Five Things to Consider When Buying a Family Home
By Features Desk
Monday, January 6, 2020.
Black British homebuyers looking for a family abode can look to a handy list of considerations from property experts that specialise in building properties for larger households.
When it comes to purchasing a home for the whole family, it’s important to consider the needs and priorities of everyone involved in the move, as well as how the property will change your lifestyle and family dynamic for the better.
From the size of living space, to location, school and transport links, as well as budget, the North Sands team has compiled a list of considerations that you should keep in mind when searching for a home to meet the needs of your family.
James Hartley, director at North Sands Developments, said: “When searching for a property to suit a family, it’s important that a number of factors are considered to ensure that you are looking for a home that will meet your needs.
“At North Sands Developments we strive to deliver homes in prime locations, that are designed with families in mind, with plenty of open living space. To help with the massive decision of where to live, we have put together this handy guide of simple suggestions to consider whilst hunting for your home – from budget comparison, to school catchment areas, solicitors’ fees and planning for the future.”
Here are the five considerations for finding a family home:
Initial research
Starting your search for your ideal family home can feel overwhelming, but it can be made more manageable if you spend time envisioning what your dream property might actually look like. How many bedrooms does it need to have? Is a large garden a priority? Is location the most important factor for you?
Having answers to these important questions will help you narrow down your search criteria, so you have a clearer idea of what you’re looking for before searching. We’d recommend using one of the various online property websites as a tool to compare different types of homes and their locations. Note how prices change depending on location and consider how this might affect what you can afford.
Decide on a budget
Having a budget figure in mind will allow you to search for homes within a certain price range, giving you a stronger idea about what you can realistically afford and also the elements that you may need to compromise on.
It’s important to remember that you’ll need to set aside additional money on top of your deposit to cover the costs of solicitors, mortgage booking fees, arrangement fees, valuation fees and surveyor fees, as well as lender/broker fees if you choose to use them.
Location
The location of a home is undoubtedly one the most important aspects, and for families, it’s crucial to think about the needs and priorities of everyone now and in the future.
Consider the property’s location in regards to school catchment areas and do some research into how those schools are performing and how well they would suit your children.
Transport links to work, to the nearest city or town centre and to nearby motorways is also a major consideration, so be sure to do your homework about the distance from your potential new home to these areas.
For young families, a garden is a wonderful feature to have to create some special memories, and having access to local parks, walking trails, woodland and nearby countryside can be ideal for fresh air and days out with family and pets, so it’s worth researching nearby outdoor spots for things to do.
The interior
Consider the internal layout of a home to ensure it works for your family’s lifestyle and provides plenty of space. Again, ask yourself some questions about your preferences: is the kitchen the heart of your home? Would you like an open plan living space? Do all the bedrooms need to be the same size?
It’s also a good idea to consider if the property has potential to be extended in the future, providing you with further space that will help to raise the value of your home. Increasing the space in your home with an extension can be a great investment for your family, and is another option to consider rather than moving to a larger house and paying stamp duty.
Plans for the future
A house is likely to be the biggest purchase you will make in your lifetime, and the decision affects all of the family, so remember to think about what the future might bring. For example, a growing family might need more space in years to come whilst a family with older children may wish to downsize after retirement.