Portsmouth Property Association

Homeowners who need more living/bedroom space, an annexe or perhaps a second bathroom often face a dilemma of whether to move house or extend their current property.

This is not an easy decision to make especially if you love your current location, have nice neighbours or your children are in a good school catchment area.

But is your home capable of being extended without losing valuable garden space, or can the loft be converted into living accommodation at reasonable expense? Consulting with an architect will usually answer these questions and enable plans to be drawn up to show proposed layouts. Costings can be obtained from local builders and the architect will advise on whether planning permission is needed.

Fees need to be considered, including getting Building Regulation approval and many homeowners often overlook party wall issues – a Party Wall Notice may need to be served if neighbours will be affected by alterations proposed. There could be a time delay to get agreement and surveyor costs.

The motivation and reasons for extending or altering your current home should be considered carefully because cost rarely equates to a comparable increase in market value and an over-extended property that is disproportionate to garden or plot size can sometimes be more difficult to sell.

Also, building work causes disruption and inconvenience. In many cases, after weighing up the pros and cons, making the decision to move is more practical and feasible. But is the house of your dreams available in your preferred location and at a price you can afford?

Checking property websites is a good start, but it’s only a guide and consulting with local estate agents is vital. For instance, if you are not familiar with the neighbourhood, the agent will help to identify areas to inspect, type and size of property etc.

Professional advice followed by a full discussion of options available will enable homeowners to make the right decision and avoid a costly mistake.

Whether you move or extend, take full advantage of the advice available from your local property experts.

Portsmouth Property Association has more than 120 members representing estate agents, letting agents, chartered surveyors, auctioneers, architects, solicitors and EPC assessors. For more details visit portsmouthproperty.co.uk