Hiya, considering the real stress of buying and selling for most, and moreso for your friend, I wonder is only renting in the newer area and leasing out the current property (which would pay for the new rent) might be a more palatable first small step? If it works well he would be already settled in the newer area and then look to sell the original house and then buy in his new, or another area. Wish him well with it all, and good for you for asking for him.