There’s no doubt that having children can change your perspective on what is important in a home. When it comes to looking for a property, you want a home that not only appeals to your aesthetics, but grows and adapts with your family. Here are some of the ways your home search may change with kids in tow.
You’ll want to evaluate the neighbourhood, as well as its future. If you’re house hunting with very young children, you might be looking for a neighbourhood with things like parks and homes with fenced backyards. But you’ll also want to think of your family as it grows, and whether those neighbourhoods have good schools, especially if you’re looking for private, and proximity to recreational options.
You might be less willing to compromise. When looking for a property by yourself or as a couple without children, you might be more flexible with some “must-have” items on your list. Do you really need five full bathrooms? Maybe you’re willing to look at luxury townhomes as well as fully detached houses? With children in the picture, however, many of these things become non-negotiable.
It might take you longer to find that perfect home. According to a study by real estate company Zillow, only 52 per cent of buyers with children ended up purchasing the first home they put an offer on, compared to 62.7 per cent for buyers without. This might be due to the aforementioned unwillingness to compromise, or it might be that families with children are less inclined to get into a bidding war.
Think about how you want to spend quality family time. In the chaos and glamour of house hunting, it can be easy to get swept up with things like chef’s kitchens and expansive home offices. It’s still important, however, to think about how your family spends quality time together, or wants to. Whether that’s on the tennis court after dinner or cuddled up in a cozy home cinema, make sure the home’s features will compliment your family time, not overshadow it.
