Should You Buy a Bigger House Than You Currently Need?

If you’re looking for a long-term home for your family, you want to find a house that’ll be able to accommodate your changing needs and lifestyle. It sometimes makes sense to buy a bigger house than you currently need, but you should think carefully before you do so.

Reasons to Buy a Large House

If you plan to have children in the near future, look for a house with extra bedrooms. Think about how many kids you’ll likely have and plan accordingly. You might also want to look for a house with a family room or an area that can be used as a playroom. An open floor plan can give children plenty of room to play and can make it easier for adults to keep an eye on them.

If your parents might move in with you when they get older, you can look for a house with a guest room, suite or in-law apartment. That’ll make the transition easier by allowing you to avoid the need for future renovations.

If you frequently have guests visit at the holidays or throughout the year, it’s a good idea to look for a house with a guest room. Your visitors will feel comfortable in their own space, and your family won’t need to move to different rooms or make space for air mattresses.

If you like to entertain family and friends, a house with a spacious kitchen can make it easier to manage the preparations. A dining room or deck with enough room for a large table and chairs can give you plenty of space for everyone to gather.

Is a Big House a Good Idea?

When choosing a house, layout is often more important than square footage. A house with many small, cramped rooms wouldn’t be right for a family that enjoys entertaining. A smaller number of spacious rooms or an open floor plan would work better.

When deciding whether to buy a large house, it’s important to separate legitimate current and future needs from things that would be nice to have. It only makes sense to spend tens of thousands of extra dollars to buy a house with extra rooms if those rooms will actually be used. Otherwise, you’ll simply be wasting your money.

Consider all the additional costs you’d incur by purchasing a large house. Your property taxes, utility bills and maintenance costs would all be higher than they’d be with a smaller house. Estimate the monthly costs and figure out whether you can afford them without becoming strapped financially.

Think It Over

A house is a major long-term investment, so you want to choose wisely. Consider how your life could change in the coming years. Choose a house that will continue to meet your needs, but don’t fall into the trap of buying a bigger house than you can afford. Think carefully about your current and future lifestyle, and choose a house that will meet your needs and budget.