Among the most consequential decisions you’ll make in your life is your choice of home. Where you decide to live truly matters, for a whole range of reasons. You might need easy access to certain facilities, or to a place of work. The building itself might need to reflect the needs of your family.
And there’s also the cost to consider – which will have a considerable effect on your financial life going forward.
Let’s take a look at a few criteria worth considering. You’ll want to weigh each according to your own particular needs and circumstances.
Location: Proximity to Schools, Parks, and Work
Arguably, the most important consideration is the location of your home. Even in an age of working-from-home professionals, your proximity to work will matter. Think about how long you’re going to be commuting each day, and add up the hours over the years to come. Then ask yourself how much that time matters to you.
If you have young children, then the quality of the local schools might be pivotal. For many, it might be worth looking at a smaller home, if it means that a high-quality local school can be accessed.
Space and Layout: Room to Grow
If you have a family, or you’re looking to start one, then you might place a considerable premium on living space. Think about how much room your children are going to need, and how much privacy you’re each going to get in your new space. The way that the various rooms are arranged might make a difference, too.
New-build homes tend to come with less space overall, but their layout is often better suited to modern life. Choose between different properties on their individual merits, and try to imagine what life is actually going to be like when you live in them.
Safety and Neighbourhood
You can get a sense of how safe a given part of the country is by looking at statistics. But bear in mind that the reported crime rates don’t always reflect the crimes that are actually being perpetrated. After all, not all crime gets reported. To give yourself peace of mind, it’s often a good idea to seek out locals and ask them what life in the area is really like.
Storage and Practical Features
The storage furniture you choose can make a big difference to the amount of living space the home actually provides. Think about how dedicated storage spaces, like lofts, cupboards, and garages, can be sensibly optimised. Investing in a few pieces of bespoke furniture can often make a big difference.
Future-Proofing Your Home
Getting the best from your home in the long run means thinking not just about what it looks like now, but how it might look in years to come. You can safeguard your investment by installing the right electrical systems, for example, as soon as you move in. That way, you can get the walls plastered, without worrying that you’ll need to demolish any of them in years to come.
