Many Australians are motivated to upsize their home due to changing circumstances, such as a growing family, the need for more space, or the aspiration for a better lifestyle. This blog offers authoritative and expert tips on property upsizing options in Australia, helping you understand the financial and logistical considerations involved in making such a significant move.
Understanding property upsizing
What does property upsizing mean?
Property upsizing refers to moving from a smaller home to a larger one with more space, additional rooms, or a larger yard. Upsizing can enhance your quality of life, provide room for family growth, and deliver better amenities and neighbourhoods.
Why consider property upsizing?
Growing family
As your family grows, you may need more bedrooms, bathrooms, and living space to comfortably accommodate everyone. A larger home can provide children, relatives, and guests with the necessary space.
Enhanced lifestyle
Upsizing can improve your lifestyle by offering more room for hobbies, entertainment, and relaxation. It can also mean moving to a more desirable neighbourhood with better schools, parks, and amenities.
Investment potential
A larger home in a desirable area can be a good long-term investment, potentially increasing in value over time. Upsizing can also offer opportunities for future renovations or extensions that add value to the property.
Financial considerations for property upsizing
Assessing your financial situation
Before deciding to upsize, it is crucial to assess your financial situation thoroughly. Understanding your current income, expenses, savings, debts, and financial capacity will help you determine how much you can afford to spend on a new, larger home.
Budgeting for the move
Upsizing involves several costs beyond the purchase price of the new property. These costs can include:
- Stamp duty: A significant expense when purchasing a new property. The amount varies depending on the property’s value and the state or territory.
- Moving costs: Hiring professional movers, transportation, and packing supplies costs.
- Renovation and furnishing: Potential costs for making the new home comfortable and suitable.
- Legal and conveyancing fees: Fees for the legal processes involved in buying and selling property.
Property upsizing options
Bridging loans
A bridging loan is a short-term financing solution that helps cover the gap between buying a new property and selling your current one. Bridging loans can be particularly useful if you must secure your new home before selling your existing property. These loans typically have higher interest rates and shorter terms but offer the flexibility needed during the transition.
Home equity loans
If you have significant equity in your current home, you can use a home equity loan to finance the purchase of a larger property. In other words, you may borrow against the equity you have built up in your existing home, providing a lump sum for a new property.
Refinancing your mortgage
Refinancing your existing mortgage can provide the funds needed to upsize your property. By renegotiating the terms of your loan or switching to a new lender, you may be able to access additional funds to purchase a larger home.
Steps to successfully upsize your property
Determine your needs and wants
Start by identifying what you need and want in a larger home. Consider the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, living space, outdoor areas, and location. Prioritising your requirements will help you focus on properties that best meet your needs.
Research the property market
Understanding the current property market is crucial when upsizing. Research property prices in your desired areas, attend open houses and monitor market trends. This information will help you set a realistic budget and make informed decisions.
Get a property valuation
Before selling your home, getting a professional property valuation to understand its market value will help you estimate how much you can expect from the sale, which is essential for budgeting your new purchase.
Pre-approval for a loan
Obtaining pre-approval for a loan gives you a clear idea of how much you can borrow and strengthens your position as a buyer. It also speeds up the purchasing process once you find the right property.
Selling your current home
Deciding whether to sell your current home before or after buying a new one. Selling first can provide a clear budget for your new purchase, but buying first with a bridging loan can secure your desired property in a competitive market.
Purchasing the new property
Once you have sold your current home or secured a bridging loan, you can purchase your new property. Ensure you conduct thorough inspections, negotiate the best price, and finalise the legal and financial arrangements.
Learn more
For further information on property upsizing, you may find the following resources helpful: