When choosing your family home, it can feel like your entire future depends on making the right decision. After all, this is the house that you intend your children to grow up in and where you’ll spend decades of your life.
So, what do you need to bear in mind to make sure the house you pick is the right one?
What’s your budget?
Having a figure in mind streamlines your search. Not only does it give you a realistic idea of what you can afford, but it makes you think about which features are essential and which you may need to compromise on. The average UK house price was £285,000 as of March 2023, but be sure to look up average prices in your local region and areas.
And bear in mind that your budget needs to account for more than just your deposit. You’ll also need to include enough to cover additional costs and fees, such as those charged for mortgage bookings, arrangements, valuations, and surveys.
Family home: Old home or new build?
Older houses come with little details that give them character. From fireplaces to decorative cornices these can help homes that were built decades ago feel more homely. They also tend to have more overall space. Back in the day, houses were built on bigger plots of land and families were much larger on average.
On the other hand, the homes of today are built with the needs of modern families in mind. Because of this, new build homes feature open-plan layouts and the latest technology, as well as amenities like gyms, green spaces, and concierges. They also tend to be more energy efficient – in fact, according to the Home Builders Federation, new build homeowners save an average £2600 a year on energy bills.
Is the location family friendly?
The area of your new home needs to be an environment that allows your family to flourish. In the first place, it should be a safe area, with low crime rates and away from any dangerous roads.
It should also be close to any amenities that you’ll need access to, as well as good schools, plenty of green spaces, and a selection of activities to keep you and your family entertained.
Before making any decisions, try to find families in the area and ask them about their experiences living there. You can do this in person or, alternatively, join local groups on social media sites like Facebook and start conversations there.
Will you have space to grow?
If you want to find your forever home, you need to think long term. Consider how your requirements might change over the coming years and whether the home you’re considering will continue to meet your needs in the future.
Will the home still be suitable if your family grows? Will you be able to cope with the work it take to maintain a large garden? Is there plenty of storage space for when your kids grow up and have more things?
Choosing the perfect family home is hard but you can make it easier by asking yourself the right questions. Which of the questions above have you not yet considered?
Top Image: Sotheby’s
