Should I relocate to be closer to family?
It all depends on your circumstances. If you live away from your family due to work commitments then it's whether living near family again, outweighs the love of the job that you're in. Also if you are about to start a family, or have young children, moving closer to your immediate family might be a smart option so your families can spend as much time together as possible as they're growing up. 

Homeowners relocate for all manner of reasons, the most common being for work or family. But what should you consider before you move, so you know you’re making the right decision? We Buy Any House have gathered some information about relocating and when it might be time to move closer to your family.

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I moved away for work, but the job’s over, should I go back?

Often, homeowners move for work. This can be to a different county or even a different country, but decide that they’re ready to move back at the end of the job. The most common reasons that someone will move back in this situation is because they miss the social connections that they had in their previous area, or that their family are there and they want to be able to spend more time with them. The latter is especially true for retiring homeowners who want to be able to enjoy their retirement with their children and grandchildren, or with friends from the past.

It also works the other way – for young adults who moved away for work or to be with a partner, or who are now ready to move and spend time with their ageing parents. Sometimes it can be as simple as that, but for some, it’s because the responsibility has fallen to them to look after their parents or family. If you fit into one of these categories, you’ve likely spent time deciding what the best thing to do is.

How do I know when I should move back to my family?

If you recently relocated, it’s worth pinpointing why you moved in the first place. This can often answer the question of whether you should move back or not for you. If you moved away from your hometown for work, or for a relationship that has now ended, there might be very little keeping you in your new area. In this case, you should consider the following things before moving:

• If you bought a house in your new area, are you prepared to sell it and move back?
• Can you wait until the house sells?
• Can you afford to buy where you want to move?

These can often make up your mind for you. If you were renting in the new area, you have much more freedom and providing your contract isn’t too long, moving is easier and cheaper, but there are many costs to consider when moving house. If you bought the house and are not sure if you want to sell it, there are other things that you can do. You can give yourself a time limit, for example, six months to a year. Give yourself this time to adjust and see if you begin to feel at home. If at the end of your timeframe you’re not settled, you may then decide to leave. You don’t necessarily have to sell the house if you want to move away; you can consider renting the property out to cover the mortgage and either renting yourself when you decide to relocate or buy another house if you have the funds. This gives you the freedom to move again if you want to once the house is empty and gives you an extra income in the meantime.

I’m starting a family, should I move closer to other family?

Often, young homeowners who are starting their own family in a different area find that they miss having their parents or grandparents around. Having a solid support system throughout life is important, but even more so when you start to grow a family. Having extra help in the tougher times can make a world of difference, and allows your family to bond together in a way that may have been much harder from a distance. This is ultimately your decision, and one that you shouldn’t rush to make – moving house is a long and difficult process, especially when you add relocation into the mix. Making sure that it’s the right move for you and your family is key, as you don’t want to regret the move.

Moving house is one of the most stressful events that we experience, so take time to make your decision. Look at every factor involved; will you be able to find work if you move? Can you afford to buy a house in that area? Why did you move in the first place and are you ready to go back? If you moved recently, can you afford to move again? Doing plenty of research and answering these questions will help you choose if you’re ready to move. If you’re moving to be closer to the family for caregiving, you may be moving into the house of your loved one, which means you don’t need to worry about accommodation. It will ultimately come down to your personal circumstances and what will be best for you.

'Can We Buy Any House help me sell my house?' – Learn how we can help you today!

If you do decide to relocate, we have a moving house checklist to help your move be as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

If you’ve been thinking about relocating but aren’t ready to go through the hassle of selling your house, we can help. As a house-buying company, we can buy your house in as little as seven days, keeping it easy and hassle-free, allowing you to move to be with your family. Get in contact today for a free offer on your house and see how we can assist in your relocation.

We buy any home in as little as 3 days, or timescales to suit you. Head to the We Buy Any House website for more information. 

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