Choosing the school first, then the house
If living near the right school is your first priority, what factors should you be examining in your househunt?
Our advice to families with young children is generally to move somewhere with plenty of options – good state schools for all ages, good private schools, and preferably a grammar school area. More and more people are educating their children at a mixture of state and private schools, depending on what suits them at what stage of their education. If you can factor in access to some good outside extra-curricular facilities, sporting and musical for instance, it makes a great deal of sense. These elements are often what are people deem in short supply, even at a good state school.
Properties in areas such as this are often at the upper-end of the scale, but if you are able to find good state education for at least some of your children’s school years, it can be an investment well worth making.
In the past, families have often re-mortgaged to finance some of the most expensive years, but in these uncertain times, that is becoming a more risky strategy. Downsizing may become more widespread. But try to avoid moving too often – either to raise finance, or to put yourself in a good catchment area. The financial implications are tremendous, and the money could be much better spent on fees.
Time spent researching school options, entry requirements, bursaries, etc. is rarely wasted when it comes to selecting an area in which to live.
The main piece of advice however, is to focus on the SECONDARY years – after all who has ever been asked ‘which primary school did you go to?’ in a job interview ?
Your local Stacks Buying Agent can guide families through their choices to reach fully-informed decisions on schools, houses and all the factors that contribute towards a happy move. Get in touch now for a free, no obligation chat.
