When it comes to purchasing a home, prospective buyers often carry various dreams and aspirations related to their future residence. It is essential to consider numerous factors while making this significant decision. One of the key elements to bear in mind is the selection of the house's location. Below are some important points to ponder when evaluating where to buy a house:
- Family-Friendly – For those intending to purchase properties to rent out to families, it’s critical to choose locations that are conducive to family activities. Look for serene, sandy beaches, proximity to entertainment parks, lakes, and recreational spaces. Additionally, ensure that there are numerous family-oriented restaurants and essential services available in the vicinity.
- Specialist Activities – If your aim is to attract sport enthusiasts, gaining a solid understanding of your target market before selecting a property is vital. Consider the following examples of niche markets:
- Golfers – typically seek residences located nearby high-quality golf courses with suitable amenities. Properties near golf courses can often be wise investments.
- Windsurfers – prefer locations that provide excellent wind conditions at their chosen beach. This group values access to appropriate equipment and may not opt for the same beaches preferred by families.
Accessibility
Research conducted by the travel industry reveals that if a property is over an hour's drive from a major airport, approximately 25% of potential customers will decline to visit. Furthermore, if the distance extends to over 1.5 hours, that figure rises to about 50%. Thus, if you plan to rent out your property, proximity to an airport is a crucial factor. Here are several considerations to keep in mind:
- Flights – What is the distance to the nearest airport? How many airlines operate there? How frequent are the flights? Assess the potential consequences for you if low-cost airlines cease to service the local airport. Are good flight options available all year, or are they limited to the summer season?
- Road/Ferry Connections – Is the area conveniently accessible via a motorway? How long does it take to drive to this location from various parts of the UK? Are the local roads easy for UK drivers to navigate? How will upcoming road works affect the nearest motorway access points?
- Train Links – Are there direct train services linking this area to the UK? How frequently do these services run? What’s the duration of the journey? What is the cost involved? Is the service reliable throughout the year? Consider the consequences of train services being temporarily halted.
- Transport Within the Region – Is there a robust local transportation system, including buses, tubes, or trams? What modes of transport are most effective for getting around the area?
- Car Hire Rental Rates – How is the availability of rental cars? What are the costs associated with car rentals? Are there enough family-sized vehicles accessible? Are there sufficient cars that can accommodate windsurfing, golfing, or skiing gear? Are there any driving restrictions in place? Consider the potential impact if rental rates saw a significant increase or if the number of cars available became limited.