All of us will have looked at our home over the last year and thought about either moving house or doing some house refurbishment. Our homes have never been more important to us and we’ve also spent so much time at home than ever before. For me, I definitely thought about moving house but what would I most like in a new home led me to think about all of us, and always try and keep an eye on those mortgage numbers too.
What are you looking for in a new home?
Working from home
I was lucky to have a separate space to be able to work from home but it’s not very big and I’d love to be able to put a bit more storage in there. So I would definitely like to have more space and I definitely need this space, even before lockdown I was working from home. But I think most are now focusing on the extra space as much as possible. Because I love being in the garden, I’d actually love a home office in the garden. The dream for me but then I always have garden envy.
Garden space
Just as I am talking about gardens… we’ve all spent a lot of time in our gardens, especially through isolation periods and just staying home. My present garden is fine but I’d like more space. At the moment mine is busy with trying to have a seating area, having grass for the kids to play and then of course the room the trampoline takes up! I also have my vegetable garden which I’d love to make it bigger though.
So that’s what I would look for, although I wouldn’t want anything that needed too much maintenance. I feel that what are you looking for in a new home is really dependent on where you are in life. Now I want a bigger space but in 20 years time I would probably want a smaller garden.
The heart of my home – Kitchen
I absolutely love being in the kitchen, whether it’s cooking, baking, making drinks and of course cocktails. I like open plan living, the kitchen becomes such a focus and I love it for family living. The kids can do their homework as I prep dinner, I can be making the snacks ready for movie night and they can be getting comfy in the snug. It’s such an important part of the home for me.
Garage
Maybe not the most aesthetically pleasing part of a home but so important for storage and as we a family of four all took up cycling during lockdown, it’s a great place to store the bikes. Maybe you need the space for your gym or maybe part of it will form your utility area. I think the question of what are you looking for in a new home, needs to focus the real of the home where you need the most storage or access. You really need to think about what activities ou enjoy as a family and how can my home support that.
Having family close
We can now have family and friends over to stay the night again and there has been so many wanting to do this and help with grandchildren sleepovers or elderly relatives. We are all being safe but having that extra room for guests feel so vital to get that much needed family time again. Data says that the market is on the rise at the moment as we look for more space in our homes.
Solar panels
Maybe still not an absolute deal breaker for me as not every home have solar panels but I am trying to do what I can for the environment and it feels like at some point I will have them. If it could be sooner then of course I’ll take them.
Price
Of course this matters, it really should be at the top of the list but it’s not always the fun part is it? This is the more realistic part of buying a new home, what will your budget allow you to buy and will you have to make compromises? What will you have to give up so you afford the home? Also does your budget mean you can get more than you expected? How exciting.
Location
This is not something that a house can help with unless you’re able to buy land and design your own home. But obviously location counts, it might be that you’re thinking about the kids education or you want to be closer for work and avoid the long commute. You will also want to check out the neighbourhood before you move to see what amenities are available and get the lowdown on it feeling like home to you. For a smoother transition, consider using moving containers canada, making it easier to transport your belongings to your new place.
So, this was my list of ‘what are you looking for in a new home?’ But tell me, what are you looking for?
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