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Extend or Move House? The Real Cost Comparison
This is the question behind almost every enquiry we get, even when it's phrased as "what would a kitchen extension cost." Before comparing extension quotes, it's worth actually running the numbers on the alternative.
Client Reviews
What Our Clients Say
“Pindi is an excellent tradesman. His attention to detail is second to none and he's a really nice guy to work with. Highly recommend.”
James Graham
“Pindi did a fantastic job with my kitchen. He understood my requirements from the start and I was very happy with the finished result. His workmanship was exceptional.”
Lisa Creek
“I used Pindi Sahota for a house conversion, all works were carried out professionally.”
Aniket Patel
The Hidden Cost of Moving
| Cost Item | Typical Impact |
|---|---|
| Stamp Duty Land Tax | Often the single largest cost — scales steeply with purchase price |
| Estate agent fees (selling) | Typically 1–2% of sale price |
| Solicitor/conveyancing fees (both transactions) | Several thousand pounds combined |
| Removal costs | Often underestimated |
| Time and upheaval | School catchment, commute, settling into a new area |
For a homeowner moving to a property worth £150,000–£200,000 more than their current one specifically to gain the space an extension would provide, the transaction costs of moving alone frequently exceed what a well-specified extension would have cost — before accounting for the upheaval of actually moving.
When Moving Still Makes More Sense
If your current plot genuinely can't accommodate the space you need — no room to extend, no loft worth converting, planning constraints that rule out expansion — no amount of extension budget solves that, and moving may be the only realistic route to more space.
The Honest Assessment We Give
At the free site visit, we'll tell you directly if your plot and property genuinely can't deliver what you're looking for — we'd rather lose the job than take on a project that can't solve your actual problem. Where it can be solved, the numbers above usually make the case for extending clearly enough on their own.
FAQ
Related Questions
Does an extension always add back what it costs in value?
Not always pound-for-pound, but a well-executed kitchen extension or loft conversion is consistently one of the better-returning home improvements, and the lifestyle value of staying put without the cost and disruption of moving is real even where the financial uplift is partial.
How do I know if my plot can actually accommodate the extension I want?
This is exactly what the free site visit establishes — plot size, existing footprint, planning position and structural feasibility, assessed honestly before any work is quoted.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Free written quote from your local Berkshire building contractor — usually within 10 working days, depending on the size of your project.