10 Features to consider when buying a house
Category Property Advice
When buying a home, it's essential to search for homes that match your criteria in terms of features, including price, location, size, and amenities, which saves you time and prevents you from exploring homes that are not a good fit.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the 10 features every homebuyer should consider when buying property.
1. Look for the best location
Think about the proximity to your workplaces, schools, healthcare, and public transportation. Many available homes are in the desirable Newlands and Claremont areas, making access to essential services easy.
For instance, this 5-bedroom gated estate in Claremont Upper. It offers security and elegance, making it an excellent choice for families. It's conveniently located near schools, Cavendish Square, and Newlands.
A great location will ensure a positive return on your investment in the future.
2. Choose the right property based on size
Having the right amount of space, a comfortable living area and bedrooms that suit your household is crucial. You can meet your lifestyle needs and prepare for long-term use with enough ample room.
You can ensure the apartment's floor size is sufficient for your furniture and allows you to move around freely. Typically, bachelor or studio units span from 20 m² to 40 m², while one-bedroom apartments can range from 40 m² to 70 m² or even more. Two-bedroom apartments usually vary from around 70 m² to 100 m² or more, and three-bedroom apartments can extend from approximately 100 m² to 150 m² or more.
Having options to expand and grow with your freestanding home will save you from
selling and buying again in the near future.
3. Stylish and aesthetic home
Find a home that suits your style, whether classic, rustic, or eclectic. Some homebuyers may care about the type of flooring, like tiled or engineered oak, while others may prefer homes with exposed brick walls or subtle touches, such as large windows. In the end, go for what makes you feel at home.
4. Eco-friendly features
Solar geysers and heat pumps, rainwater tanks, prepaid energy metres, and LED light fixtures are all selling points that appeal to younger, conscious buyers. All of these items can help to reduce household energy costs, make homes more sustainable, and improve the overall quality of life.
5. Backup power
The inconvenience of losing power, especially during load shedding, is well-known. Buyers who want to feel secure in case of an electrical outage are increasingly interested in homes that include solar panels or generators. Having them gives you peace of mind knowing that your home's most essential systems, like your lights, fridge, and TV will work.
6. Modern kitchen
One of the most sought-after features for buyers is the kitchen, which is often considered a home's heart. A modern kitchen equipped with state-of-the-art appliances can greatly enhance everyday living. Essential kitchen features to consider:
- Built-in cupboards style
- Kitchen island
- Layout (open-plan or non-open plan kitchen)
This 3-bedroom house in Claremont features an impressive indoor layout with modern kitchens featuring high-end finishes and sculleries.
7. Plenty of storage space
Practical storage solutions are a fundamental requirement for any home. Look for properties with carefully designed closets, spacious pantries, and a basement or attic for added storage. Take, for example, a charming 3-bedroom apartment in Claremont Upper, which features a thoughtfully designed laundry area in its off-plan layout. Having storage lets you keep your living space quickly, tidy and organised.
8. A beautiful outdoor area
You can consider properties with well-designed outdoor spaces such as patios, decks, and gardens when looking for a new home, as these are highly sought-after. Several buyers find them attractive because they offer plenty of space for children and pets to play.
Choose this lovely 5-bedroom house in Rondebosch as your next residence. It features a generous outdoor area with a substantial land size of 1,425 m² - complete with a delightful garden, a swimming pool, an outdoor terrace featuring a fire pit, and a captivating old tree that perfectly complements the home's overall charm. It's an excellent place to create lasting memories.
9. Garage space
Buying a house without a garage or off-street secure parking is not even an option for buyers. It keeps your car safe from the weather and gives you more storage room and even more living space. Furthermore, having a garage might increase the selling value of your property in the future.
When you consider these features to shape your ideal home, you're well on your way to selecting a space you'll cherish for many years to come. You can explore some fantastic properties in Cape Town's top neighbourhoods with Upton Properties. Browse our property listings or get in touch with our property practitioners to take the next step towards your dream home.
Author: Upton
