Rent Out or Sell Your House When Upsizing?
Selling Your Property: Pros and Cons
Pros:
Immediate Equity Release: Selling your home allows you to access the equity tied up in the property, which can be used as a deposit for your new home or to reduce your mortgage.
Simplified Financial Commitments: Managing one mortgage is easier than dealing with two properties, reducing the complexity of your financial situation.
Avoid Landlord Responsibilities: Renting out a property comes with challenges, such as tenant management, maintenance, and compliance with landlord regulations.
No Risk of Property Depreciation: If the housing market declines, you won’t risk losing value on a property you still own.
Cons:
Missing Out on Future Appreciation: Property values tend to increase over time, and by selling, you could lose the opportunity for future capital growth.
Transaction Costs: Estate agent fees, solicitor costs, and potential capital gains tax if the home is not your primary residence at the time of sale.
Lack of Rental Income: Selling means you won’t benefit from passive rental income that could supplement your finances.
Renting Out Your Property: Pros and Cons
Pros:
Potential for Long-Term Gains: If property prices rise, you could benefit from increased equity while still owning your old home.
Additional Income Stream: Rental income can contribute to your mortgage repayments or provide extra cash flow.
Flexibility: If your upsizing plans change, you still have a property that you can move back into or sell later when the market is more favourable.
Tax Benefits: Mortgage interest and some maintenance costs can be offset against your rental income for tax purposes.
Cons:
Becoming a Landlord: You’ll need to comply with UK landlord laws, including safety regulations, tenant rights, and rental property maintenance.
Risk of Problem Tenants: Late payments, property damage, and void periods (when the property is vacant) can impact your income.
Extra Mortgage Considerations: If you still have a mortgage on the property, you may need to switch to a buy-to-let mortgage, which often has higher interest rates.
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on Future Sale: If you decide to sell the property later, you may be liable for CGT if the home is no longer your primary residence.
Key Factors to Consider
Current Market Conditions: If house prices are high, selling may be the best option to maximise returns. If the market is sluggish, renting out your property could be a better choice until conditions improve.
Your Financial Situation: Do you need the equity from your current home to afford the new one, or can you manage without selling?
Your Risk Tolerance: Can you handle the responsibilities and uncertainties of being a landlord?
Mortgage Considerations: If your mortgage has high early repayment fees, selling might not be financially viable in the short term.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when deciding whether to sell or rent out your property while upsizing in the UK. If you need immediate capital and want a hassle-free move, selling might be the better option. However, if you can manage a rental property and want to build long-term wealth, keeping your existing home as a rental could be a great investment. Whether you decide to sell or to rent out, our award-winning team can help with both! Get in contact through the number below:
0121 681 6327

Rent Out or Sell Your House When Upsizing?
Tags: homebuyer, estate agent, Birmingham, Harborne, letting agent, homeowner, buying home, selling home, West midlands
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