How to Find the Perfect Family Home to Buy
Finding your perfect family home is an exciting adventure! It’s about discovering that special place where the family will grow and ulitimately create everlasting memories. While it’s a big decision with many things to consider, it’s also a journey full of possibilities.
But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! We have helped many other families, like your own, in finding the perfect home. With the right guidance and planning, we can help you find a home that fits your family’s everchanging needs. This blog has been made to guide you through every stage of the process, from budgeting to considering the future of your family. So, let’s dive in and break down this exciting journey!
Determine Your Budget
To begin your house search, you will need to set a budget. The easiest way to do this is to first find the value of your current property or of the mortgage you are able to secure based on your salary and savings. To do this, you can have a valuation of your current house or speak with a mortgage broker and explore your financial options. Once this step is complete, you can focus your house search to properties in the right price range. This will prevent you from getting your heart set on a home that is financially out of reach.
If you are selling a property – you might also want to think of ways to boost its value by fixing any torn wallpaper or scuffed paintwork. You might also want to make sure the exterior of you home is attractive to potential buyers to further increase the budget for your new home. Don’t forget that first impressions are crucial in securing a sale!
Additionally, you must not forget that your budget should cover more than just the initial cost of the house. You also need to consider additional costs like like transportation, insurance, and council tax. Therefore, you need to decide how much of the budget you want to allocate to the house purchase offer (or mortgage deposit) and how much you are going to set aside for after you’ve moved in. By taking these into account, you’re more likely to be able to keep on top of your finances and not have to deal with any unexpected costs.
Research the Market in Your Desired Areas
If you are looking to purchase your new home in Bexhill, Hastings or Brighton then we have properties that can suit a large range of budgets and lifestyles. So, don’t worry about the constantly changing housing market, as we can help you navigate and explore the best time to buy. Within the areas we offer, you can also google to discover the average home prices in different areas within those locations. This can give you a rough idea of where your future home might be and which areas align with your set budget.
If you already have an area in mind due to changing jobs or other extra considerations, then simply refine your search to specific zones. You’d be surprised how much prices can change from one street to the next.
Let’s say you have an area in mind, you can research certain factors using a reputable site such as the Rightmove house prices tracker to better refine your house search. For instance, you could look for the following:
- Researching recent market trends in your desired area
- Include average home prices
- The rate at which homes are selling
This will give you an idea of what to expect and help you identify a fair price range for the type of home you want. It’s also important to stay informed about new listings and price changes, as the market can move quickly, especially in popular areas.
To put it in context, let’s do one of the areas we cover, Bexhill on Sea:
- The average listing price for this area is currently £426,717, with a slight increase of 2.07% over the last six months, but over the past year, it has been £336,368, which is actually 6% less than the previous year.
- Properties are spending roughly 15 weeks on the market before being sold, which indicates a steady market with confident vendors and happy buyers.
Working with local estate agents, such as ourselves, is incredibly beneficial during this process as their local knowledge will be updated daily, and by getting in touch, you’ll get the market information you need much faster than Google. For example, talking with us as local estate agents in Bexhill will allow us to share this data or simply share if we are currently in a buyer’s or seller’s market, which will significantly affect your potential negotiations later on. Being aware of market conditions will help you make strategic choices throughout your home search.
Choosing the Right Location
When it comes to picking the perfect family home, location is everything! Sure, market research will give you a head start, but to ensure your family’s long-term happiness, you’ll want to think beyond just the numbers.
Start by looking at the essentials. How close are you to schools, work, healthcare, shopping centres, and public transport? A great location should make everyday life easy, but it should also fit your lifestyle. If you love the outdoors, then you might want to look for nearby nature reserves, woodland or beaches. If you are into fitness, then it might be important for you to have a leisure or sports centre close by.
Safety is important, too. Check out the crime rates in any area you’re considering, and if you can, take a stroll around the neighbourhood at different times of the day to get a feel for its vibe. And don’t forget to think long-term. Areas with good schools, growing amenities, and a strong sense of community tend to increase in value over time, making your investment even smarter. Who knows, when it’s time to move on, you might find yourself in a profitable seller’s market!
