Important Factors to Consider When Buying a New Home as a Family

Purchasing a property is a huge commitment and it’s vital that you choose the right one for you and your family. With so many great properties on the market with varying selling points, we understand that it can feel a little overwhelming and sometimes hard to know what would be the best fit for you. Here at Oakheart Property, we make it our mission to help families put roots down and find their dream house to call a home across Essex and Suffolk. To help you begin your home buying journey, our team has compiled a list of factors you may want to consider when searching for a new family home.  

Location is often considered to be one of the most important factors for a family when purchasing a new home. If you have your heart set on a particular area, it’s a good idea to do some research and make sure that it ticks all the boxes. Before you book any viewings, you could pay a visit to the area and check out the local amenities and facilities. If you don’t currently know anyone who lives in the area, then visiting your desired location might also provide you with the opportunity to meet people and find out a bit more. When you do view a property that you like the look of, you may also get an opportunity to talk to the seller and ask their thoughts on the area. It’s a good idea to consider the overall safety of an area too and check the crime rates. 

Schools are often an important factor for families who are searching for a new home. If you’re moving into an area that you have limited knowledge of, then it’s a good idea to research the local schools. It’s also important to make sure that you’re fully aware of the catchment area processes. If your children are already at a school, and you don’t plan on making changes, then it’s a good idea to consider the journey time from the new property to their current school. It’s worth noting that being in close proximity to good schools can often help to boost your property value if you come to sell in the future. 

It might be beneficial to look ahead and consider what you’ll need from the property long-term. If you’re planning on expanding your family, then you might want to consider the extra space you may need. It’s always worth looking at the scope of a property and thinking about how you could renovate or extend it later down the line. 

It’s a good idea to have a clear idea of what’s important to you when searching for a new home. When it comes to purchasing a property, every family has different needs, requirements and preferences. Whether it’s an outside space to host summer parties, an open plan layout which allows you to cook and keep an eye on the little ones, or a certain number of bedrooms, work out what you think will work best for your family.