Finding a family home can seem like a daunting and stressful process when you don’t know what it is you should be looking out for. So, to make the steps to buying a house a little easier for you and your family, we’ve provided a handy guide with the best tips and tricks to consider in your search.
The location of your family home is equally as important as the property itself. School catchment areas, OFSTED reports and league tables are all important to research in your neighborhood. Also, transport links to work, to the nearest city or town centre and to nearby motorways are also a major consideration.
To avoid wrestling with shopping bags and a baby carrier, a safe, secure parking spot such as a garage or a gated driveway would be ideal for added security.
Having even a small garden or safe communal area to explore and play in can make a huge difference to kids’ enjoyment and development. See if there is enough room for playsets, like swings or football goals. Also, ensure that outside steps, terraces, patios and brickwork are in good condition and level. Loose paving stones can be a hazard for young children and older family members.
When looking for your next property, it’s always a good idea to make sure that you have room to grow as a family, especially if you are planning to stay there for a long time. Ensure that there is room for cupboards or shelves to be built in!
As you evaluate homes, consider your hobbies and what makes you happy. For example, if you love to cook, pay special attention to the kitchen. If you like to run for exercise, is there a gym on site? Think about your current living situation, what you love about living there and what you would change.
Before buying, it’s important to enlist the help of a professional to carry out a homebuyer survey, which will check for any hidden defects such as wet rot and woodworm and structural problems.