To continue our Bexhill on Sea example , Bexhill is a great location for a range of reasons. Considering the previous points, Bexhill is a seaside town with beautiful parks and therefore would be ideal for anyone who loves the outdoors. Additionally, there is a local leisure centre – meeting the requirements of anyone who is into sports and fitness. Furthermore, it is a great place for families due to the excellent schools in the area and low crime rates. There is also a vibrant and welcoming community where you could meet a range of like-minded people and you will also have the convenience of modern amenities right on your doorstep. Researching an area like Bexhill to ensure that the location can provide everything that you require, will assist your search for the perfect home.
Choosing the Right House
After you have found the perfect location for your new home, you need to consider the logistics and layout of the household. For instance, how many bedrooms will you need (especially if you are looking to grow your family), how many bathrooms, how large of a garden etc. With a family, you will also need to take storage into consideration. Additionally, Parking might also be something that you require and if the property doesn’t have a driveway, it might be a good idea to look at parking permits and the ease and expense of securing one. We recognise how important these factors are for families and their everchanging needs. For example, children will need a enclosed safe space outside to play when they are young, which will also be great for hosting family gatherings. However, later, as your children transition to teenagers they might want their own bedrooms with an increased level of privacy from their siblings. This will mean that your family will have different needs at different stages and this needs to be acknowledged. So, if you carefully consider these details before beginning your house search, you can find a home that can satisfy everyone’s needs as you and your family grow together.
Ultimately, you should always trust your gut and wait until you find the house that feels like “the one”. It can be a long process and can take time but patience is important! Don’t jump into a decision and carefully consider everything and you will likely end up with your dream home and potentially even your forever home.
Future-Proofing Your Home By Planning for Growth
All families change and grow, and this is probably why you decided to move in the first place. The investment required to buy a family home demands that you take the time to consider if it will work for you long-term. Of course, moving again in the future is a valid option, but moving often is not recommended compared to finding the right place to get comfortable in.
When viewing a potential property, think about how the space can be adapted as your children grow, your family expands, or your work situation changes. Flexible spaces are best as they serve multiple purposes, whether it’s a room that can transition from a nursery to a playroom or an attic that can be converted into a teenager’s private bedroom. Moreover, is there any room for an extension later down the line?
Also, consider the neighbourhood. Are there connections to further educational facilities? You may be fine living near a primary school for now, but what about when your kids need to go to secondary school or college? Only you will know what direction your family will go and what they will need in the future, but we recommend taking the time to think beyond right now as this careful consideration will make your new house a true family home—one where you can create lasting memories and enjoy every stage of family life.
Inspect the Property Yourself and with RICS Level 2 Surveyors
Once you’ve found a property that meets all these factors, it’s time to see it in person before making an offer. Depending on your distance to travel, this may be a significant commitment, but it is highly recommended that you see the property in person, as it may reveal some flaws that are not evident in the online photos. Additionally, there is no substitute of actually being there and getting a feel for the property.
If the property passes your first review, then you need to get a professional to look deeper. Unfortunately, in a fast-changing market, there may not be time to get a professional property survey before the vendor accepts an offer. Many buyers will submit an offer and then schedule a survey as soon as possible to get a professional’s opinion on the state of the home.
Securing a RICS Level 2 Survey means you get a detailed inspection that identifies any potential issues like structural problems, dampness, or faulty installations. Catching these issues early allows you to address them before finalising the purchase, potentially saving you from costly repairs down the line. For a family home, where your loved one’s safety and comfort are paramount, having this professional assessment gives you peace of mind and ensures that your new home is as solid as it appears. It also has the benefit of providing supporting data that could affect further price negotiations later.
Family Friendly Homes in Bexhill on Sea
So, whether you’re a family looking for your first house or a growing household looking for an upgrade, we know that finding the perfect home is a journey that requires careful planning and consideration to make a well-informed decision that will benefit you for years to come.
As experienced estate agents in Bexhill On Sea, on the south coast of England, we’ve seen first-hand how new families have happily settled into the unique blend of community spirit and safety in this wonderful part of the country.
When you’re ready to start your search, working with a knowledgeable estate agent can make the process smoother and more efficient, and we are here to help you every step of the way, offering personalised advice and a deep understanding of the Bexhill market to make your family’s transition as stress-free as possible. Contact us today to find out how we can assist you in finding the perfect family home.