Moving to a bigger house

JoJo1978

We moved three months ago from a 3 bed semi in London to a 6 bed detached in the Midlands. Stayed mortgage free by moving up the country and managed to buy almost from proceed of sale.

Insurance was cheaper due to postcode despite the larger property. When we do fill the new place with furniture it will be more expensive. Council tax has jumped from band C (capped) to band F with a hefty % increase for next year.

Vendors took everything in terms of fittings, the cost of new curtains was eye watering, now we're getting the light fittings done, made do with paper shades for now. We're also getting quotes for redecoration - staggeringly high cost, but it's a big place and we don't want to mess it up by attempting it ourselves.

We've got tonnes of furniture to buy to fill the rooms and have had guests to stay for the first time - that extra food cost can add up although I don't begrudge it! Heating more expensive, especially as downstairs is wood and stone not carpets. Water is same as there's just the two of us most of the time.

In a conservation area so repairs must be in keeping with period housing - iron guttering,slate tiles, wooden sash windows. We're here until they cart us off and bought with our eyes open but maintaining her won't be cheap. But wouldn't change it, we've got our dream home and life now, and were prepared to pay the costs for our extra privacy and in an area we want to grow old in.

Smodlet

The heat must be leaking out of those windows; is there nothing you are allowed to do? Secondary glazing? Would it be worth it if you could?

Sounds like a dream, JoJo. Good for you... Except for the Midlands part! I still hanker for the south (well, East Anglia)

glasgowdan

There's nothing major and hidden that will bite you, just a little bit more for everything. Work on the insulation at the start before decorating and you'll benefit. We moved from a 3 bed semi to a 4 bed detach bungalow. Bungalows cost more to heat because the whole house is on the ground, no rising heat through the floors. Saying that, our council tax is about £100 a month more, and power bills about £50 more than before, so nothing crazy, but still significant.

If we want to get new windows it'll be £10k rather than £6k. New roof will be £1k more, new driveway £4k more, these sorts of things, but it depends on what condition the place you buy is in.

bashir1

hi check if there is any costs for example when i bought my house i didnt really think id be paying the folk that maintain local park almost a mile down the road from me fees. thats where i got stung a little which looks a bit odd council tax and all other taxes i pay should cover that. so yes look any estate management cots

parking_question_chap

Well, I guess if its got a longer drive you might wear out your shoes faster, so there is that.

Smodlet

bashir1 wrote: »

hi check if there is any costs for example when i bought my house i didnt really think id be paying the folk that maintain local park almost a mile down the road from me fees. thats where i got stung a little which looks a bit odd council tax and all other taxes i pay should cover that. so yes look any estate management cots

Your signature is an advertisement, contra to forum rules.

silvercar

Smodlet wrote: »

Your signature is an advertisement, contra to forum rules.

True.

As a new user he may not be aware.

I've reported so the forum team can decide.

Smodlet

So did I (sighs) Ten characters. Idiotic rule.