Younger couples are increasingly becoming home buyers thanks to the ease of finding mortgages and the appeal of finally escaping the rental market. The CAAMP even recently reported that people aged 25–34 are entering the Canadian home market in force, eager to start a family.
If this sounds like you, then you are likely on the hunt for a home that you can grow into while adding another one to three people to your household. Even if you do not plan on having kids, you never know what will happen in the future, including wanting to resell your home to another family that does want to have children.
Regardless of your situation or future plans, it never hurts to anticipate how usable your potential Kitsilano real estate home will be with one or several children running around in it. Here are some home buying criteria that can help you narrow down a home that works for any family, especially one that is half the size it will soon be.
Who Is Sleeping Where?
Size is not always the biggest factor compared to usable space. Try to imagine using your home as children grow up into it and outgrow certain situations. For instance, a tiny room can serve as nursery and later an office. as long as a larger bedroom exists to take its place. Similarly, having two young kids share a room quickly outgrows its appeal as they become teens.
Look for a home with the number of bedrooms you need or a versatile layout that can accommodate new rooms. Attics and unfinished basements that are prime for renovation are perfect for teens to move into as they age, as an example. Consider how the space could be reused as they move out, as well. Ideally, your new home will either serve you over many decades or be able to offer someone else the same if you decide to resell.
Safety First
Your biggest concern as a new parent is being able to monitor your kids, even late at night. As such, consider whether you are comfortable with them sleeping on a different floor than you since many houses have such an arrangement. By the same token, think about how close your master bedroom will be down the hall in case your young infant or toddler has a health crisis in the middle of the night.
Other important safety features to look for are sturdy balcony and stair railings, a fenced-in backyard and distance from the street.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Another key factor to consider is how child-friendly your neighborhood is. Are there sidewalks or a local park they can walk to? Is the nearest public or your ideal private school convenient to reach? Will there likely be other children around to grow up with them?
Naturally, no one can predict the future, but taking a second to imagine scenarios like these can help young couples plan ahead for anything. You can start dreaming of your own perfect family home now by taking a look at our Kitsilano real estate property listings.