A landscape architect’s perspective: 5 things to consider when purchasing your new home

5 things to consider before purchasing your new home

1. Location and access: When you’re looking to buy a new home, it’s important to think about your ideal lifestyle and the pace of life that suits you best. Think about whether you prefer the energy of a bustling city area, the tranquility of a remote countryside location, or something in between. Also, take into account your transportation needs. Do you rely on your own car or prefer using public transport? In any case, it’s worth checking how close the property is to main roads and likely traffic hold ups. Take a moment to find out where the nearby bus stops and train stations are too, consider the commuting time needed daily. And don’t forget to consider important services like grocery stores, medical facilities, and the nearest fire station.

2. Neighbourhood: When choosing the right locality for your new home, consider the needs of your family. If you have children or elderly family members, think about the availability of kindergartens, schools, sports and leisure centres, daycare options, and healthcare facilities in the area. If these are not within walking distance, find out how easy it is to reach them. Safety is important to consider. Decide whether you prefer a densely populated neighbourhood, a more secluded and private setting, or a community-type environment that has good social interactions. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available, such as flats, bungalows, or cosy cottages, so you can choose what suits your family best.

3. Space surrounding the property: The outdoor area of your new home is important for your overall satisfaction. Does the property offer leisure spaces for residents, such as comfy outdoor seating areas, nicely kept playgrounds for children and perhaps even convenient fitness areas? It’s also worth assessing if there are useful green spaces that enhance your quality of life. For example, a well designed green buffer between the property and the main road can block noise and dust, also providing a sense of privacy. Look for properties with interesting gardens that have a variety of trees, shrubs, and vibrant flowerbeds. Additionally, check if there is ample parking available. Maybe a parking lot or designated parking spaces.

4. Nearby green areas: It’s good to see what green spaces there are near the property. Any publicly accessible areas, such as water facilities, nature trails, inviting public parks, well-maintained walking paths, charming village greens, or registered commons. Close-by green areas can make such a difference. Spending time in nature is known to promote a sense of relaxation, restore attention, reduce stress, and help with overall well-being. Living close to green spaces can have a really good impact on your health, well-being, and lifestyle. Gather details about these nearby green areas from a local information centre or other local resources as they can provide valuable insights.

5. Heritage: It’s worth checking whether there are any historical features on the property or nearby. While these sites can be cherished and a source of pride, they can also come with certain obligations that could impact your future activities. If a building, structure, or tree is considered of value historically or culturally, there might be specific demands made for maintenance. It’s important to know of possible restrictions or obligations before making a decision. Keep in mind that even simple repair work could become complex due to certain requirements. Information from a reliable source or local authorities can give valuable guidance.

By taking the five factors, location and access, the neighbourhood, outdoor space, nearby green areas, and heritage into consideration, an informed decision can be made. Remember to keep your preferences, family needs, and overall well-being in mind from the start of the processs

A landscape architect’s perspective: 5 things to consider when purchasing your new home
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