While homeowners can alter the layout and overall appearance of a house, there is nothing a homeowner can do if the home is in the wrong location. Taking time to research a suburb and its general surroundings will ensure that the property is the right house now and for the foreseeable future.

Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, explains that it is good to be able to see potential in a home, but some characteristics are not in the homeowner’s control, such as the location of the property and size of the stand. “It is seldom possible to find a home that meets every criteria on a homeowner’s wish list. Buyers should view homes keeping in mind that some things can be changed, and others that cannot,” he recommends.

To help buyers select one of the things that cannot change, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares these five easy steps to choosing the perfect location for your home…

1. Location: City, suburbia, coastal, or country?

The possibility of remote working means that buyers are no longer necessarily tethered to a location that is close to the office. This frees buyers up to a host of possibilities. Do you want to live in a big, bustling city, or would you prefer a smaller, seaside town? Would you like to be nestled into suburbia or would you prefer to head up-country? Whatever you decide, remember that real estate is a medium to long-term investment. Be sure that you are happy to live in that location for at least five to ten years.

2. Visit the neighbourhood regularly

Living in an area is a very different experience from simply driving through it for a house viewing. Buyers should spend enough time in their newly chosen location to make sure it suits their lifestyle needs. Visit the area at different times of the day to see how things might change. Go into the local grocery stores, and visit the local coffee shops, shopping centres, and parks to make sure the suburb offers what you need.

3. Consider long-term lifestyle changes

While a home does need to suit your current lifestyle, it also needs to be suitable for the longer term. If children might be in the cards, research to make sure there are good crèches and schools in the area. If you suspect that your remote working situation might change soon, then make sure you consider your commute to the office.

4. Proximity to family & friends

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is important of being able to gather with our friends and family. It is important to consider the distance between your support structure and your newly chosen suburb.

5. Check local crime stats

Although it is not something we like to think about, it is important to know the local crime stats. You can check the latest crime stats on the SAPS website. It is also useful to chat to a few locals to find out what crime is like in the area.

“While it is impossible to change a property’s location, the home can be renovated or changed to meet the owner’s needs. Using an experienced real estate professional can help buyers make sound purchasing decisions in areas where they are unfamiliar to help them avoid making costly mistakes,” Goslett concludes.