buying a 2nd property to be near grandchildren

We bought a small second home near our son about 100 miles from our main home. It’s great to be able to see them, and help out with childcare without having to stay in their quite small house, or find a local B and B.
Only a few things I would consider if doing it again
Are you up for the travelling between the 2 homes?
Running costs of 2 homes always more than you think! Especially unexpected repairs!
Be prepared for feeling you don’t live properly in either place-took us a while to get into a routine of splitting our time between 2 homes.

granh2, slowly and subtly start clearing out that clutter.

I live next door to my son which works as we don’t take advantage and keep “popping in”. We text as we always have.
But I do know several people who have moved near to their children and have been disappointed.

Our son pushed us to do the same. It hasn't worked out well for us as our daughter in law wont share our wee grandson and she bypasses us every chance she can. Her mother moved to New Zealand and lives with them. She is anti social and has caused so much trouble. We don't even get to babysit. Would I do it again no. Do bear in mind you could move then they could move away at the drop of a hat. Just be aware. Our son is talking of moving overseas now but obviously cant while covid is around. Im not well enough to visit them if they do.

we've just done this! Bought a bungalow near our only son and family in March after one viewing! Then lock down. It's in N Wales, so not been yet, as Wales still has 5 mile distance rule. We have now decided to move permanently so working on this house, getting ready to sell later in the year.
I say you should definitely go for it. You never know whats around the corner and if we had been in Wales at the start we would have seen our great grand daughter walking!

Do it, but don't make DD your only outlet in life. Enjoy!

Another positive... I have met lots of nice gransnetters at my second location:-)

I think it depends on how old you are and how far you would have to travel.

If you are relatively young, making long journeys to visit probably won't bother you. If you're quite old, you might soon find that you don't feel up to many long drives, which would mean you wouldn't get your money's worth out of your second home. On the other hand, if it isn't too far, you might be fine with the journey even when you are really old.

Sorry, probably not being very helpful. Just some things to consider before you buy.

We have a flat quite near my daughter and 2 hours by train from my son.
We live at the sea side which is nice , but it’s also nice to have a city base too and be able to see children and grandchildren.
We let it out when we are not using it and it’s all worked well so far ?

I suspect that Lockdown has made a lot of people think twice about how they're living - just how secure are their social contacts and do they want to go back to them, or move on? A couple we know have been in a dilemma for about 5 years about moving but thought they'd miss too much; now they've decided to go for it! To the OP I would say why not? You can always sell it if it doesn't work out.

That sounds ideal and that you will like the area enough, not just because DD lives there, to want to make it your forever home,should? there come a time DD decides to sell up and move elsewhere. Never say never.

Great idea - lucky you!

We spend 50% of time in each house, so we can keep up with gardening etc. Until Lockdown of course.
We also have social activities in both places and have always been welcomed by ‘local’ people.
The biggest difficulty is thinking you’ve bought something (coffee, dishwasher tabs, etc) and finding it was at the other house!

What difference will it make to your Income tax?

If there are no hidden snags, then go ahead. You can always sell one of the two properties later, if you want.

But take into account that leaving either property unlived in for any length of time will turn the garden into a jungle and increase the risk of burgarleries.

My concern would be regarding the area you intend to go to - it is a fact that many reasonably priced homes (I presume you're not intending on purchasing a £1m+ home!) are being sold to second-homers and pricing the locally brought up young families out of the market. Would you consider selling up to move closer to them? Or would a local B&B or Airbnb work - especially if you could make a relationship with them to come frequently and for a varying length of time? It would also prevent the need to have all the downsides of another property - upkeep, council tax, etc. and your own personal/physical circumstances might change over time needing a different type of accommodation.

If you've got the cash, have a bash!

Go for it, if it will make you happy.

Try renting first - completely different visiting to living somewhere

As a holiday home why not. Sure you will appreciate the need for good security when property isn't being used. Wish I could buy something near my AC to make life easier.

Absolutely if you can afford it. My parents actually moved round the corner from us a year after we came here so saw my sons grow up and also met their great GDs before they passed away. The best thing they did.

yes, I'm concerned about what it'll be like living a two-centred life.
We normally have a busy, city life, with lots going on. But Lockdown has meant that most of this has stopped, and I'm thinking 'well, how much do I want to go back to doing, and how much am I prepared to drop in order to see more of my grandchildren?' and would it mean that we would have a rootless life in both places?

I've had a second home for 37 years. Years ago we'd rent it out now and then to help pay the daughters' school fees but now they've both moved permanently to that area so we don't feel we can sell the cottage as it's our base so we can see them all. Please bear in mind 2nd homes are far more expensive than you'd initially think. Two lots of 100% council tax, utility bills, water etc all have to be factored in. Insurance is expensive for a home not 100% occupied. And then when you sell it, you cop for capital gains tax. Oh - and if you're in a pretty area there will be people (like one of the posters on this thread) who will hate you to the point of utter xenophobia.

I know a friend who did that. Bought a studio flat so they had a base each time they travelled the 350miles to see family. The best purchase ever they say.

We bought a flat to be near my son and family, without having to stay with them. They live on the coast, so the flat is let out and managed by my dil when we or my other children want to stay. Two downsides - the travelling, a long drive (we are in our late 70s - and I prefer the second home and would like to move there permanently but husband prefers to stay in our main, but far too large first home. He would miss his social life and can't envisage building a new one - then there is a lifetimes of clutter to sort. Causing quite a dilemma! I feel split between two places, and not truly at home in either. Suggestions appreciated!

We did it. We sold our main house with the intention of moving permanently into our 2nd home in a different location and by the sea.
Our DCs had settled near to our main all home, so we downsized to a property near both their families. It’s great we can come and go as we please, see them or not and have our friends to stay.
If you can do it, I’d say go for it. So many benefits.