What makes a perfect location for prospective home buyers?
Planning a house move? Perhaps you’re going to be stepping onto the property ladder for the very first time, and want to make sure that you get it right. Perhaps, on the other hand, you’re already on first-name terms with the people at the removal company.
Whatever your situation, there are a few key factors to consider before purchasing a house, and these could help you separate the perfect home for you from those that won’t cut it.
One of the top factors is location. There’s a reason the programme repeats the word three times. For some, it’s make or break. Others may be willing to compromise on location if it means they can get a bigger home for less money.
Since this is a decision you’re going to be living with, it’s worth really thinking about the location properly. Below, you can find some things to consider to help you distinguish the perfect location.
Infrastructure and amenities
Local attractions and services will make life in your new home much less stressful. Parks, shops, schools and tube stations can all make a huge difference. This is especially the case if that amenity is highly desired. If you open your front door and are faced with a sprawling expanse of parkland, you’ll enjoy life in your home that little bit more, and it may make it easier to sell, too.
Transport and accessibility
Being within walking distance of a train station is something that many commuters will be looking for – so, even if it doesn’t matter much to you, it’s something that will push up the long-term value of your investment. Rail travel is here to stay, so it should be something you think about before making a trip. In the case of the tube, the difference in price can be 10% for properties within a few hundred metres of the station. That’s according to research from Nationwide.
The same goes for motorway junctions – provided that you’re not close enough to suffer any of the negative effects, like noise pollution and traffic.
Education
If you have children that need to be educated, then the catchment area of a high-quality school is going to have obvious appeal. You won’t have to think about driving your children to school in the morning, and your kids won’t have to take the bus. That means less rushing about in the morning, and less wasted evenings.
There are also a few correlations to think about, which aren’t directly linked to education. Neighbourhoods with schools tend to be safer and more heavily policed, for example.
Green space
According to research by the Office for National Statistics, access to green space will push up the value of a property. Specifically, the premium sits at around 1% for properties within 100 metres compared to those more than 500 metres away. The bigger and better the park, the more the value of your property will be inflated.
Safety
High rates of local crime tend to make houses less desirable to live in – for obvious reasons. You can look at statistics, here, or you can instead look for signs like litter, graffiti, lighting and visible security systems. What really matters is the vibe; if you feel safe, then the chances are good that other buyers will feel the same way. The result? More valuable property.
So, as highlighted above, it’s clear that location is a pivotal part of the home searching process and can have an impact on daily life, property value, and long-term investment. It’s also important to consider proximity to work and/or schools, amenities, and safety, all of which can influence convenience and lifestyle. Keep these essential elements in mind and you’ll be sure to find your perfect new home! Happy house hunting!
