Acquiring a property that will become your new home is one of the most important decisions you can make, as it will influence many areas of your life in the future. Therefore, it is essential that you keep in mind the following aspects, which will help you make the best choice.
Location
Experts say that the most important thing for a business to succeed is its location. This also applies to your home. Being central and close to your work, your children’s school, shops, hospitals, etc., can make a big difference if you value your time a lot. There is also much to be said for relocating to areas which are undergoing development, such as the new developments Meath offers, as property values in such areas are likely to increase in the future as development of the area progresses.
If you like tranquillity, it is likely that a house in a totally residential area will be more appropriate. This, of course, influences the price and the mortgage that you will probably need.
Size
Depending on your plans, the surface area and distribution of the property is relevant. If you do not plan to have children for a few years, a small apartment could be the most convenient, it is easier to furnish and keep clean. On the contrary, if you already have a large family, several bedrooms and multiple bathrooms are probably a must if you want a truly comfortable family home.
Environmental aspects
To make you feel comfortable in your home, in addition to the aforementioned elements, you should also consider certain environmental elements. Natural lighting is important, as is the noise level of both the street and neighbouring houses. Also, the thermal insulation, which protects you from both cold and heat are aspects to be taken into account, as well as energy-efficiency which can have a large impact on your energy bills each month, especially during cold weather spells.
Condition
If it is a previously-owned house, it is essential that you check the condition for signs of wear and tear, or structural issues, depending on the age of the property. If there are issues which need to be resolved, you will have to include in your budget an amount necessary to address such issues.
Future sale value
Do not forget that at some point in the future you might want to sell the house to move to something better, or relocate for employment, etc. So, you should consider how easy the property would be to sell, and the potential for growth in value of the house. Is it in an upcoming area? Is it a desirable neighbourhood? Property value is primarily driven by factors such as location, size and condition.