Choosing a Location - Amenities
Local Amenities
Once you have calculated your budget and narrowed down the areas in which you can realistically afford to purchase the type of property you desire, you then need to find out what amenities are available nearby and whether they match your individual requirements.
Schools
If you have children, finding a property within a ˇĄgood catchment areaˇ¦, both primary and secondary, is likely to be high up your list of priorities. Prices for family homes can appear distorted because they are almost always higher in areas with good schools compared with similar localities where the schools have a lower reputation. Living within walking distance of a decent local school is seen by most parents as a very positive attribute; it is also a positive feature when the time comes to resell the property.
Shops
The proximity of different kinds of shops, relative to your chosen property, can have a significant influence on both quality of life and the purchase price. Most people like to be reasonably close to a large supermarket and other shops. However, being too close to a shopping centre can result in excessive noise, litter and traffic congestion affecting your property. Alternatively, with the demise of so many small shops you might find that you have to drive miles just to buy a loaf of bread or a newspaper, particularly if you choose a rural area. Obtaining a balance that suits your lifestyle is the key to success.
Restaurants and Pubs
As with shops, most people like living close to a local pub or restaurant, but not so close that they are disturbed by late night diners and revellers. Interestingly, in rural areas, property prices tend to be higher in villages with local pubs than in villages where pubs have closed down.
Leisure Facilities
Easy access to parks, playgrounds, sports facilities, gyms and swimming pools all add potential value to a property. Both children and adults wanting to keep fit appreciate having these kinds of facilities nearby. Availability of leisure facilities has an effect on property prices, but this effect is difficult to quantify.
Summary
* Local amenities do influence property prices;
* being in a good school catchment area is likely to have a major effect on property prices;
* having a choice of shops within easy reach is considered desirable;
* restaurants, pubs and leisure facilities all add value to properties, so long as the properties are not affected by excessive noise or traffic problems.
