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
Posted on Mar 26 2025 by Sami Mubarak

Request aValuation

Thinking of selling or letting your home? Find out how much your property is worth with one of our free, no obligation valuations!


Enquire