Page 18 - ESPC Magazine - July 2021
P. 18

EXPERT ADVICE                                                                                                                                         INTERIORS



            LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

               Mary McQueen, Partner at McDougall McQueen, talks us through one of the
                         most important factors when choosing a home.

       Location is one of the most important factors   live in a lively urban area with lots of activities
       when choosing a home, and property prices   and amenities, or a quiet rural setting without
       will reflect this. If you want to move to a   neighbours?
       different part of town, or across the country,
       it can be especially daunting to find a location   What type of property do you want? Do you
       that suits your lifestyle and budget, but   prefer period properties or new builds?
       where you know you will be making a smart
       investment too.                      Check out property prices and council tax
                                            rates to try to get an idea of affordability of
       To help you find the right place to buy a   an area.
       house, we outline some of the key factors to
       consider:                            Wherever you buy, think long-term. Do your
                                            research and find out about the area and
       What transport links are there to the city   plans for the future such as new housing
       centre and other areas? This is especially   developments or transport links which could
       important if you need to commute to work.  impact the area, and thus impact any future
                                            sale.
       What local amenities does the area have?
       Pub, post office, restaurant, local shop –   Find out more by speaking to McDougall
       these tend to be basic requirements so find   McQueen on 0131 253 2790 or
       out what there is and think about which ones   mcdougallmcqueen.co.uk
       you are prepared to compromise on.

       Do you have children? Or are you planning
       on having children whilst living in this house?
       Find out about schools and catchment areas,
       and whether schools are oversubscribed.
       Even if you don’t have children this can be a
       key factor to consider as it will impact your
       property when selling it in the future. You can
       check to see what school catchment areas
       are in a particular postcode via the ESPC                                                     LEMON ZEST
       website.
                                                                                                Lemons are bright and bold and are bang on
       Affordability – although location is key,                                                 trend in interiors and fashion. What better
       where can you afford to live? Prices can vary                                            way to incorporate summer into your home?
       significantly between areas and even within
       streets.

       What are your requirements? Do you want to
                                                                                                        Anna Mörner Lemon Print, Rose & Grey,  £89, roseandgrey.co.uk
   18  ESPC.COM                                                                                                                                               ESPC.COM  19
   13   14   15   16   17   18   19   20   21   22   23