You can change a building, but you can’t change its location. This is why it’s so important to get the location right when choosing a home. Below are just some of the big things to consider when looking for the perfect location.
Convenient access to amenities
Some people may like the idea of a home that’s isolated in the middle of nowhere. However, for others it could be frustrating.
Having shops on your doorstep can be useful when it comes to buying essentials – ideally there should be a corner shop within walking distance so that you dont have to get in the car every time. It’s also worth considering local entertainment – for some people a local pub is a must. Having a park or some form of greenery nearby could also be important for some people (especially if you’ve got a dog).
You should also consider distance to public services. Proximity to schools could be important if you have kids. If you don’t drive, public transport links could be essential to look into if you want to be able to get around. For those moving to villages, it could also be worth considering if there are emergency services in the area (or at least a local doctor’s surgery).
Distance to work is also something to consider if you don’t work from home. A long commute could soon become the bane of your life. Be realistic and how much time you’re prepared to spend travelling to and from work each day.
Friendly neighbours
Unfriendly neighbours could make you feel uncomfortable in your home. Consider researching into the local community before you decide to move.
You should avoid moving somewhere with a high crime rate. If you notice lots of cameras, spiked fences, graffiti or broken windows, it could be a sign that crime is a problem. The local crime rate is something that you can look into at sites like ADT. It could be particularly important to look into if you have kids.
Talking to neighbours could also give you an idea of how friendly people are in the area. Consider spending time in the local pub or talking to people in the street. You could even knock on the next door neighbour’s house to get an idea of who you may be living next to.
Low noise/air pollution
Noise pollution and air pollution can be worth considering too. Noisy areas can be stressful to live in for some people. Sources of noise to look out for could include bars and nightclubs, trains, busy roads or airports.
Air pollution is most likely to be an issue in cities. It could be particularly bad near busy roads or in areas near factories. You can research into air quality at sites such as this one.
Great views
A great view may not be essential, but is likely to be a bonus for many people. A view across a river, lake or the sea can be highly sought after – the likes of these Riverfront Residences could be ideal. Views of mountains, forests, hills, valleys or local landmarks are also a selling point for many people.
Of course, you may not be this fussy, however you shouldn’t have to put up with a bad view. An apartment facing a brick wall could end up being claustrophobic, while a view of the local dump could be depressing.
Low flood risk
If you’re moving near a river or the sea, you may want to look into flood risks. While homes in the area may have flood defences, there could still be a risk of having your home destroyed by water. You may also struggle to get insured.
Affordable pricing
Some areas can be a lot more expensive to live in than others. Many of the above factors will often push the price up. This can often mean making sacrifices in order to find somewhere affordable.
If you’re thinking of moving across the country, you may want to look beyond street prices and consider the entire town’s cost of living before moving there. Everything from food prices to public transport fares could be more expensive than what you are currently used to. If you’re not on a high salary, you’ll need to consider whether you can afford these added expenses.
