Does your home meet your future needs?
Deciding to buy a home is very exciting, but it is important to understand that it is a major financial commitment that should be given the proper consideration. Given the long-term nature of a property investment, there are some essential elements that should be carefully measured beforehand, to ensure you are making the right decision and purchasing a property that meets your needs both now and in the future.
Purchasing a property is a decision that will have an impact on your financial well-being, which is why it is essential to make an informed decision based on your life plans. Consider both your criteria now and how your needs could evolve over the next five to ten years. Rushing into the decision without considering your future plans and goals could end up costing a lot more money in the long run.
Before even looking at potential properties, sit down and determine what features you currently need in a home, as well as the features you may require in the future. A few elements to consider would be the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the need for a garden and accessibility to public transport . There may also be special criteria such as energy-efficient features, the number or type of parking facilities or wheel-chair accessibility.
Here are some examples of questions you might ask when looking for a home that will meet your future requirements:
- Do I need a home office?
- Do I plan to have children?
- Do I have children who will be moving out soon?
- Am I close to retirement?
- Will I need a home that can accommodate different life stages?
- Do I have an older relative who might come to live with me?
Everyone will have their unique criteria that will be specific to their life stage and plans.
The biggest restriction when looking to purchase a home that will fit in with your plans is affordability. Financial restrictions could mean compromising on certain aspects, even if only for the time being. For example, if a newly married couple who want to start a family need a second bedroom, but can only afford a one-bedroom home, they could find a home that they can add onto when they are financially ready. This way the home will meet their current needs while having the potential to grow into their plans.
Regardless of the type of home, you decide to buy – sustainability is a key issue to homeownership. Ensure that you can afford to sustain the financial obligation before entering into the agreement.
Mortgage repayments are not the only financial consideration when it comes to affording a property, as there are other costs involved in both the property transaction and homeownership. Take these additional costs into consideration when assessing affordability as they can add up to a relatively large amount.
Another essential aspect to consider in every property purchase is location. Location is a key influencer when it comes to a home’s future investment potential. It is far better to compromise on the features of the home than on its location. Purchasing a property in the right location that meets both your short and long-term needs will provide you with the benefits of an accommodating home that grows in value over time.