Quit everything , and start again over 50?

Smodlet

and it has just occurred to me what might be a good one for yours; "My Prerogative" by Bobby Brown, "I don't need permission to make my own decisions..."

You are incredibly lucky in some ways, AC. You have, from the sound of it, a decent amount of equity allowing you choice as to where you move to. After all, London is the most expensive place in the UK, isn't it? Except maybe for that Sandbanks place in Dorset:D You should try being forced to move and having to find out where you can afford to buy a house big enough for your needs! Answer: Oop where it's grim.

I once knew a woman who sold her 3 bed semi in London, can't remember which part, and managed to buy a huge, detached property with enough land for her to breed horses just by moving to south Lincolnshire. Very south Lincs. only about five or ten miles from the border with Cambs. The difference in property prices between those two areas is huge so, being in Twickenham, the world really can be your oyster if you can remain focused and take control of your situation. Sounds like you have already made great strides. Best of luck.

lessonlearned

My advice.?.

Rent first. Get to know the area a little better. Don't buy "blind" or panic buy. Trying to coordinate a sale in London and a purchase in Branksome is going to be a logistical nightmare, especially if you are in a chain. And if the chain collapses.........then you could be stuck for months.

Sell, get out and start that new life.

As Smodlet says once you have sold and released your capital you will be in a strong and very enviable position.

First things first, sell the flat, rent something cheap and cheerful, a one bedroom flat perhaps. Clear the debts and then start househunting.

If you rush to buy you could make a very expensive mistake. You might think renting is a "waste of money" but it's only for a short while.

Just my opinion but it's what I would do, indeed it's what I have done several times.

Smodlet

Me again. I just remembered you can get your own EPC done and, just as with solicitors, it is usually better value than just going with whatever your estate agent decides to charge. I found this link about EPC costs and hope MSE do not mind my posting it here as it is from Money Supermarket... http://www.moneysupermarket.com/gas-and-electricity/energy-performance-certificate/

You can even do price comparisons for these, now. It is certainly worth shopping around for solicitors as their fees can vary widely for doing the exact same job. I have tried to blank our last move as it was so awful and not from choice so this is why I have only just remembered these things. Hope this is of some help to you.

another_casualty

Thanks again people . There are a lot of people worse off than myself.
Sorry to whine on .
I have used a solicitor twice in the past . The last time being 2002.
I think I'll give him a call, probably tomorrow if his company is still active

Thanks for the link smodlet. I'll look into that .
I suppose I seem a bit overwhelmed, but once I get to branksome on the 19Th I'll know more
At the moment , it's branksome / Westbourne

Smodlet

You are welcome, that is what these boards are for... and I never once implied you were "whining", I just thought of a different perspective, maybe. I do not think I would be a fraction as brave as you are being, in your situation, I really don't. It is so much easier to be brave when you are not on your own, but at least you have us on here.

Some of the best things I ever did from an emotional (so not financial) point of view were quit jobs I hated. Again, so much easier if there is someone there to catch you when you fall. All I do know is, life is too short to be in a situation you hate if you can do something about it. So many people have no options, you do! I hope you make the most of them and wish you all the best. Let us know how you get on and please, test the waters before you buy so you make the right move, then make it! There is nothing like being mortgage-free. Still working on debt-free.

another_casualty

Thanks again smodlet .misunderstandings are easily made on forums
I have total respect for everyone here .
I quit jobs before without another one to go to . Worked out fine .
In my 50's , and in the worst recession in living memory , I'm taking the punishment for another couple of months .;)

I'm actually looking forward to it now , since I got more sleep .
I wrote that last long post in the early hours . Never the best time

I'm thinking of my old leather funiture now ( my mind wanders )
20 years old . Would prefer to have it reupholstered when I move .
Not sure of cost .
Feeling almost motivated again
Gotta tidy up wardrobes etc .

Smodlet

My bad. Maybe wait until you know where you are going to end up before re-upholstering furniture? How do you know it will all fit? Or are you going to sell it?

Could it be time to think about "recycling" some stuff to get a little money put by and save on removal costs, think you? (All this Shakespeare stuff is starting to get to me)

another_casualty

Interesting thoughts there smodlet
If I don't think it will fit, I'll probably give it to a charity shop.
Could be a case of, out with the old& in with the new

Smodlet

Is it just me or are you feeling a bit more positive, now? I hope so, 'tis great to hear, methinks. (Somebody stop me:))

lessonlearned

I wouldn't dream of stopping someone from quoting the Bard..

After all, as we know "Alls well that end well" and I just know that it all will end well for AC. :rotfl:

There's good times ahead - and they are just waiting for AC to grab 'em.

AC. The middle of the night is not the time to make decisions - things look much more scary then.;)