How to choose the right area - not just the right home

When searching for a property, it’s easy to focus on the home itself - the number of bedrooms, the finishes, the layout, and the price. But in reality, the area you choose often has a bigger impact on your lifestyle and long-term financial outcome than the property itself.

A beautiful home in the wrong location can quickly become frustrating due to increased commuting times or not fitting with the lifestyle you aim for, while a well-located home can improve your daily routine, support future value growth, and even reduce your overall cost of living.

Why location matters more than you think

The old adage of location, location, location remains true even today; in fact, some might argue that in recent years it has become even more important when buying property. Remember, property value isn’t just about what’s inside your boundary wall; it is shaped by everything around it as well.

Your location determines how long you spend commuting each day, and your access to schools, shops, and essential services. It also has an impact on your monthly running costs, the long-term demand for your property, and your ability to resell or rent out your home in the future.

In short, location affects both your lifestyle and your investment. So how do you choose the right area and not just the right home?

Start with your daily lifestyle

Before looking at listings, take a step back and think about your actual daily routine.

Ask yourself:

• Where do you and the rest of your household work or study?

• How often do you commute, and at what times?

• What amenities do you rely on regularly - schools, gyms, shopping centres, etc.?

• How important is proximity versus space?

A home that looks perfect on paper can become far less appealing if it adds an extra hour or thousands of rands to your daily commute.

In many cases, living closer to work or key amenities can save more money than stretching your budget for a bigger home further out.

Consider travel time, not just distance

It is not just about how far a property is from work or school, either, because a home 10km from your office could either take 15 minutes outside peak hours, or 45-60 minutes in traffic.

And this is where many buyers get caught off guard. So what is the solution? Instead of asking how far it is, ask how long it will actually take me to get where I need to go every day.

Choosing an area based on realistic travel time can significantly improve your quality of life. It is therefore advised that you drive the neighbourhood and roads you would be using at different times of the day, as well as on different days, to get a clear sense of what the community is like and the commute you would be making.

Looking beyond the home: amenities and infrastructure

Once you’ve found a home that ticks most of your boxes, it’s easy to assume the hard part is done. But what surrounds that home, like the broader neighbourhood and its infrastructure, will ultimately shape how comfortable, convenient, and sustainable your day-to-day life really is.

A well-located property should make life easier, not add unnecessary complexity. From school runs and grocery trips to accessing healthcare or navigating peak-hour traffic, the right are can save you time, reduce stress, and even lower your monthly costs.

When evaluating an area, consider the following:

• Schools: quality, proximity, and availability

• Healthcare: access to hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities

• Retail and convenience: shops, grocery stores, and essential services

• Transport routes: highways, public transport options, and traffic flow

• Safety and security: estate living versus freehold considerations

These factors go far beyond convenience. They play a key role in how desirable an area is, which directly impacts buyer demand, rental appeal, and long-term property value.

Think long-term: growth and resale potential

Even if you are buying for lifestyle reasons, it is important to consider future value. Take a look at the area from a development perspective. Is the area growing or declining? Are there new developments, infrastructure upgrades, or commercial hubs nearby? What is the demand like in the area?

We advise speaking to a knowledgeable real estate professional who can give detailed market insights and area information to help you decide whether you are making the right investment decision.

Remember, areas with strong fundamentals tend to hold value better, attract more buyers and tenants, and sell faster when you decide to move.

Factor in your total cost of living

In recent years, affordability has become less about your monthly bond repayment and more about all the other expenses on top of your bond repayments.

So when you are working out your affordability, make sure you include:

• Fuel and transport costs

• Security costs like armed response

• Access to affordable healthcare

In some cases, a slightly more expensive property in a better location can actually reduce your overall monthly spend.

Remember that there isn’t really a one-size-fits-all solution; the “right” area depends on your priorities. And understanding what you need from your home and the area you live in is vital to ensuring long-term happiness and financial security.