This chart will help you look at the pros and cons of each option for your house. There are blank spaces for you to write in your own thoughts.
| What you could do | Good if... | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent out your house | Career break is 6 months or more Good rental market Few precious items in house |
Rental income House is occupied (safer) Usually quicker than selling Have home to return to |
May have trouble finding tenant Costs (eg redecorating) Hassle (finding agent, etc) Can go wrong |
| Sell your house | Career break is a year or more Plan to move anyway |
Can release cash Liberating No ongoing hassles No chain is selling point |
Must store possessions Can take time No home to return to |
| Leave house unoccupied | Career break is 3 months or less Have someone to take care of it |
Little hassle Flexible |
Not very secure No rental or sale income |
| Use professional housesitter | Career break is less than a month You have pets |
Very secure Little hassle Pets taken care of |
Expensive No rental or sale income |
| Have friend/relative live in it |
Career break is 3 - 6 months | Little hassle at outset Pets taken care of House is occupied |
Can compromise friendship No rental or sale income |