Looking for your new home? Location is arguably just as important as the property itself. The surroundings will impact your quality of life, the resale value of your home and your level of access to things like work, schools and transport connections.
Here's a guide to help you find the perfect neighbourhood that ticks all your boxes.
Photo by Nicolas J Leclercq on Unsplash
Find local amenities
Think about your daily and weekly routines and the services you use most frequently. Are there supermarkets, coffee shops and retail stores nearby? Prime locations have the essentials within easy reach, either on foot or with quick transport links.
Also, consider your lifestyle. If you enjoy dining out regularly or need a gym to stay active, ensure you'll have these facilities near your new build home for added convenience.
Parks, community centres and recreational facilities like cinemas are other valuable amenities that will likely contribute to your overall quality of life and enjoyment of that area.
Research local schools
If you have children or plan to start a family in the near future, chances are local schools are high on your priority list.
Research the Ofsted ratings of nearby schools, considering the reputation of both primary, secondary and further education options. You may find that areas with good school links also benefit from a stronger sense of community because families tend to stick around for longer.
Even if you don't have school-aged children, or kids in general, buying a property in a good school catchment area is usually a wise investment. These properties are far more likely to retain their value or see increases.
Assess transport links
Check the distance to the nearest train stations, bus stops and major motorways. While you don't want to be too close, you don't want to be too far either.
Consider how long it will take you to get to work, the town or city centre and other places you visit regularly. If you rely on public transport, get a good sense of the frequency and reliability of local services.
Properties with excellent transport links offer better connectivity to surrounding regions, making them more desirable. But it's also worth checking for any future transport plans in the works, as these can enhance an area's accessibility and popularity.
Check safety
You want you, your partner and your family to be safe at home and in the local neighbourhood. Few things are more important.
Research crime rates in the property's vicinity. This information can be supplemented by checking local police websites and speaking with other residents. Areas with a strong sense of community often correlate with lower crime rates.
Well-lit streets, active neighbourhood watch schemes and visible community engagement are always positive signs. Don't hesitate to visit the area at different times of the day to get a feel for the atmosphere.
Leave a Reply