Ask an Architect: Renovation vs Relocation: Should You Move or Improve Your Home?
The question of whether to renovate or relocate is one we hear often at Studio Elle Architecture, especially from homeowners in areas like Reigate, Wimbledon, Surrey, and even the stunning Shropshire Hills. It’s a complex dilemma, one that involves both emotional and financial considerations. As a design studio known for creating unique, high-end homes across the South-West, we’ve guided many clients in making this important decision.
At Studio Elle Architecture, we believe that understanding the full picture—costs, timelines, and personal priorities—is essential before making a move. Whether you’re in the countryside of Surrey, the rolling hills of Devon, or nestled in a charming Cornish village, we provide bespoke consultations to help you decide. Our goal is to help you create a home that fits your family’s lifestyle and aspirations, regardless of whether you choose to renovate or relocate.
1. Understanding the Cost Implications: Renovate or Relocate?
Improving Your Home:
When considering a renovation, the financial investment can vary depending on the size and complexity of your vision. At Studio Elle, we specialize in high-end renovations, including listed homes, country estates, and period properties, each with unique challenges and opportunities. The cost of renovating a home typically ranges from £3,500 per square metre (+VAT), though this can be higher in prime London areas or more rural locations like Cornwall, where demand for reputable contractors is significant.
At Studio Elle, we believe in full transparency, so we encourage all of our clients to seek a detailed cost plan from a quantity surveyor. This will help manage expectations and ensure market rates are reflected accurately. Beyond the construction cost, there are numerous additional fees to account for, such as:
Structural Engineer
Party Wall Surveyor
Measured Building Survey
Ecological Surveys (e.g., bats, arboricultural)
Building Control Inspector
Architect Fees
We also advise our clients to anticipate costs for statutory fees, temporary housing during construction, and any unforeseen expenses. With the right guidance from Studio Elle, we ensure that you stay within budget and reduce the stress of navigating the many intricacies of a renovation.
Moving to a New Home:
Relocating to a new property can also involve significant financial commitment. When considering purchasing a new home—whether in areas like Richmond or the scenic villages of Cornwall—you need to factor in not only the property price but also stamp duty, legal fees, moving costs, and potential higher living expenses in your new area.
Studio Elle works closely with clients to evaluate the value of their existing home and project the potential return on investment should they choose to sell. We recommend speaking with local estate agents to get an idea of how much you could potentially gain from selling your current property and moving into a new one.
2. Time Considerations: Renovation or Relocation?
When it comes to timelines, both options come with their own set of challenges and benefits.Renovations often take anywhere from 6 months to several years, depending on the size and complexity of the project. For period properties, extensions, or heritage homes, it can take time to obtain necessary permits and approvals. However, Studio Elle is committed to guiding you through this process efficiently, helping to manage timelines, set realistic expectations, and keep your renovation on track.
Relocating can be perceived as a quicker solution, but in reality, it’s not always faster. Finding the right property often takes months, and once you’ve made your purchase, you’ll still need to go through the process of conveyancing, packing, and settling into your new home. Additionally, moving to a new property often leads to additional renovations, which can extend the timeline and cost.
3. Investment or Forever Home?
At Studio Elle, we understand that your home is more than just a financial investment—it’s a place where memories are made and lives are shaped. However, for some clients, the decision to move or improve is driven by investment opportunities and long-term financial planning. If your goal is to create your forever home, renovation might be the best option, allowing you to personalize your space without the upheaval of relocation. However, if you’re looking for a new property that offers better potential or a fresh start, relocating may be the right path.
Studio Elle provides strategic advice to help clients weigh the financial implications of either option. Whether you're improving your current property or moving to a new one, we guide you through every step to ensure your decisions align with your lifestyle and long-term goals.
4. The Emotional Impact: Creating Your Forever Home
One of the biggest advantages of renovating is the emotional connection you can maintain with your existing home. For many of our clients, their homes hold deep sentimental value. Renovating allows them to preserve these emotional ties while updating their space to suit their evolving needs. Studio Elle crafts bespoke designs that respect the original character of your home while introducing modern conveniences, making it a place for your family to continue to grow and create new memories.
5. The Studio Elle Approach: How We Can Help You Make the Right Choice
At Studio Elle Architecture, we know that deciding whether to move or improve is a deeply personal decision. That’s why we offer a comprehensive, collaborative approach that’s as unique as each of our clients. Whether it’s assessing the potential of your current home through a consultation, evaluating the future value of your property, or accompanying you to view prospective new homes, we’re with you every step of the way.
Ready to make the right choice for your family and future? Book your Consultation with Studio Elle Architecture today, and let’s begin the process of creating a home that works for you—whether it’s through renovation or relocation.
