We all know a family home when we see one. In fact, most of us lived in one when we were growing up. But despite being common when we were children, they can be notoriously difficult to find as adults. You might find a “dwelling,” but you’re in trouble if it doesn’t make the occupants happy or meet their needs.
In this post, we take a look at some of the ways to find a great family home. Here’s what to do:
Find Somewhere We A Decent Garden
Growing families need space to expand. Keeping everyone cooped up in a small apartment is not ideal.
That’s why it’s so important to find somewhere with a decent garden. You want accommodation that will allow your children to get out of the house and play.
Look For Good Schools In The Area
When searching for a new home, also make sure that you keep half an eye on the quality of the schools in the area. Your children might still be young now, but in the future, they will require an education. And getting into the right school is important.
Look for properties within the school’s catchment area. Make sure that the most recent inspections gave good scores. Also, check the average exam results and pass rates for the school. See how many children in each cohort graduate.
Get Somewhere You Can Afford
Living in a large house you can’t afford will wreck your life. You won’t have surplus cash to pay the bills, and you’ll always feel like you’re on a financial treadmill. Over time, you may start resenting family life or feeling bitter about your situation.
To cut the cost of your next home, always work with a mortgage broker. They usually have access to cheaper mortgage deals than are available publicly.
Consider Parking Arrangements
You might have found the perfect home, but if the parking arrangements leave a lot to be desired, you could find yourself frustrated daily. Check that there is enough space for the number of cars you need. If you can help it, avoid on-street parking.
If the property you like has a front yard but it is not paved, consider concreting costs. Add these to the price of the property to see whether you’re justified in purchasing it.
Check Space For An Extension
Depending on the number of children you have (or intend to have), you may require an extension to your new property. Therefore, when scouting for new homes, it’s always a good idea to check for space around the house for room it can grow. Most commonly, look for space at the rear. Here you can extend the kitchen or add a new ground-floor bedroom. You can also extend the house in the vertical direction by converting the loft, though this tends to be quite expensive.
Make Sure The Neighbourhood Is Safe
Lastly, check that the neighbourhood is safe and a suitable place for your kids to grow up. See how far you have to walk to the nearest park.