Home or School? Which is the #1 priority for you?

Getting the best schooling for your child is often cited as the #1 reason for moving house, but think hard first about all that that choice entails – for your whole family!

Two kids at a middle of the road private boarding school equals the cost of financing about £500,000 worth of house. So you need to weigh up the pros and cons. Will either look after you in your dotage?! Which will offer the best return on investment?

If we *knew* our child was going to be the next Prime Minister, then perhaps we could make a future-proof *correct* decision when choosing a school, but for those whose children defy the Civil Service pigeon-hole, Stacks provides some food for thought when mulling over this crucial life decision …

Paying for the term fees is not the only expense at private school. If your child is the only one who can’t go on the ski trip, will they be grateful for all they have in real terms, or just aware of what the top 1% have, resentful that they do not?
Many schools have a vast array of buses coming in from long distances, and so physical proximity to the school may not be such a crucial factor, but do pay attention to the length of the bus journey as that can add significantly to your child’s day (which = exhaustion and arguments over homework!)
Is a better house, with a garden to play in, and friends in the village away from school actually a more positive life experience than high pressure, intensive schooling?
Whilst it seems that school is crucially important, it is actually only a few short years, and as long as these are relatively happy and productive, providing a comfortable nest to which the children and grandkids will choose to return regularly – may be that is the best gift you can give them?

So, how are you feeling now ? Need more on how should that decision be implemented if the school is the be-all-and-end-all? A good house is the foundation of a happy childhood, but when should they get involved ? Or are schools are not an issue for you?

You may also be interested in

Luxury House Features

At Stacks Property Search and Acquisition, we work with clients to help them find their perfect homes in various areas of the UK. In our line of work, many of our clients have luxury house features they are looking for. Working with a Property Finder If you are looking for a luxury...

Moving with Children

Moving house can be stressful in itself – it is known as one of the three most stressful things a person can do. Add children into the equation and it can become extremely challenging. For a child of any age, moving house can bring worries and anxiety to the forefront of...

Bungalows & Single Storey Living

High demand for single storey properties, coupled with declining supply, means that in many areas, bungalows demand a significant price premium. Always expect the price per square foot to be higher than for a family home set over more than one storey, but if it is a popular low-rise area, the...

Property with an Annexe

Stacks Property Search has been helping clients find the right house for them for over 35 years, and it is not an exaggeration to say that property with an annexe – or some form of annexe option – is one of the single most useful features a property can have. Why...

Start your property search today

Call us on +44 (0) 1594 842880 or complete the form below

How we can help you

View our property finder services

When making probably the most important financial decision of your life, it pays to have the right advisors at your side.

Property Finder Service

We search high and low, on the market and off the market, and we keep hunting until we’ve found the right property for you. Next we negotiate the best price and terms on your behalf. And then we make sure you enjoy a hassle-free move.

Downsizing or Resizing

Retirement or semi-retirement is an exciting stage in life. Finding the right home to live in and enjoy it to the full is important. We know that and will do all that we can to understand what you’re looking for… before starting to search. And search we will, until we find the house of your dreams.

Moving from Abroad

Relocating is time consuming and stressful. We regularly work with clients who live abroad. We hunt, short-list, prepare your viewings, and make the search process as easy as possible. We oversee the negotiations, manage the conveyancing, and deal with the headaches, so you can concentrate on other aspects of your move.

Holiday Home Hunt

A holiday home is often an interesting mix of investment and heartfelt connection. You want to use it, but you may well also be keen for others to use it too. We can advise you on what factors to consider in making your decision. And we can then find the perfect holiday home for you to enjoy.

Investing in UK Property

Others say, ‘location, location, location’. We say, ‘location, purpose, price, capital growth, rental returns’… the list goes on. Knowing the market is critical. Local knowledge is key. We ensure all aspects of your investment decision are addressed. Finding, analysing, negotiating, and completing… it’s what we do.

“You showed fantastic attention to detail, anticipated all eventualities, and provided timely and practical help and guidance every step of the way. Above all, you supported me in making my own considered decisions, and I am so grateful to you for all your help in getting me to where I am now!”

“We firmly believe that without Rachel and her skilled negotiation we would not have secured the property.”

“We felt they genuinely wanted to help.”

“Stacks’ performance on this assignment has been absolutely outstanding and more than met my expectations. Her understanding of the brief and the ‘after-find’ service set a standard of professionalism that I have not met before.”

“It is not often that one is pleased to part with money but I can truthfully say that I am on this occasion. You have earned every penny of this cheque and what is more, you have done it with great courtesy and good humour. It has been very pleasant working with you. You really did take most of the stress out of our house hunting.”

“Encouraging me to think creatively about what could work for me.”

“Finding a plot not yet on the market and persuading the developer to enter into an exclusive contract with me to build to my specification.“

“I was impressed by the efficient, kind and courteous service provided by Stacks”

“Stacks were a tremendous help and we would never have found our home without them. She is a lovely person with a great sense of humour which was essential during some of our tricky negotiations“

“You gave a much-valued ‘younger’ perspective on our situation, which was a real asset”

“We found the service extremely helpful and professional at all times”

“I have been delighted with the service I have received from Stacks and will not hesitate to recommend Stacks in the future.”

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive updates about the world of property, straight to your inbox.