More space for everyday life and work: When does it make sense to move to a larger home?

The kitchen table becomes a workspace, video conferences take place alongside family life, and the children's room occasionally serves as a retreat for focused work. When home and work permanently overlap, even the familiar home can feel cramped. But is a larger home really the best solution?

 

When home becomes the office

 

An occasional workday on a laptop is usually easy to organize. The situation is different, however, when several family members regularly work from home, children are doing homework, or different daily routines clash. A lack of quiet spaces then not only impairs concentration but often also disrupts family life.

Before planning a move, it's worth taking a critical look at your existing property. Could an attic be converted into a home office? Can a large room be divided effectively? Sometimes new floor plans, built-in features, or an extension can provide the desired relief. If such measures are structurally difficult or disproportionately expensive, moving to a new property becomes a more attractive option.

It's not just square meters that count

 

An extra room can be more valuable than a significantly larger but awkwardly shaped living space. The crucial factor is how the rooms can be used. For two people who work permanently from home, separate workspaces are often more helpful than a shared office. Families, on the other hand, need space for retreat, play, and shared activities.

A realistic floor plan shows whether desks, storage space and private areas can actually fit side by side without having to improvise everyday life again.

Think beyond the current situation. Will the number of household members change? Will working remotely be possible on a permanent basis? A good internet connection, natural light, and soundproofing also deserve consideration. Furthermore, compare location and infrastructure: an additional room is of little use if it results in long commutes to school or inconvenient routes.

Prepare for a property move with foresight

 

Once the decision to move to a larger property is made, the financial planning begins. Have a realistic market value assessment of your current home determined as early as possible and compare it to the purchase price, closing costs, potential renovations, and ongoing expenses. Consider any existing loans and clarify your actual financial flexibility with your bank well in advance.

The order of selling and buying is particularly important. Those who sell first know their available equity but may need a bridging solution. Those who buy first may have to finance two properties simultaneously. A well-coordinated timeline and expert guidance help to limit risks and avoid unnecessary pressure.

Are you wondering if moving to a larger home is worthwhile? We'll assess your property, discuss suitable housing options, and guide you through the process! Contact us.

 

 

Notes

For the sake of readability, this text uses the generic masculine form. Female and other gender identities are explicitly included where relevant to the statement.

 

Legal notice: This article does not constitute tax or legal advice for any specific case. Please consult a lawyer and/or tax advisor to clarify the facts of your individual situation.

 

Photo: © Wordliner/Image created with OpenAI's ChatGPT

 

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About the author

Harry Mohr

Certified Real Estate Economist (EIA)

Harry Mohr, author of this article

Harry Mohr

Certified Real Estate Economist (EIA)

 

Harry Mohr holds a degree in real estate management (EIA) and is the owner of Immobilien Kontor Saarlouis (IKS). As a DEKRA-certified real estate appraiser and certified property manager, he provides his clients and colleagues with sound expertise in all areas of real estate marketing, valuation, and management.