If there’s one thing that can push up house prices, it’s having good schools within easy reach. Most parents want their children to have the best possible start in life and, for many, that means going to the best school they can find. This means that a large number of buyers are prepared to pay a premium for homes that are within easy reach of schools with good reputations.
Boarding schools in particular can have a big impact on the cost of local housing stock. Even though their children are safely ensconced within school grounds from Monday to Friday, parents often like to be as close to their children as possible. If you’re thinking about buying a new property, or if you’re selling your current home, thinking about which schools are nearby will help you find the right price point for the property.
Why choose a local boarding school?
Once upon a time, parents with children in boarding school would pack their little ones off at the beginning of term and not see them again until a few months later when it was time to come home for the holidays. These days, however, things are a little different. Most parents want to see their children at weekends and during half term and would baulk at the thought of shipping them off for weeks on end.
As a result, more and more parents are choosing to send their children to boarding schools within easy reach of home. Offering families the best of both worlds, local boarding schools give children, and parents, a bit of freedom while helping to keep families connected.
Boarding schools are often known for their high performing sports teams. This means weekend fixtures as well as mid-week matches and training sessions. By living within a reasonable distance from the school, parents are able to watch as their children hone their skills in their sport of choice.
Check the schools in your local area
Before buying a new property, it’s always a good idea to check the schools in the local area. Even if you don’t have children, or if your children have long since flown the coop, it’s worth taking a look to see if there are any good-quality boarding schools nearby as these can help to affect local property values.
If you do have school-age children, take the time to visit the local schools before buying your property in order to ensure at least one is a good fit for your child. If you want the school to be within easy commuting distance of your home, do a practice run before you commit to buying the property to ensure the journey is doable on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Because schooling is such an important part of many parents decision to move, I visit schools with parents to find a school that ticks all the boxes. As the spouse of a former deputy head teacher, I’ve long been acquainted with Ofsted as well as all the less tangible aspects that contribute towards a great school. What’s more my better half is always willing to share her thoughts and experience with my clients should they have any questions.
Get more helpful hints and expert advice on successfully searching for your new home by taking a look around my website or get in touch. Having seen my twins go through the school system in Norfolk, I’ve been immersed in the world of selecting the right schools and sat through plenty of parents’ evenings and school plays!
(Image: Gresham’s School)