Homes perfect for growing families
When you’re buying a family home there's more things to consider than just budget and size. What makes the perfect family home?
Thinking about how you will all live in the house, and how the property can adapt to your lifestyle and change your family dynamic for the better, are all crucial factors to consider.
But these aren't the only considerations you need to make. When hunting for your first family house, having a garden and plenty of space inside is often a dream requirement, but being near good schools, a local park or even a leisure centre should be high on your priority list.
Here, we talk us through six key points to make finding the perfect home for your family a success.
1. Do your research
Searching for your ideal family home can feel overwhelming but make it more manageable by taking the time to envision what your dream property might look like. How many bedrooms does it need to have? Is a large garden a priority? Is location the most important factor for you?
Having answers to these important questions will help you have a clearer idea of what you’re looking for so that you can narrow your search criteria when you’re talking to estate agents.
2. Decide on a budget
Having a figure in mind means you can search for homes within a certain price range, giving you a stronger idea about what you can realistically afford and also the elements that you may need to compromise on.
It’s important to remember that you’ll need to set aside additional money on top of your deposit to cover the costs of solicitors, mortgage booking fees, arrangement fees, valuation fees and surveyor fees, as well as lender/broker fees if you choose to use them.
3. Choosing the right location
This is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects and it’s crucial to think about the needs and priorities of everyone both now and in the future.
School catchment areas, OFSTED reports and league tables are all important to research, but once you’ve narrowed your choice it’s also vital to visit the school to see whether it would suit your children.
Transport links to work, to the nearest city or town centre and to nearby motorways are also a major consideration, so do your homework about the distance from your potential new home to these areas.
For young families, a garden is a wonderful feature, but it’s also important to be near a park so children can really run around and play. And if you’re close to walking trails, woodland and the countryside it’s even better so that time spent together in the fresh air can be a regular feature of your lifestyle – it's especially important if you have a family dog.
Finally, are there plenty of clubs and activities for children? How close is the nearest health and leisure club? And are there good family-friendly restaurants and bars within walking distance?
4. Easy parking
To avoid wrestling with shopping bags and a baby carrier, a safe, secure parking spot such as a garage or a gated driveway would be ideal for added security.
5. Space to grow
Getting the space right in a family home is key, and for this think about how you want to use the house. For you, is the kitchen the heart of your home? Would you like an open plan living space? Do all the bedrooms need to be the same size?
It’s also a good idea to consider if the property has potential to be extended in the future, giving you extra space, so you wouldn’t have the expense of moving to a larger house as your family grows, and increasing the value of your home.
6. Flexible storage
The home you’re considering might already have enough room to accommodate all of your belongings, but as children and families grow, so often does the amount of stuff they need to store. So when you’re viewing properties check whether there would be space for new made-to-measure shelving and cupboards in the bedrooms and hallway.
Think you’re ready for your family to grow? We’ve picked our favourite family homes on the market right now…
3 bedrooms
Early viewing is a must of this very well presented 3 bedroom, family home which has been updated over the last few years by the current owner to a great standard.
3 bedrooms
Move straight in! A good-sized well-presented family home with 3 bedrooms, large loft room, garage & parking space, in a desirable location overlooking Hartsdown Park, near the sea front & mainline railway station. Only a short walk to Margate's famous sands, the Old Town and Hartsdown Leisure Centre's swimming pools, gym, fitness/dance studios and sports halls.
3 bedrooms
This is a well presented 3-bedroom modern end of terrace family home in the popular coastal town of Broadstairs with no chain. Being well located for local schools and transport links as well as local shops close by.
3 bedrooms
Move straight in & arrange your furniture! We are delighted to offer this refurbished three bedroom terraced house in a sought after location close to the town, schools and station.
3 bedrooms
Early viewing is a must of this good size 3 double bedroom period family home located in popular Cliftonville in the property hotspot Margate.
3 bedrooms
Oakwood homes are delighted to offer this three bedroom semi-detached house in the popular location of Kings Road, Ramsgate. A superb location for Ramsgate train station for anyone looking to commute to London with high-speed trains to St Pancras.
2 bedrooms
A 2-bedroom detached period cottage located in popular St Peters in the sought-after coastal town of Broadstairs! A rare opportunity to buy a detached cottage in this location handy for all amenities.
If you would like any more information on any of these properties, please get in touch with your nearest branch!
Or you can also find out the current value of your home by clicking HERE.