close to Bronte Country, in the Pennines. Last year, it was named as the 'fourth funkiest town in the world' and was also in the press last summer when it topped the list of the UK's most individual (ie non-clone towns).

"Of the 33 per cent of towns to escape censure, Hebden Bridge, in the Yorkshire Pennines, scored the highest for best retaining its individual character." The Independent (See below for more from The Independent)

Hebden Bridge, a market town in West Yorkshire, is, however, named the most characterful shopping centre. The Times

Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire scored 48.6. This was the best example of what the foundation called a "home town" - one retaining its individual character. Others included Peebles, Lewes, Whitley Bay and Monmouth. Guardian

There's a great community spirit, some starred restaurants and real-ale pubs, fabulous independent shops, beautiful walking and bike trails etc etc.

On second thoughts, it's a terrible place to live (don't want everyone moving here! )

Thanks Jillinoz, shall put Hebden Bridge on my viewing list! You have painted a brilliant picture of the place and am looking forward to a visit.

Rebob

Our first house was a reposession which needed a lot of time to turn into a home. Paid off as much as we could then with the profit put a 25% deposit on this one. This again is a "project" and it has not been fun living with a young child, hubby and dog in a house that is being ripped apart around you. It has never had much done to it and it is 100 years old.

Hopefully in the next 12 months we shall have finished the works on this place and shall then be able to afford to live where we always wanted to with a smaller mortgage too.

ferry

Great thread.
Yes,we are looking to move out for a slightly different reason.We (at the moment) live on the Hertfordshire stretch just on the edge of the M25 and I have seen the pollution levels rising over the years.
My wife suffers from Asthma,living so near to a motorway obviously doesn't help and with young kids,we need to think of the future for them too. M25 widening plans in the pipeline too..Schools not too good around here.
We've explored Cambridgshire-just 1 hour down the road,good schools, open air,cheaper housing,good links into work.. meaning the wife can consider giving up work to look after kids,smaller mortgage in an area with rising house prices...all the ingredients really for considering a move.
Cant see a fault yet just needs fine tuning to make sure we get the right place for us and we're off.

Terry