What makes the perfect family home?

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, public transport and even a leisure centre should be high on your priority list.

But these aren't the only considerations you need to make. Thinking about how the property can adapt to your lifestyle and change your family dynamic for the better, are crucial factors to consider.

With many of us working from home, whether that be every day or just a few days a week, we've also had to reassess what we want from our living space.

Here Francis & Friends Estate Agents in Leyton have put together some expert tips to help make sure finding your perfect family home is a success.

1. Decide on a budget

By speaking to the local Estate Agents in Leyton you will get an idea of what prices are being achieved for the type of family home you are hoping to find. 

We would also recommend speaking with an independent mortgage advisor, who will give you a realistic figure to base your search on, 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 stamp duty, solicitors, mortgage booking fees, arrangement fees, valuation fees and surveyor fees.

2. Do your research

Searching for your ideal family home can feel like a daunting task and be a little overwhelming, but make it more manageable by taking the time to make a list of what you really need from your dream property. Is location the most important factor for you? Is there potential for your property to grow as your family does? How many bedrooms does it need to have? Is a large garden a priority?

Having answers to these important questions will help you have a clearer idea of what you and your family really need so that you can narrow your search criteria when you're talking to Estate Agents in E10. Use one of the various online property websites as a tool to compare different types of homes and their locations. Note how prices change depending on location and consider how this might affect what you can afford.

Check out Estate Agents in Leytonstone blog also

3. Location, location, location

Usually, the first aspect a homebuyer will consider when finding a 'forever home' is the location. Where you live will impact your day-to-day life – the school run and your daily commute to work, quick trips to the supermarket, coffee shops or outings to the pub. Think about your lifestyle needs and prioritise not only your current self but your future self and that of your family.

If you travel to a place of work, commuter links are top of the list. Great rail links may be an ideal mode of transport, for example, but accessibility to these links or the cost of rail fares may affect your decision on the best location for you.

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. Make sure you also look at waiting lists to ensure you can secure a place in the school at the right time.

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 and woodland 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. Space to grow

Getting the space right in a family home is key, Think about how you want to use the house. For you, is the kitchen the heart of your home? Would you like separate reception rooms or an open plan living space?

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 giving the opportunity of increasing the value of your home.

5. Easy parking

To avoid wrestling with shopping bags and a baby carrier, having off street parking or potential to do so, would be ideal for that added convenience.

6. Storage

You might feel the home you are considering already has 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 out the potential to create further storage, whether that be in the bedrooms, landing or hallway. Is the loft boarded, is there a garage or potential for a garden room maybe?

7. Feeling at home

Your gut feeling is always something to go by. Can you imagine yourself living there? Can you envision making it yours? Ultimately, you will know if the property feels right or not and if you are unsure, refer back to your future goals to remind yourself of what your needs are in a home.

8. Speak to us

There's no shame in seeking out professional help when it comes to looking for a great family property. Remember – Francis & Friends Estate Agents in E10 know the local area inside out and understand exactly what you will be expected to pay for each kind of property. Francis & Friends Estate Agents in Leyton are happy to have a conversation with you and do our best to help, after all this is a big decision.

We have helped many families find their perfect home in Leyton, Leytonstone, Wanstead and Walthamstow and we would love to help you too. Call us on 020 3621 8818 or drop us a line at hello@francisandfriends.co.uk for some friendly advice.