House Hunting with Kids: What to Look for When Moving as a Family

Buying a home is always a major decision, but when you’re moving with children, there are extra factors to consider. Sometimes a move is prompted by a growing family, a desire for more space, or even a parent relocating for work. Often, it’s not just about square footage or style — it’s about finding a home that works for the whole family, now and in the years to come.

At Stacks, our property finders have helped many families find homes that balance space, convenience, and options for growth. If you’d like help with this significant shift in your world, please reach out to us… we’d be delighted to chat through your plans and requirements with you.

What to Prioritise When House Hunting with Kids

Whether you’re moving from a busy town to a quieter countryside location, relocating to a new city for work, or upgrading to accommodate a growing family, having a clear plan when house hunting with kids and knowing what to prioritise can save stress, time, and money. Here are some key aspects for you to consider:

1. Focus on Schools and Education Options

For many of our clients who have families, the local school catchment area is the top priority. Proximity to highly-rated schools can impact your daily routines, not to mention property values and future resale potential.

When house hunting with kids, it’s worth considering:

• Which private schools are within acceptable reach if you’re planning on a school run every day.
• What your local primary and secondary school options are, and their Ofsted ratings.
• Travel times and accessibility — especially important if one or both parents have to time things with their work patterns.
• Availability of extracurricular programmes your children might enjoy… and how the timing of those could work.

Our regional directors know the education offering within an area, from hidden gem schools to local high flyers, and can guide you to neighbourhoods that offer both excellent education and a welcoming community.

2. Look for Family-Friendly Home Layouts

A family home needs more than bedrooms; it requires space to live, play, and grow. For example, open-plan kitchens with dining areas, separate playrooms or dens, and multiple bathrooms can make day-to-day life smoother.

Key considerations include:

• Enough bedrooms for everyone, with flexibility for guests or a home office.
• A layout that allows you to supervise younger children while cooking or working.
• Storage solutions — cupboards, attics, and garages to keep toys, bikes, and sports gear organised.

If you’re wondering where to start, we can work with you to identify layouts that suit your current needs and future growth, ensuring the property options accommodate your family long-term, whether you’re simply relocating or upgrading.

3. Safety First: Inspect the Property and Surroundings

Safety is non-negotiable when moving with children. Beyond standard checks, think about the wider environment:

• Busy roads and nearby traffic — is it safe for your children to play outside or walk to the school bus?
• Hazards within the home —depending on the age of your children, watch out for steep stairs, fireplaces, balconies, and ponds.
• Security features — locks, alarms, and fenced gardens.

Our property finders can flag potential concerns and suggest practical solutions, from simple modifications to alternative neighbourhoods, ensuring you have peace of mind as you adjust to a new area.

4. Check Amenities and Local Community

Moving to a new city or town for work, or relocating to a more suburban or rural setting, makes getting help discovering what could be on your doorstep even more important. Easy access to facilities makes life easier and helps children settle in.

Consider:

• Parks, playgrounds, and green spaces for outdoor activities.
• Libraries, community centres, and local clubs for social and educational engagement.
• Shops, healthcare facilities, and transport links that suit family life.

By focusing on family-friendly amenities, we can help you move to an area that supports the balanced, convenient, and enjoyable lifestyle you’re looking for.

5. Outdoor Space Matters

Children need room to play, explore, and get fresh air. When moving from a busy town to a quieter area, or the other way round, a functional outdoor space becomes even more important.

When assessing outdoor space, look at:

• Size and usability of gardens, patios, or balconies.
• Privacy and safety — fences, gates, and hedges.
• Potential for play equipment, vegetable patches, or outdoor dining areas… whatever floats your boat.
• Your ability to maintain an outdoor space to ensure it remains an enjoyable feature of your home.

Our property finders know which homes in an area offer practical outdoor space without compromising on other priorities, such as schools or commute times, making your property search quicker and easier.

6. Consider Future Growth and Flexibility

Families change over time — children grow, hobbies evolve, and work arrangements shift. Choosing a home with flexibility ensures it continues to meet your needs.

Ask yourself:

• Will there be space for a growing family or visiting relatives?
• Could rooms be repurposed as children get older (e.g., playroom to study)?
• Does the property allow for extensions or renovations if needed?
• Will I need to work from home at some point?

Planning ahead allows you to avoid moving again in a few years. We can provide insight into which properties offer long-term potential, saving you from costly mistakes down the line.

7. Think About Commute and Work-Life Balance

Relocating for work or moving to a new area can improve quality of life, but commute times and accessibility remain important. A convenient commute reduces stress and increases time spent with family.

When evaluating a property, consider:

• Travel times to work, schools, and extracurricular activities.
• Public transport options if needed.
• Proximity to friends, family, or support networks.

We can work with you to find properties that strike the right balance between location, convenience, and lifestyle, so a move prompted by work or life changes enhances your family life rather than complicates it.

8. Don’t Forget Resale Value

Even if this is your forever home, it’s wise to consider resale value. Family buyers in the future will look for similar priorities: schools, layout, outdoor space, and community. Properties that meet these needs tend to maintain strong demand.

Stacks can identify homes that are not only suitable now but will remain attractive for years to come, protecting your investment while creating a home your family will love.

9. Partner With a Property Finder

We know that house hunting with kids can be overwhelming — balancing needs, schedules, and expectations while navigating a competitive market is no easy task. As experienced property finders, we can:

• Identify hidden or off-market family homes in desirable areas.
• Negotiate on your behalf to secure the right property.
• Manage communication with solicitors, surveyors, and other professionals.
• Provide guidance on every aspect of the purchase, ensuring you avoid common pitfalls.

By working with our team, you can focus on your family while we handle the complexities of the property search.

Making Your Family Move a Success

Finding the right home for your family is about more than square footage or curb appeal — it’s about creating a safe, functional, and enjoyable environment for everyone. At Stacks, we combine local knowledge, industry expertise, and personalised service to make the house hunting process smoother and more successful for families moving to suit a changing lifestyle, whether prompted by work relocation or growing needs.

If you’re considering house hunting with kids, let us help you find a home that fits your needs today and adapts for tomorrow. Contact Stacks to speak with one of our property finders and make your next family move a seamless, confident experience.