What to seriously consider when you choose the perfect family home
A home you can watch your children grow up happily in is not the most straightforward real estate pick. After all, it is not just about the house. When you are house-hunting, you need to factor in all your family, financial, work and social requirements. So, how do you choose the perfect family home?
Size of property
Ideally there should be enough space for all members of your family. While small children can share bedrooms, as they grow up, they will need their own space. Even if its not the exact number of bedrooms, there should be space to extend or convert as the family grows. Sometimes, it may not be an extra bedroom you need, but an additional bathroom – it is good to look at properties with garden space that allows you to increase the square footage. If you work from home or need a home office, it is a good idea to see if you can build extra living or working space as an extension or convert the loft.
Choosing the right location
The perfect family home is in a family-friendly neighbourhood. It means having access to parks, play areas, walkways, cycling-friendly roads, and quieter surroundings. Living in the city hub or an industrial location can be too disruptive for children. Walking down roads or cycling should be safe and easy. A greener neighbourhood provides fresh air and opportunity for leisure activities. It is why many people choose the leafy suburbia as their home base. Check for flood risks and even if there are no river views, as floodplains extend for miles inland. Buying a house in an area with a high crime rate and anti-social behaviour is the opposite of what you want for your family. Find crime maps and local police performance related to the areas you are looking to buy the perfect home.
Schools
You should be looking at school catchment areas if you have children attending schools or even planning to have children in the future. Refer to the latest inspection reports, and league tables to make a school-based decision on where you want to live. If you have a school in mind to send your children to, you also need to consider living within the catchment area. Good schools in the area are a property price driver. Better the schools, higher the house prices.
Transport
Being served by several transport links gives you flexibility for travel. Whether it’s the daily commute or a visit to the countryside, catching a bus or a train at any given hour should not be difficult. A 24hr taxi service is also a convenient amenity to have in the area. If you own a car, a house with a garage and driveway makes things so much easier. Older properties, unless they are bigger ones, usually do not have driveways, and you will end up parking on the street.
Play areas and green spaces
If you do not have a big garden for the kids to play in, the next best thing is communal play areas. They also make good spots for children to make friends. Local parks, woodlands, and other green spaces offer the opportunity for family picnics and dog walking. Outdoor experiences are crucial for the mental and physical health of a child.
Entertainment and essentials
Having easy access to movie theatres, swimming pools, community centres, post office, and libraries helps you plan fun weekends, activities and encourage hobbies. Shopping centres, greengrocers, bakeries, supermarkets, and petrol stations are essential for day-to-day life.
Hospitals and health centres
Its good to know that the local hospital is within reach, and access to your GP is a short drive, dentist, and chemist. A nearby doctor’s surgery is vital when you have small children.
Shop around
Before settling on a home, do all the research on all the options available to you. Do not look at only existing properties. Make sure to explore developments and plots of land to build your own home.
Stick to your budget
Be realistic about what you can afford. Set aside money for the deposit and any home improvement/remodeling work you intend to carry out. Learn how much you can borrow and look into improving credit ratings before getting a mortgage. If you are selling your current home, get assisted sale services from an estate agent. Once you have chosen your preferred area, get in touch with the estate agents. Let them know your budget and the qualities and features you look for in a home for your family.
Finding a home for your family takes a lot of consideration and a wealth of information. You need all the help you can get from mortgage lenders, solicitors, and estate agents. Find a property in Scotland that you can easily afford or build one to your specifications with GS Brown Construction.
