Need sensible advise

eidand

Bigger house, no question. 

We did the same thing, 4 of us, used to live in a 2 bed semi. Moved to a 3 bed detached and everybody is loving. it
The teenagers have plenty of room as every bedroom is big.They have their own room which is what they appreciate the most.

josie444

All of these comments are really helpful thank you. I’m not trying to sound selfish about being mortgage free but I would say we’ve had lots of years where we’ve struggled to make ends meet, but we always paid our mortgage - and I’ve been the consistent earner. 

Yep I’m fully aware they may be at home for who knows how long, and I do want us to all be comfortable. I’m not in a hurry for them to move out ( although I may regret saying that later). 

It’s just the thought of borrowing around £200k - really scares me in case something happens. Husband can’t get life cover due to poor health. 

lookstraightahead

josie444 said:

All of these comments are really helpful thank you. I’m not trying to sound selfish about being mortgage free but I would say we’ve had lots of years where we’ve struggled to make ends meet, but we always paid our mortgage - and I’ve been the consistent earner. 

Yep I’m fully aware they may be at home for who knows how long, and I do want us to all be comfortable. I’m not in a hurry for them to move out ( although I may regret saying that later). 

It’s just the thought of borrowing around £200k - really scares me in case something happens. Husband can’t get life cover due to poor health. 

I would personally stay mortgage free, or be savvy and see what hone improvements you could do.  I had massive debt problems years ago but now I'm free of that with only a small mortgage (I'm 53). No kids at home now - my OH can't get mortgage cover either due to health. 

If it's worrying you now it will worry you going forward, and the kids will adapt. And you will have to spend lots of money moving.

Just my perspective x

Ramouth

Is there an option to split the largest bedroom in two to make two small bedrooms?  This could give the teenagers the privicy they need with minimal cost.  

Ksw3

I would stay mortgage free but then I left home at 16 and don't have house! I suspect the grass is always greener! 

SootySweep1

Hi
You say teenagers but are you talking older teenagers or younger teenagers? 

Is there any potential to extend?  Into the garden, over the garage or into the loft ?

If I could get mortgage free I would but if you're talking another 5-10 years of wars I would consider moving 

Jen

rexmedorum

thegreenone said:

Loft conversion with ensuite for you and hubby.  

If eldest is planning on university soon, they get the smallest room.

If you like your current location extending (whether upwards or outwards) is definately worth looking into as well!

Sistergold

josie444 said:

All of these comments are really helpful thank you. I’m not trying to sound selfish about being mortgage free but I would say we’ve had lots of years where we’ve struggled to make ends meet, but we always paid our mortgage - and I’ve been the consistent earner. 

Yep I’m fully aware they may be at home for who knows how long, and I do want us to all be comfortable. I’m not in a hurry for them to move out ( although I may regret saying that later). 

It’s just the thought of borrowing around £200k - really scares me in case something happens. Husband can’t get life cover due to poor health. 

Dear OP, when I read your first post I was like well increasing your debt will be the thing to do, either for extension or moving to bigger house. After reading your second post I am of the opinion that maybe don’t increase your borrowing l. £200k extra when being mortgage free is within touching distance is definitely not to be taken lightly. If being mortgage free is the practical thing to do then that is what you should do. It is important not to add stress unnecessarily. 

Having decided you want to be mortgage free you need to stop the “wars”. It’s possible that even with own bedrooms the wars could continue?. It could be to do with general chores etc. Teenagers do tend to fight unnecessarily but if you insist that it’s not acceptable in your house it can reduce to acceptable levels. Clamp down on the fighting as it can be draining on everyone else. Sharing a bedroom is not reason enough to fight, learning to be accommodating is a very important life skill. 

pinkshoes

Is there any chance to extend the house rather than move?

Or extend downstairs with a big living room kitchen/diner room then make the old lounge into a bedroom?

A garden cabin room?

Personally I'd move. We bought a 4 bed detached as we had 1 child and planned on having another and need a spare room. Baby number 2 ended up being twins🤦‍♀️

elsien

princeofpounds said:

Most people would still be prepared to have another mortgage at 43. Particularly given the real terms cost of debt is negative at the moment.15-20 years is more than long enough to amortise the cost of moving and stamp duty over. 

a couple and three teenagers in a 3 bed is overcrowded, so it's not a luxury purchase.

In my world that’s the norm.

Doesn’t answer the question, and given the option I’m sure all the teenagers would want their own room, just quibbling slightly at the overcrowded comment when it’s how a lot of people live.