How to select the ideal family home

Choosing where to live can be daunting especially when it involves accommodating a family’s needs. From school catchment areas to garden sizes, there’s a plethora of factors to consider. It’s not just about finding a home; it’s about finding a home where your family can grow and thrive.

Is it important for you to be near grandparents or other close family members? Their support and companionship can be invaluable, especially when raising young children. Alternatively, you might be more inclined towards a location that offers more space for your money.

This could mean moving further out of the city centre, although you’ll need to consider commuting costs. Buying your family home is a significant step, often coinciding with welcoming your first child. Your priorities shift dramatically at this stage.

ESTABLISHING YOUR BUDGET

Before you embark on your home-hunting journey, it’s crucial to establish your budget. This will help you focus your search and potentially expose a variety of areas with homes that fall within your price range. You may discover that your initial list of preferred locations lacks options within your budget.

Keep in mind that affordability does not necessarily equate to suitability. A home listed as affordable may not be situated in your desired area or meet other important criteria. For instance, some budget-friendly homes may be located near high-traffic roads or highways, while some inexpensive neighbourhoods may not be the most conducive for families.

Your home is more than just a financial investment; it’s an investment in your quality of life. Therefore, consider all aspects – from cost to community – before making a decision.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR LOCAL FACILITIES

The presence of local amenities can greatly impact the quality of your living experience. These may include supermarkets and shopping centres, parks and playgrounds, a variety of bars and restaurants, high-ranking schools or even efficient public transport access.

However, bear in mind that in certain rural settings, the closest supermarket may be in the outer suburbs of the nearest large town. Interestingly enough, this could also be the location of the nearest farmers market!

It’s crucial to identify which amenities are of utmost importance to you. The chosen location might not have everything within a stone’s throw. Therefore, it’s vital to establish your priorities well in advance of your house-hunting journey.

PRIORITISING SCHOOLS

When deciding on a new home, the proximity to quality schools can be crucial. This is particularly relevant if you have children and have a specific school in mind for them. In this case, ensuring your prospective home is within the school’s catchment area is important.

However, it’s worth noting that the presence of numerous desirable, highly-rated local schools within walking distance can significantly drive up property prices in the area. Therefore, there’s a clear trade-off to consider.

Additional factors to consider when considering school quality include whether you are inclined towards a private or a local state school for your child(ren) and whether there will be enough school places available when your children reach the appropriate age to start attending.

PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Practical considerations such as parking are crucial. If the property doesn’t have a driveway, how close can you park? You don’t want to disturb a sleeping baby by carrying it too far. Consider the property’s accessibility, too. Are there steps leading up to the entrance? Can you manoeuvre a pram inside easily? Is there sufficient storage space for baby equipment and toys?

Never underestimate the amount of space children’s items can occupy. From toys and baby walkers to changing stations, you’ll be surprised at how quickly your home can fill up. Therefore, sufficient storage space is key when choosing your family home.

OPTIMISING COMMUTE AND NAVIGATING PUBLIC TRANSPORT ACCESS

For a more relaxed lifestyle in your new surroundings, it might be beneficial to consider minimising your commute time. Many individuals gravitate towards convenience rather than enduring lengthy travel times to work. Reflect on this – are you among those who desire a hassle-free drive to work or would you prefer to bear with additional traffic to reside closer to your close friends or family?

The availability of public transport connections is another essential aspect to consider when deciding on your living arrangements. This can help you understand how simple it will be to commute.

Factors that can impact the accessibility of transit links include the presence of a well-connected train station in close proximity, whether there’s easy and traffic-free access to the motorway, the distance from the nearest airport (and determining what’s too close for comfort), and your location relative to a bus stop or a well-connected bus terminal.

CRIME RATES AND ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

Another important factor to consider when you decide where to live is the safety of an area. While crime rates don’t always reflect all incidents that have occurred, they’re a good indicator of whether there are problems in the community and whether people feel safe or not!

Some considerations around this include the amount of drug-related offences that have been committed. How much violent crime has happened? How strong is the local community spirit?

RENT BEFORE BUYING?

Renting first can be a practical approach when considering a significant move. It provides an opportunity to experience daily life in a new area without the long-term commitment of buying a property there. This can be particularly beneficial if your circumstances, such as relocating due to a potential job opportunity, are likely to change.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR A LONG-TERM HOME

Finding the right home for your family involves thinking about what you want from a property long-term. If you’re planning on a larger home, consider the maintenance it will require, including gardens. Also, consider practicalities like the kitchen size for meal preparations, parking availability and storage space for your growing family’s needs.

THE ART OF COMPROMISE

Planning for a house full of children and possibly pets might seem overwhelming, and there will be many questions to address. Prioritise what’s most important to you and be ready to compromise on some aspects.

Whether it’s outdoor space, an ensuite or the number of bedrooms, ensure both parties have input to find the right property that suits your family’s needs. Some people enjoy the challenge of renovating (the ‘do-er uppers’), while others prefer a move-in ready home.

Hunting for your family home can be a time consuming journey, but being flexible and prepared to compromise can help smooth the process.

Don’t forget, our professional friendly advisors are on hand to support you and can help you explore all of your options.