Choose right spot for your new home
HOME buyers should pick the right neighbourhood before they even start looking for a house.
FNB Housing Finance head of new business and sales Abel Mngadi said it is pointless rushing into buying the perfect home within your affordability range, if you find the area is entirely unsuitable to your lifestyle.
There are a few non-negotiables when considering a neighbourhood and buyers should be strict with themselves and make sure the area fits all their needs.
“Buyers should look at access to the public transport system, be it bus or taxi. Another key consideration is safety in the area. Proximity to important local amenities, your work or your children’s schools as well as the potential for growth in the value of your home in the area, are all important,” Mngadi said.
He suggests buyers should narrow their search to selected areas. “It is pointless searching an entire city, as it will ultimately be frustrating and a waste of time, as there may be many houses that suit your affordability levels within a very wide range.”
He said it would be important to do safety research about crime in the suburb you decided on. “Residents associations are a very good source of information. Many neighbourhoods have residents’ associations which will be able to tell you the latest crime incidents in the areas, and any planned building or developments.”
Understanding what is planned for the neighbourhood is important as you may not want to buy in an area that is earmarked as the next big thoroughfare, or alternatively you can find out that they are building a shopping centre and amenities that will increase the value of your home. “One important aspect to finding the right neighbourhood is ensuring that the area has a good chance of increasing in value,” Mngadi said.
Historical property values are a good indication of the future investment into a neighbourhood, Mngadi said.
“Once you have decided on areas that suit your main needs, you need to consider aspects that affect your everyday living comfort, such as if you are sensitive to noise or varying temperatures. These may seem small or irrelevant when you are buying a house, but will make a big difference to your comfort on a day-to-day level.”
He also suggests buyers visit the area at different times of the day to see whether traffic noise or even barking dogs at night or a club in the area would bother them.. “Also consider other aspects of your life, especially your leisure time,” Mngadi said. Quick access to a park or the beach could be a relief for sporty homeseekers, while others who love restaurants and entertainment would prefer a vibey suburb with restaurants and craft markets.