How to buy a forever home

When searching for a home, the idea of a “forever home” is often a dream. However, whether or not you find one can depend on various factors, from your personality to your financial situation. While some individuals know exactly what they want and stick to it, for others, settling on one property for life can be a challenge. To help you find a home that could stand the test of time, here are five key considerations:

1. Flexibility

A home that truly lasts needs to be adaptable. As life evolves, so too will the demands on your living space. Consider an open-plan layout, which offers flexibility by allowing you to rezone the space as your needs change. For example, a dining area could easily transform into a playroom for children or a home office. When choosing a property, focus on its structural elements rather than the current décor. While sleek, modern designs may seem appealing now, they could pose practical challenges in the future. Sharp edges or minimalist features might not be ideal as your family grows, or as you age. While it’s difficult to predict exactly what you’ll need 20 years from now, try to imagine how your home will accommodate your life as it evolves. Will it work if your elderly parents need to move in? What if you decide to rent out a portion of the property? Thinking about these scenarios will help ensure your home remains versatile as your life changes.

2. Location

Location is always crucial, but when it comes to a “forever home,” it’s even more important. Consider the long-term needs of your family, including proximity to schools, public transport, and amenities like shops and healthcare facilities. The right location can make a huge difference in the convenience and practicality of your home over the years. Think about access to schools for your children, from preschool all the way through to sixth form. In addition, well-connected areas with local amenities can make daily life easier, and enhance the long-term value of your home.

3. Costs

The running costs of your home are a major consideration in its longevity. While a large mansion with tennis courts and a pool might seem ideal for entertaining or family gatherings, the upkeep of such a property can be expensive. From routine maintenance to rising energy costs, larger homes often require more resources. On the other hand, an energy-efficient property can significantly reduce ongoing costs. Choosing a home that is well-insulated and doesn’t require constant repairs can save you money over time. It’s essential to consider not only the purchase price but also the ongoing costs of maintaining the property. In short, when looking for a forever home, prioritise efficiency and long-term affordability.

4. Resale Potential

While the idea of a “forever home” is appealing, life can be unpredictable. Circumstances change, and there may come a time when you decide to sell. It’s important to think about the resale potential of the property before making a decision. Avoid properties that are too niche or overly specialised, as they may limit the pool of potential buyers. While you may love a unique feature, consider how easily the property could appeal to others if you ever decide to sell.

5. Consider Future Needs

When buying a forever home, you should also think about your future needs. Whether it’s accommodating growing children, aging parents, or the possibility of renting out part of your property, a home that can evolve with you will have greater staying power. Additionally, consider how the home could adapt to different life stages. For example, could it be suitable for a home office as remote work becomes more common? Could it accommodate your hobbies or passions down the line? Thinking about these elements can help you find a home that supports both your current and future needs.

A “forever home” is not necessarily a myth, but it requires careful thought and planning. Flexibility, location, affordability, resale potential, and future adaptability are key factors to consider. By keeping these in mind, you can find a property that will continue to meet your needs for years to come.

Let your local Guild Member help you on your journey to forever.

Financial Services

Contact a specialist from Aston & Co Financial Services for help with finding the right mortgage.

Read What Our
Customers Say

Jodie Skinner

From the beginning, our experience with Michael and Rhys has been brilliant. Whenever we had a question to ask or needed some additional information, they were both just a phone call away and were always happy to provide us with an answer. As first time buyers, they made us feel ...

Sue Smith

We can’t fault Aston and co in Syston, for their handling of the sale of our property. We were kept up to date weekly and nothing was too much trouble. Both Micheal and Rhys were approachable and very professional. I would definitely recommend using them for an efficient and hassle ...

Andy

Having had issues with other agents, we came to Astons who gave us an honest appraisal of our house – not overpricing it like others to gain business. Michael and Rhys are a great partnership and Rhys being local was able to provide viewers with information that other agents hadn’t. ...

Andy Freer

Recently sold our house with Aston & Co. We honestly could not have asked for more. From the moment Michael came to value the house, to the day to day communication from Rhys we have not had to chase them once. Michael and Rhys are a great partnership and a ...

V Pears

We chose Aston & Co in Syston to handle the sale of our property. We were kept up to date regularly and Michael and Rhys dealt with all matters efficiently and quickly.We would definitely recommend using them for an efficient and hassle-free move.

Gareth Mueller

We bought a house from a vendor who used Astons & Co as their agent. Rhys was helpful and professional from start to finish and regularly kept us in the loop with how things were progressing. Communication was efficient and swift all the way through.

Julie Pearson

From the first visit to value our property to the final phone call informing us of completion Rhys and Michael at the Syston office have been brilliant, down to earth, realistic with valuation very easy to get in touch with.Making everything less stressful.Regular updates were very reassuring . I would ...

Charlotte Hings

The team at Astons are great. They’re really down to earth, take time to listen and help resolve anything they can for you.Their communication is excellent as they always keep you in the loop with what is happening with your sale. They keep both seller and purchaser happy.Fees are reasonable ...

Julie Perkins

We have recently used Aston & Co to sell our property. At all times we received regular reports from them on interest and following viewings . When our property sold Astons managed the chain keeping all parties fully informed and I believe that without their input our sale would have ...

Tina Poole

Michael and Rhys handled both our sale and purchases. They had good local knowledge, their valuation turned out to be on point. Our sale viewings were nearly all on the same day and we accepted an offer very quickly. We were kept up to date regularly with that and our ...

How Much is Your Property Worth?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation.