When the time comes for you to move into a new home that’s suitable for all the family, you will need to look at some features you might not have considered in the past. From local schools to access to open spaces, your real estate priorities may have changed more than you first thought.
A real estate agent will be able to guide you through the process, but here are some of the key features you’ll need to be keeping an eye out for.
Access to quality education
Whereas schools may not have interested you as a single buyer, this will change when you go in search of a family home. Research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) suggests this is particularly the case for mothers, who generally have high hopes for the future of their children’s education.
“The expectations that mothers held for their children in Year 3 generally lasted until Year 7, although some mothers tended to adjust their expectations as their child got older,” noted AIFS Executive Manager Ben Edwards.
The group also found that more than half of mothers would like their offspring to achieve a university degree. Having access to quality education from an early age is therefore an important stepping stone towards reaching this goal.
Read more:
What to look for in a family-friendly neighbourhood
Is an apartment suitable for my family?
How to make room for a growing family
Low crime rates
Crime is something any buyer is likely to take into consideration, regardless of whether they have a family in tow. However, having children can make you more conscious of what’s going on in your local area, so it pays to be aware.
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures reveal there’s been a decline in certain types of crime over recent years. Between 2013 and 2014, for example, robbery witnessed the greatest fall at 16 per cent. Motor vehicle theft was another area of improvement, as the number of victims reached a five-year low.
You can’t have too much information when buying property, and this includes knowing what the greatest risks are in your local area.
Leisure facilities
Keeping the kids entertained is important, which is why your family home needs easy access to local things to see and do. Whether it’s a game of footy in the park or a gentle family stroll, being close to parks and open spaces can provide quick wins when it comes to kids’ entertainment.
The government recommend that children should receive at least three hours of physical activity each day, and a maximum of one hour sat in front of a screen. Where your chosen real estate is located can make significant headway in terms of making this happen.
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