Choosing a home for a growing family

Choosing a home for a growing family is a significant decision that involves weighing up various factors to ensure that the space will accommodate your family's needs now and in the future.

"Price and location both play an important part and while it is relatively easy to determine your budget - always keeping possible interest rate fluctuations in mind - where you want to live and the type of home you want deserve careful consideration, especially if you don't want to move again too soon," says Gerhard Kotzé, CEO of the RealNet property group.

Factors to consider as far as the area is concerned are whether you and your family will feel comfortable living there, the presence of good schools and other amenities that fit your lifestyle, such as shops, restaurants, parks, medical facilities and sports venues, and the prevalence of crime.

"Easy access to public transport as well as major roads is also increasingly important, and a reputable local property professional will also be able to tell you whether the area is developing or declining, and how fast local property values are growing.

"Also area-related are some other factors that could affect affordability, such as the municipal rates and service charges, potentially higher insurance premiums because of local environmental issues or crime, and potentially higher maintenance costs due to the local climate."

However, once you have identified your preferred area/s, you can turn your attention to your family's specific housing needs - and you will generally find it is much easier to compile a priority list before you start house-hunting, he says.

"This should include enough bedrooms and bathrooms for the current and anticipated family size, and an internal layout that suits your family's lifestyle and provides both communal and private spaces. If you have young children, a safe play area is essential, and lots of storage space for all the family's belongings is always a bonus.

"It is also important to look for the potential to make additions or alterations in the future if you need to - and to adapt spaces to keep pace with changing needs as your children grow. For example, they will need space to do their homework once they start school and additional space for laptops and other equipment as they grow older. A family room where children can entertain their friends once they hit their teenage years may also be a must for you."

In addition, Kotzé notes, you should evaluate the size and usability of any yard or outdoor area, especially if you have children or pets, and remember that it's great to have space for outdoor entertaining and ball games, but does take time and money to maintain a big garden.

"Then when it comes to viewing specific properties, you obviously need to assess the condition of the roof, foundation, plumbing and electrical systems, and consider the need for any immediate repairs or renovations.

"Next, you need to consider your family's unique preferences and lifestyle, such as the style of the home, the amount of natural light, and any specific features that are important to you. These days, for example, more and more buyers are looking for energy efficient homes that help them to cut utility bills, reduce their carbon footprint and avoid load-shedding."

In short, he says, it's vital to strike a balance between your immediate needs and your long-term goals when choosing a home for a growing family. "This choice is likely to have a major effect on your family's financial future as well as their comfort, so you need to conduct thorough research, visit potential properties and consult with an experienced property professional who can help you make informed decision."