There comes a point in every home when you find yourself saying…
“We just need a bit more space.”
Maybe it’s the kitchen that feels too small when everyone’s home at once. Maybe the spare room has somehow become an office, gym, toy room and laundry space all at the same time. Or maybe you’ve simply outgrown the home that once felt perfect.
If that sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone.
We’re speaking to more and more homeowners across Exeter and the surrounding areas who are thinking about upsizing—and honestly, 2026 could be a brilliant time to do it.
Here’s why.
Family Homes Are Still in High Demand
Right now, buyers are actively looking for homes with space to grow into.
Think bigger kitchens, open-plan living, proper gardens, extra bedrooms, home offices—the kind of features that make everyday life easier (and a lot less chaotic).
This is great news if you’re currently in a smaller home, because strong demand from first-time buyers, young families and downsizers can make moving up the ladder feel much more achievable.
In short: your next move might be closer than you think.
We All Want More From Our Homes Now
The way we use our homes has changed massively over the last few years.
Dining tables became desks. Spare bedrooms became offices. Gardens became holiday destinations.
People aren’t just buying square footage anymore—they’re buying lifestyle.
That means homes with flexible living space, room to entertain, outdoor space, and locations that genuinely improve day-to-day life are top of the wishlist.
So if your current home no longer works for the way you actually live, that’s a pretty good sign it might be time for the next step.
Your Equity Might Surprise You
One of the biggest conversations we have in the office starts with:
“We’d love to move, but I’m not sure we could…”
And very often, after a valuation, the answer is actually—you probably can.
Many homeowners have built up more equity than they realise over the last few years. Rising property values mean your current home could be working much harder for you than you think.
That extra value could help unlock the move to a larger home, a better location, or simply somewhere that feels like a better fit long-term.
Sometimes the first step is just finding out what’s possible.
Location Still Matters (Probably More Than Ever)
For families especially, it’s not just about the house—it’s about where the house is.
School catchments, commuting, green spaces, local community, coffee shops you’ll pretend are “for meetings”…
Location can completely shape how a home feels.
Areas like Topsham, St Leonard’s, Pennsylvania and the surrounding villages continue to attract strong interest for exactly this reason.
If schools or lifestyle priorities are influencing your next move, planning ahead can make all the difference.
The Best Moves Start Before the ‘For Sale’ Board Goes Up
The smoothest moves are always the ones that start with a plan.
Understanding your budget, knowing what buyers want from your current home, and having a clear picture of what comes next makes the whole process far less stressful.
(And yes—far fewer late-night Rightmove spirals.)
Talking to an experienced local agent early gives you options, clarity, and often opportunities you wouldn’t have found otherwise.
Thinking About Your Next Move?
Upsizing isn’t just about getting a bigger house.
It’s about finding a home that fits the life you’re living now—and the one you’re building next.
Whether you need more space, a better location, or simply a fresh start, making the right move starts with the right advice.
At Robert Williams, we help homeowners across Exeter and Devon navigate every stage of the journey—from first conversations and valuations through to finding the perfect next home.
If you’re starting to think about what comes next, we’d love to help.
Get in touch with our team today for a confidential market appraisal.
