You’ve almost certainly heard it before: in property, it’s all about location, location, location. It’s said so often that it can sound like a cliché. But it’s repeated for good reason, because location shapes your daily life, your costs and the long-term appeal of a property.
You can renovate a kitchen or repaint a bedroom. You can’t move a house. So when you’re choosing a property, what should you actually look for in the area around it?
Your daily commute
Think about how you’ll get to work, school or anywhere you go regularly.
- How long will the trip take at peak times, not just on a quiet Sunday?
- Is there reliable access to main roads or public transport?
- What will the commute cost you in fuel, tolls or fares over a month?
A shorter, easier commute can save you time and money, and make a real difference to your quality of life.
Access to shops and essential services
Consider how easy it is to get to the things you need:
- Grocery stores and pharmacies
- Medical facilities, clinics or hospitals
- Banks, petrol stations and everyday services
- Parks, gyms or leisure facilities you’d use
Convenience matters, and areas with good amenities often appeal to a wide range of buyers and tenants.
Nearby schools (if they matter to you)
If you have children, or plan to, the schools nearby may be one of your biggest considerations. Look at:
- Which schools are within reach, and their admission or feeder-zone policies
- How children would get to and from school safely
Even if schools aren’t a priority for you, nearby schools can influence demand from future buyers or tenants.
The general feel of the neighbourhood
Statistics only tell part of the story. Spend time in the area yourself.
- Visit at different times: weekday mornings, evenings and weekends.
- Notice how well kept the streets, parks and neighbouring properties are.
- Pay attention to noise levels, traffic and how safe you feel.
- Chat to people who live there if you get the chance.
Ask yourself honestly: could I see myself living here?
If you’re buying as an investment
When you’re buying to rent out or to sell later, think beyond your own preferences and consider:
- Who might want to live in the area in the future? Young professionals, families, students or retirees?
- What does local rental demand look like? Speak to local letting agents and look at how quickly similar properties are let, and at what rent.
- Is the area growing? New infrastructure, businesses or developments can be positive signs, though it’s worth researching how plans are progressing.
A great property includes its surroundings
A beautiful home in the wrong location can be frustrating to live in and harder to rent or sell. A well-located property, on the other hand, can offer convenience, lifestyle and long-term appeal.
How we look at location as developers
At Sunsetbay Developers, the questions in this article are the same ones we ask when we assess a new area or site for a development: how people will get to work and school, what’s nearby for everyday living, who will want to live there in years to come and how the area is likely to hold its appeal. It’s part of the thinking behind our current development in Kempton Park, and it’s a useful way for any buyer to look at an area.
