How to pick the best neighbourhood when buying your next home

When you're looking for the perfect home you generally start your search with the places that are the most suitable for the whole family. Because each area has something unique to offer buyers, deciding on the best neighbourhood is almost as important as deciding on your dream home.

Consider what is important to you and what will make your life easier. You wouldn't want to live in a crime-ridden or deteriorating neighbourhood. Here are a few things to think about when deciding on the best neighbourhood for your next home:

Research the neighbourhood

Nowadays, you can get a lot of information from the internet. Let's say you want to buy a house in Summerveld because it's close to work and has a good school for your children. A simple Google search will reveal everything you need to know about the area, including schools, restaurants, and practically anything else.

You can take it a step further by visiting the area. Speaking with the locals will provide you with firsthand knowledge of the area. Your future neighbours may also be able to provide insight into the challenges and benefits of living in the area.

Explore the neighbourhood at different times of the day

As crime in South Africa is widespread, you'd want your new neighbourhood to be a haven for your family to live and grow. Exploring the neighbourhood at different times of the day will allow you to see what goes on. 

Make a list of your key issues and then seek the answers when you visit. Will the morning traffic make you late for work? Is the neighbourhood a target for criminals during the day when your home is empty? Is the neighbourhood watch active at night to prevent break-ins? 

If crime is a dealbreaker, it's best to get an updated report from the closest police station in the area.

Can you afford the neighbourhood?

Although we'd all love to live in an elite district, can you afford to live here on a long-term basis? Your estate agent can inform you about the area's rates and levies, but you should also consider your personal expenses. Will you pay more for transportation to and from work? How frequently do you visit your extended family? Will seeing them regularly put a dent in your wallet? Is the school in which you intend to enrol your children expensive? Will they require additional classes?

In addition, your potential home may now sound like a dream, but what about the future? In this scenario, your agent will be able to provide you with property reports that will allow you to determine whether the real estate prices in the area are on the rise or are decreasing.

Remember that property is an appreciating asset. If the prices of other houses in the area decline fast, if you decide to sell your investment, you won't get a positive return on it. However, you can do so without losing if you buy a home in a great area and decide to sell it after a couple of years.

Does the neighbourhood have a good community?

Moving to a new neighbourhood also entails becoming a member of a community. Every day, you and your family will interact with others. Consider whether this is the type of community you want to raise your children in. Being a part of a good community will have a positive impact on the upbringing of your children. You will also have peace of mind knowing that you live in a loving community with values and will not have to worry about the safety of your family.

Are you looking for the ideal Upper Highway neighbourhood? Seeff Hillcrest & Kloof are local experts who will assist you in finding the perfect home. When it comes to real estate, our knowledge and position in the community give us an advantage.