People choose to move for many reasons. If you are considering a move, you should start by deciding what is most important to you and your family. If you’re single, living in a bustling city might be an ideal location for your next home. If you have a family, on the other hand, a small town may offer amenities that your kids will love. Couples often look for somewhere that provides an easy commute to work and in a location close to family or friends or indeed, a location which allows them to pursue their hobbies and interests.
So how do you choose a place to live? Begin by prioritizing. What are the deal-breaker ”must haves”? Here are a few points that, in our experience should be considered when making your choice:
1. Affordability: living comfortably and within your means should be your first concern. Affordability includes more than just housing expenses; the prices for consumable goods, can vary greatly from town to town.
2. Property Values: as probably the largest single investment you will possibly ever make, it’s important to research current home prices, the length of times properties are for sale and also the possible long-term value estimates. It’s important to know if you are buying in an area where the market remains at an all-time high or indeed, are you looking to buy in a town where there is going to be further housing developments make your home more attractive to future home buyers? In today’s economy it’s important to remember that sometimes the reason for considering a move is not one of choice but need due to the employment market in different areas.
3. Proximity to family and friends: if having them close by is important to you, choose a place either within driving distance or if you do need to live in another part of the country, somewhere with easy access via plane or train.
4. Education options: the importance of good schools cannot be overstated. Many parents choose where to live due to the calibre of public schools in that catchment area. For others, it’s the reputation and choice of private schools which influences their choice of home.
5. Employment opportunities: these vary from city to city so do your research in advance. For instance, if you are a teacher then there will be employment opportunities in many locations but if you are employed in a specialist field, then it may prove harder to find that particular type of work in all areas of the country. Don’t forget that salary levels often vary across the country and are often based on the cost of living in that area.
6. Commuting time and public transport options: a good public transport system is a major plus when choosing where to live. The journey time to and from work is an important factor, as is the cost of commuting, which can be an expensive monthly outlay affecting the affordability of your home. Don’t forget that a good public transport system can also help your family to get around when no car is available.
7. Cultural activities: if seeing concerts, operas, sports teams, plays or music events matter to you, then living in a city may be a must. If you have a favourite hobby or recreational activity then proximity or ease of commute may influence your choice of location.
8. Proximity to an airport: if you travel a lot, you may need to live within close proximity of an airport. If you live more than an hour away from the closest airport, travelling to and from it can become very time-consuming and expensive.
9. Healthcare facilities: these are important at any stage in life but are perhaps especially relevant if you have children, are nearing retirement or have ongoing medical needs whereby easy access to specialized medical care is required.
10. Town or city: If you enjoy a friendly wave from everyone you pass, then a smaller town is definitely for you. However, if you prefer to remain relatively anonymous, a larger town or even a big city will be better suited to you.
So, considering a move? Our best advice? Prioritise but accept compromise; it’s unlikely you will find a home with everything on your list of “must haves”.
All of our offices are projecting gradual but steady price rises in most areas. If you are looking to sell, please contact your nearest office for local advice or to arrange a free no obligation appraisal of your property.