We all dream of living in high end estates such as the Nyali’s and the Runda’s of our town or city. The main reason for this is the prestige, the good infrastructure, security, the calm and the peace of mind that comes with these neighbourhoods. The reason why we don’t all get to move there is the variation in our financial muscle.
When choosing where to live there are a number of critical issues to consider, a perfect neighbourhood for you and your family must answer to the following issues.
Proximity to your place of work– research has shown that the biggest effects of long commutes to work tend to relate to stress-related health issues that impact your personal relationships and performance at work.
Long hours of commuting, especially if you’re driving, is associated with high blood pressure, musculoskeletal disorders, increased anger and resentment at work, absenteeism, lateness, and an inability to concentrate and perform to the same standards as those who live in much closer proximity to the workplace. Long commutes can also increase the risk of heart attacks, flu, depression etc.
When choosing a neighbourhood consider how long will it take to get to work? Will you be going with or against traffic? Is the route easy to navigate?
Security – security and safety for you and your family is also a major factor in the choice of a neighbourhood, drive and walk safe neighbour hoods are characterized by well-lit streets, separate vehicular and pedestrian paths – the presence of sidewalks – and the perceived trustworthiness of neighbours. Presence of graffiti on walls, signs of vandalism such as broken windows, high security walls, beware of dogs signs are on the other hand signs of insecurity.
Social amenities – The availability of social amenities such as playgrounds, schools, shopping centres, health centres, gymnasium, health clubs, police station/post, cafes and restaurants is also a factor of importance. If there are bars close-by, how noisy is it on the weekends?
Property value – from the outset, you have an idea of how much you would like to spend on your home; this is predetermined by your financial prowess. In determining your preferred neighbourhood you need to keep within a budget. You could have the money to buy a home in a high end market, but not the ability to sustain the expensive life style that comes with it; for instance retirees can afford to buy a house in a leafy suburb from their lump sum benefits but may experience difficulties affording the high service charge and other increased expenses that come with their new home from their reduced monthly income.
The current value of the property vis-à-vis the projected value of the property in a couple of years should also guide your buy; areas with high development potential appreciate faster than overdeveloped areas. Controlled developments are also high yield areas.
The value of your house is highly pegged on the land value in your neighbourhood for instance a 3 bedroomed apartment in a middle class estate with similar features is cheaper than one in a perceived upper class estate. Put your priorities right when it comes to getting value for your money.
Social network – probably one of the less reviewed factors in choosing a neighbourhood is the nature and quality of your social networks and the social networks of your children. Be careful to choose a neighbourhood with people you can relate with in terms of business, class, morals and other social activities. Your children also need to live in a neighbourhood suitable for their proper social development, look at the activities and behaviour of kids in the neighbourhood and decide if you would like to identify with them. Remember we are the company we keep.
Where to look– if you are planning to buy a house or land for construction of a home in the east African region, there are a number of avenues to find the right neighbourhood at the right price, one such place is our websites property listings. Here some of the leading property agents and developers show case their projects and property listings giving you a chance to choose from a wide range of options.
