I admire your pragmatic approach, Ossie, sometimes things do not come down to squeezing the last penny out of a deal. I hope that your estate agents will be forcefully passing on some of the thoughts you have put on here.
I also like your idea of selling up then renting. The freedom that gives you is priceless. If you are not getting on in one place you can up sticks and move on or just move on a whim.