This week we found ourselves in one of our home opens welcoming a familiar face – an owner whom we had sold to three years ago. When asked what brought her to the property, she said “I’m trying to figure out…Should we extend or should we move”.
It’s a question many of us find ourselves asking at some point. Do we renovate the home we love, or is it time to move on? Perhaps the children are growing and you need more space, or you’ve been dreaming of a bigger kitchen or another bathroom. Or maybe the kids have flown the nest and you’re ready for something smaller.
There’s something special about a home you’ve lived in for years. The memories, the neighbours who’ve become friends, the street and the community you love. Particularly in our beautiful established suburbs, where character and history are so much a part of the appeal, it’s easy to understand why people are reluctant to leave.
Renovating can be a wonderful way to create a home that better suits your needs while staying in a location you love. Of course, there are things to consider beyond the building costs, including the time involved in planning, the many decisions along the way and how the process might fit around family life. For many, the end result makes it all worthwhile.
But what if the home you’re dreaming of is already out there?
With Perth property listings now above 9,250, buyers have more choice and a little more time to consider their options. After several years of having to make decisions at extraordinary speed, there’s something refreshing about a calmer market. If you’re curious about what’s out there, take a look at this week’s new listings below.
Moving brings its own considerations, including stamp duty, selling expenses and the emotional side of leaving a much-loved home. But it can also open the door to new possibilities, perhaps even finding everything you’ve been imagining just a few streets away.
At White House, we often help homeowners explore these very choices. Understanding what your property is worth, what a renovation might add in value and what you could buy in today’s market can bring real clarity to the decision.
And sometimes, the best advice might be to stay exactly where you are.
So, should you stay or should you go? Ultimately, it’s about weighing up the costs, the time and energy involved and whether you’re ready to take on a renovation or would prefer the opportunity for a fresh start. There’s no right or wrong answer, just the decision that makes the most sense for you and your circumstances.
If you’ve been pondering that very question, we’d love to help you explore your options. We’re always happy to chat things through, with no pressure or expectations, just honest advice and local knowledge to help you make an informed decision.
After all, nurturing your next move doesn’t always mean moving house.
Please feel free to reach out for a confidential conversation.
