Proximity to schools and boutique shops adds family appeal to homes
It might be school holidays but schools rule when it comes to family home-buying decisions, with agents saying that location of preferred education options can make or break a deal.
Dan McAlpine, of Belle Property Kingston, says parents often develop a strong preference for which schools they want their children to attend.
“That might mean they need to relocate to be assured of enrolment,” he says.
“Even then they really need to do their homework on school catchment areas. Sometimes that can vary within one suburb.”
McAlpine says there are other reasons for buying in close proximity to a school.
“There’s definitely a lifestyle convenience factor,” he says.
“A home within walking distance to school can remove the need for the morning and afternoon school runs – it can put more time back into your day.”
McAlpine says buyers for a family home close to preferred schools could definitely put upward pressure on prices in a competitive situation.
Holly Komorowski, of home.byholly, says Narrabundah, with its variety of school choices in convenient locations, is one of the sought-after suburbs.
“There’s a choice of several schools, all with great academic reputations. Factor that in along with high demand for detached homes in the inner south and you have a prime seller’s market,” she says.
Komorowski says similar conditions exist in Ainslie and Watson.
“The demand for homes with proximity to schools tends to exist in pockets like these,” she said.
“Whether by accident or design, it’s the areas with more or, sometimes less, choice that are in demand.”
Top of the class
- Homework. Enrolment at schools with sound academic reputations are highly sought-after and getting accepted can be a competitive process. An address within the designated catchment area can provide an enrolment advantage.
- Lifestyle. An address close to a school can contribute to lifestyle by removing the need for morning and afternoon school runs in the family vehicle – and providing children with independence and more exercise.
- Costs. Living close to schools reduces costs in eliminating the daily drives – fuel, wear and tear – or bus fares that can significantly add up over the course of a year.
Homes for sale now close to schools:
Top pick: NARRABUNDAH (also pictured above)
3 bed 2 bath 2 parking
Price guide: High $1.4 million-$1.5 million
Proximity to a range of quality local schools will appeal to families looking to relocate to the Inner South.
Hacking Crescent in Narrabundah is an easy stroll or bicycle ride to St Clare’s, St Edmund’s and Narrabundah College, Telopea Park High and the Red Hill primary school.
Shaded by a canopy of towering oak trees, this quiet street is also just a minute’s walk to the boutique choices of the Griffith shops.
This meticulously constructed home, designed to create a sense of light and space, offers a welcoming sense of proportion and privacy with expansive sun-filled living areas and a functional layout of 280 square metres under roof.
The generous formal lounge and dining room open off the wide entry foyer, which is highlighted by Australian blackbutt hardwood flooring.
Imagine winter hibernation by the open fireplace or enjoy the warmth of a sunny spot in the family room with its soaring double height cedar windows.
A chef’s kitchen integrates with this living space, complete with stone island, stainless work space and walk-in pantry.
There’s a generously proportioned master bedroom with walk in robe and en suite, with two additional queen rooms divided by a third living space or a possible fourth bedroom.
Other features include ducted gas heating, evaporative cooling, underfloor heating to bathrooms, an alarm system, data wiring and instant gas hot water.
The outdoor entertaining area is surrounded by a low maintenance garden.
Auction: 10am, July 28
Agent: Belle Property Kingston, Dan McAlpine 0401 005 282
Or try these:
Price guide: $700,000 +
4 bed 2 bath 2 parking
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Price guide: $1 million +
4 bed 2 bath 2 parking
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Price guide: $600,000 +
5 bed 2 bath 4 parking
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