Location is one of, if not the most crucial factor when choosing a property. You can always renovate and change things about the house you buy, but you can’t change your location. The neighbourhood you choose will affect your lifestyle and your resale value. Many factors affect location, including infrastructure, amenities, sense of community, and economy. Here we discuss 10 things to consider when deciding where to buy a home.

Choosing Your Neighbourhood

The West GTA is home to some fantastic neighbourhoods. Whether you want a sense of community, a lakeside view, or access to fabulous amenities, you will find it within Oakville, Burlington and surrounding areas. Both cities are known for excellent schools, beautiful green spaces and upscale shopping.

What to Consider When Choosing Your Location

1. Accessibility and Infrastructure – How close are you to the things you need? How easy is it to get around the neighbourhood? If you commute to work, is it easy to access public transportation or major thoroughfares? Locations near major airports, highways, and transportation hubs are often more desirable because of the ease of commuting. Well-planned cities and towns that are easy to navigate are always in demand.

2. Amenities – Easy access to quality amenities greatly affects property values. Being close to shopping centres, hospitals, and top schools is often on the list of homebuyers’ wants and needs. Having the amenities you love close by is a major benefit! Of course, this differs for everyone, so when choosing your location, ask yourself what types of things are important to you and your family. Shopping, groceries, a golf course, gym, or green spaces?

3. Geography & Climate – When choosing your new location, are you looking for an urban or rural setting? Do you want to be in the midst of a bustling city, or do you prefer a slower countryside setting for your new property? If you are relocating to another country, will climate play a role? Environmental concerns are becoming increasingly relevant – new buyers often avoid areas prone to natural disasters such as flooding, tornados or hurricanes. At the same time, regions with more temperate climates are higher in demand.

4. Waterfront – If you are searching for a waterfront property, there are additional factors to keep in mind. Be sure to prioritize the property over the building – check the water quality, the swimming, the land, and the view. What are your priorities? Does your family like to swim or boat, or is the view the most important part of your waterfront property? What are the waterfront boundaries? Do you have any additional responsibilities as a waterfront owner?

5. Green Spaces & Sustainability – Another factor to remember when choosing the location for your new home or investment property is access to green spaces. Neighbourhoods with public parks, hiking trails, and plenty of open space for spending time outdoors are always in demand. As environmental sustainability becomes more of a priority, people are looking for areas with more green space for cleaner air and a chance to spend time in nature.  

6. School Catchment – Quality schools are always in high demand for home buyers. Access to excellent public, private or Catholic schools impacts property values. If you are looking for a home in Oakville or Burlington, the quality of schools available is unmatched. If you have school-aged children, you can use this school finder tool to find and check the home school for the neighbourhood you will be moving to.

7. Economy & Employment – On a personal level, how far from your work do you want to be? Whether you commute or work from home plays a huge role in the location you choose. As for the future resale value of your home, areas with strong economies and plenty of employment options tend to have higher property values. Potential buyers are attracted to cities with booming industries and high-paying roles. That being said, remote work has opened up new possibilities, with many people moving outside large towns without commuting to the office daily.

8. Community and Neighbourhood Character – Are you looking for a strong sense of community in your neighbourhood? Neighbourhoods with pleasing aesthetics and amenities like recreation centres, city parks, playgrounds, and well-maintained trails have higher property values. Well-cared areas with community involvement tend to have more pride of ownership, lower crime rates and are more in demand with homebuyers.

9. Demand & Growth Potential – Certain areas are always in demand more than others. The neighbourhood itself – is it an up-and-coming space attracting the attention of developers and new buyers? Or is the neighbourhood in a state of decline? How much physical space is there for future development? Growing neighbourhoods are often in higher demand because developers are looking to the future with improvements that will increase the area’s desirability.

10. Lifestyle & Recreation – The importance of location is also influenced by your lifestyle, hobbies and recreational activities. While some may be attracted to a busy city with easy access to shopping and a vibrant nightlife, others may want good schools and walking trails. When considering a home purchase, explore the neighbourhood and see what recreational activities are nearby.

Location plays a significant role in real estate. Whether you are looking for your next home or an investment property, the location you choose will greatly affect your lifestyle and future resale value. Thankfully, the West GTA is home to some of the most desired neighbourhoods in the area. We hope you’ve enjoyed these tips on 10 things to consider when deciding where to buy a home. If you’re starting your home search and thinking about where you want to live, reach out and let’s have a conversation. We can help you find that perfect home, in your ideal location!