LAW
5 Things to Consider before Committing to a New Home
Whether you are leasing, renting or buying, moving into a new home is a big commitment. Apart from the structure and design of the building, here are five things to check out before you commit.
- Commuting – how convenient is the area for your commute to work? If you are dependent on public transportation, is the home close to a reliable bus stop and bus route?
- Safety – visit the area at different times of the day to ensure that you are comfortable with the area. Some neighbourhoods take on a completely different character at night that may raise security/safety concerns. In addition, this would give you an opportunity to find out if there are any activities in the vicinity that may interfere with your peaceful enjoyment of your property.
- Neighbourly intelligence – talk to would be neighbours to get their opinion on crime and safety in the neighbourhood, and any other information such as power and water supply that may be of importance to the enjoyment of the property.
- Amenities – what are your options for shopping, schools and church in the area? Are there are planned development projects in the area and how will that affect your property?
- If you are moving into an estate, particularly if you are buying, find out if there are any restrictions on occupants; for instance, will you be allowed to remodel your unit? Are there restrictions on how the property can be used? Etc
