Choose wisely
Buying a home is a major commitment, so choose one that ticks all the boxes for your particular circumstances. Cairn Homes has the following advice for house hunters
C HOOSING your first family home can feel like the most important decision you will ever make. Price and budget are always key considerations, but you also have to think about you and your family’s needs, both now and in the future. You’re not just buying a house, you’re also buying into a community, an area and a lifestyle. It’s far more than getting the mortgage and signing on the dotted line.
SPACE
One key consideration is space, both in your house and in your chosen development. Will your inside space be enough for your growing family? If you have young children, think of them as teenagers – will both the living and the sleeping spaces be big enough for you all? Outside spaces are not just confined to back gardens – green areas within developments can help bring a community together and create a natural play space for your children.
LOCATION
Everyone has their favourite area, whether they have grown up there or have simply fallen in love with the spot. Either way, it’s important to choose your house in an area that you love and that is convenient to you. Think about what you like to do in your leisure time – do you enjoy strolling on the seafront, or are family picnics in a local park important to you? Is living beside family vital? Do you want a city or a suburban location?
TRANSPORT LINKS
It cannot be stressed enough how important good transport links are when choosing a home. Don’t just think about the commute to your job now; if you were to change jobs, is your house well located for travelling to different areas? If you have children, are there good public transport options to give them independence as they get older? If you drive, can you cope with one car for your family or must you have two? Good transport links are essential for a flexible lifestyle and can mean the difference between a house that’s good right now, and a home that delivers for decades to come.
AMENITIES
Location is also important with regard to the type of amenities in the neighbourhood. Is there a good range of schools to suit your children? If eating out and socialising is important to you, are there nice restaurants, cafés and bars near you? If you’re a sports enthusiast, are there clubs you can join to indulge your hobby? Think, too, of the practical amenities, such as supermarkets, gyms and local shops – these are the things we take for granted when they are there, but are sorely missed when they are that little bit more inconvenient. Don’t forget about the amenities within your own house – a new build can save you thousands in terms of energy efficiency, as well as doing your bit for the environment. An efficient heating system can also be worth its weight in gold during those cold winter months.
A HOUSE OR A HOME?
Last but definitely not least, imagine your family living in the house you have chosen. We’ve already touched on the need for space, but think too of the practicalities of everyday living. If you dream of the family all gathering in the kitchen at the end of the day, then make sure you choose a house with a bright and sunny kitchen/dining area. If you like some adult space, go for a house with a separate living room you can call your own. If luxuriating in a nice hot bath at the end of the day is your thing, pay close attention to the bathrooms. Finally, think of the sleeping arrangements – if you have small children, does the layout of the bedrooms and bathrooms give you peace of mind at night? Think of the house as your home – is it the right choice for you and your family? The right decision now will pay off in decades to come.
Cairn Homes plc is committed to working with the best craftspeople, processes and materials to deliver homes that work both now and far into the future. This weekend sees the launch of the show apartments at its flagship development Marianella in Rathgar, with one, two and three-bed luxury apartments and penthouses, and large five-bed semi-detached houses available. Shackleton Park in Lucan, Parkside off the Malahide Road in Dublin, and Churchfields in Ashbourne, Co Meath offer spacious homes with growing families in mind. The first phase of its latest development Glenheron in Greystones Co Wicklow is due to launch on 16th June with a limited release of exceptional A-rated three and four-bed family houses. All of these developments deliver in terms of location, transport links, amenities and space. Your ideal home is waiting for you.
You’re not just buying a house; you’re buying into an area and a lifestyle