When you’re buying a new property, then the single most important factor to consider is the one that can’t be changed or tweaked after you’ve made the purchase – the location. Where you are in the country will have a huge impact on your quality of life, for a whole range of reasons. And this will be reflected in the price you get when and if you come to sell.

Proximity to Amenities and Services

When considering new build homes, it is essential to evaluate their proximity to key amenities and services, ensuring a convenient and comfortable living experience. Arguably the most important of these is the quality of the local schools. If you have children in need of an education, living in the right catchment area is critical. But even if you don’t, you’ll enjoy the boost in property value that comes with living near a good school.

Other amenities, like hospitals, shopping centres, and public transport, can also help to push up the value of a property (and make life more convenient). Note also that there are some kinds of amenities that can actually push down the value of a property. If you’re right beneath a flight path, the noise can be a turn-off for many buyers.

Property Value and Investment Potential

There are other factors that can impact the value of a property in the long run, such as its potential for appreciation. If your property is near the centre of town, for example, you might anticipate a boom pushing up its value in the long term. As the settlement grows, and booms economically, demand for housing near the centre will be pushed up. Of course, if the settlement actually declines economically, the opposite will happen. 

Keep an eye on trends in the neighbourhood, and plans for further development. In some cases, there might be particular features of the area that restrict further development. If the house is sited beside a sheer rock face, or at the edge of a marsh, it might be that further expansion of the local housing supply is unlikely.

Safety and Neighbourhood Environment

Certain neighbourhoods suffer from crime to a greater extent than others. The worse the problem, the lower the price of the local houses might be. The strength of the local community will matter, too. In some parts of the country, communities are tightly woven, with everyone knowing everyone else. This tends to be a feature of life in small villages, rather than larger suburban estates.

Access to Green Spaces and Recreation

Green space provides a range of benefits. They’ll provide a space for exercise and leisure. If you have a park on your doorstep, you can go for a run every morning. Plants and trees tend to promote feelings of well-being, making local parkland a great antidote to stress and other mental health problems.