Top Mistakes to Avoid When Upsizing Your Home

Recent stats show that in 2025, nearly 69% of UK buyers are upsizing – and for good reason. Moving to a bigger property is an exciting step, promising more space, comfort and possibilities for the future. But with that excitement can come a few hidden pitfalls to watch out for.

When upsizing your home, mistakes can easily sneak in, even for experienced buyers. If you’re wondering what to avoid when upsizing, this guide highlights the top mistakes and how to steer clear of them, so you can make your next move with confidence.

Not setting a realistic budget

One of the most common upsizing mistakes is focusing only on the purchase price and forgetting about the extra costs that come with moving to a larger property.

The financial side of upsizing often stretches further than you might expect. According to the HomeOwners Alliance, the average cost of moving in 2025 is over £13,000 once you factor in things like stamp duty, legal fees, removals and agent costs.

However, homebuilders will often provide incentives (contributions towards stamp duty, free kitchen upgrades…) and schemes like Part Exchange, to help alleviate these costs.

Bigger homes can also come with additional hidden costs. For example, you might have to consider upgrading your furniture, as more space often calls for new sofas, wardrobes or beds.

To stay on track, make sure you count every expense from the start, so you’re not surprised further down the line.

Overlooking the running costs

Once you’ve set your budget, it’s also worth thinking beyond the upfront costs. A bigger home tends to come with higher running expenses, including heating, electricity, insurance and general upkeep. These ongoing costs can quickly add up if you haven’t planned for them.

The good news is that choosing a modern, energy-efficient property, like a new build home, can make a big difference. Recent research from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) found that owners of new build homes can save up to £979 a year on their energy bills compared with older properties.

Before you buy, check each home’s energy rating to understand its long-term affordability.

Choosing size over location

We know it can be very tempting to go for the biggest home your money will buy, but one of the top mistakes when upsizing is sacrificing the right location for extra space.

A larger property might seem ideal on paper, but if it adds hours to your daily commute or takes you further from good schools and local amenities, it can quickly lose its appeal.

Location plays an important role in long-term happiness and resale value, so it’s worth striking the right balance between space and lifestyle. Prioritise areas that work well for your routine.

Forgetting about future needs

When upsizing, try to think beyond your current lifestyle. The right home should grow and adapt with you over time.

A property that feels perfect today might soon feel cramped if you welcome a new family member, or you start a new job that involves working from home more often. Thinking ahead can save you the stress and cost of needing to move again in just a few years.

When viewing potential homes, imagine how your needs could change over the next 5 to 10 years and plan for flexibility where you can.

Rushing the process

Upsizing can be a very exciting process, and it’s hard not to get caught up in the buzz. But rushing into decisions without doing enough research could leave you worse off down the line.

In the excitement of finding more space, it’s easy to skip the process of carefully comparing areas, schools, transport links or future development plans. Moving too quickly can mean missing out on a home that’s a better fit or even overpaying for one that isn’t.

Make sure to take your time, view as many homes as possible, and always think about the area’s growth and long-term appeal before committing to anything.

Forgetting to factor in your existing home

Another upsizing mistake many buyers make is not considering how their current property fits into the move, especially when it comes to timing and logistics.

It’s easy to underestimate how long it can take to sell or to overlook the complications of being part of a property chain, which can delay your completion date. You’ll also want to prepare your home properly to go on the market. Things like tackling small repairs and decluttering can make a real difference here.

Get your property valued early, line up estate agents and solicitors in advance, and plan for possible timing gaps with storage or temporary accommodation if needed.

And if you’re looking for more advice on the process of buying a bigger house, we have an entire upsizing guide filled with extra information to ensure you make the right choice for your needs.

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Top mistakes to avoid when upsizing your home

Not setting a realistic budget

Overlooking the running costs

Choosing size over location

Forgetting about future needs

Rushing the process

Forgetting to factor in your existing home

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