After one of the hottest Easters on record, it can be no surprise if house hunters are now turning their minds towards the perfect home for enjoying the British summer. And some of them may be thinking more practically than idealistically: recent property data suggests that one category of house hunters in particular is bucking the Brexit-related trend for caution and delay. That category consists of family home buyers, and statistics bear out their enthusiasm. Prices for family three and four-bedroom homes (although not including four-bedroom detached properties) are rising by an annual average of 0.7 per cent. This may sound paltry, but it's far more impressive when compared to the overall figure (a decline of 0.1 per cent) for all UK residential properties. Family homes currently sell more easily than other properties, as is evidenced by recent figures showing that the number of sales agreed on family properties has decreased by only 0.4 per cent from the same period twelve months ago. Other properties have taken a much bigger hit: overall, the national average number of sales agreed has dropped by 1.6 per cent.
The reasons for these trends make sense. Family buyers are often those least able to postpone a move. Growing children and the desire to move into a particular school catchment are not factors that can be put on hold. They are also not necessarily factors that can be solved by extending or renovating an existing property. With Brexit on hold yet again, more buyers than anticipated may be readying themselves to make their move in 2019.
Consequently, in the spirit in which many of these hopeful buyers are venturing into the property market, we take a look at ten fantastic homes. Some may be more aspirational than others, but all are perfect for family life all-year round.
1. A five-bedroom home in Haslemere
On the market with Knight Frank, Deerhurst in rural Haslemere dates back to the 1930s. Period enthusiasts will delight in its many original features, including Crittal-framed windows. As well as the generously-sized interior, the property also benefits from almost an acre of grounds that overlook National Trust land. Several terraces, formal gardens and a swimming pool make this home as perfect for entertaining as it is for family life. Priced at £1,395,000, the home is pitched towards the very top end of sold property prices in Haslemere.
2. A three-bedroom listed thatched cottage in Winfrith Newburgh, near Dorchester
On the market at offers over £700,000 with local agent, Domvs, this pretty detached cottage is a clear contender for any chocolate box lid. Inside, it's deceptively spacious, with a large breakfast-kitchen room, a sitting-dining room and a garden room. Outside, the gardens are carefully tended, with enough space for children to play. The property also includes a two-bedroom stable cottage, which is used as an income-generator by the current owners.
3. A three-bedroom flat on Muswell Hill Road, Highgate
Perennially popular, Highgate is a London location that many buyers, especially those with families, feel priced out of. This large, three double-bedroomed flat is on the market for £1,100,000 with Foxtons. Although it lacks a private garden, it benefits from a large communal garden and is close to both Highgate and Queen's Woods.
4. A four-bedroom terraced house on Earlsfield Road, Earlsfield
Often regarded as the affordable alternative to nearby Wandsworth and Wimbledon, Earlsfield has plenty of housing stock that's ideal for families. This four-bedroom property, on the market at offers over £900,000 with Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward, exemplifies the best of the housing stock in the area. Well-located for Earlsfield station and a commute into Waterloo, it also has a 46 foot garden to allow the kids to let off steam.
5. A four-bedroom detached home in Lower Heswall, Wirral
With sweeping views across the Dee estuary to Wales, this four bedroom detached home in the Wirral's Lower Heswall is on the market for £759,995 with Move Residential. Aside from the views, its extensive gardens are one of its chief attractions. The property also sits within the catchment area of some excellent primary and grammar schools. Sold property prices in this area of the Wirral remain more buoyant than in other nearby locations.
6. A three-bedroom semi-detached home in Llandaff, Cardiff
Llandaff village is one of Cardiff's most popular residential areas, particularly for families keen to get their children into one of the highly-regarded local primary schools. This three bedroom period property, on the market for £439,950 with Hern & Crabtree, benefits from a central position in Llandaff village, a lovely south-west facing garden and, with no chain, it could suit a buyer who has already sold and is ready and waiting for the right home to come onto the market.
7. A three-bedroom terraced home on Craighouse Terrace, Morningside, Edinburgh
Long regarded as one of Edinburgh's pre-eminent residential districts, Morningside is hugely popular with families. They move here for the schools, the shopping and social facilities, and for the sense of space it provides. This terraced property is a classic example of some of the best of the area's housing stock. Built from the beautiful pale stone so characteristic of this part of Edinburgh, the property has an ensuite to the main bedroom, front and rear gardens, and a cellar.
8. A three-bedroom semi-detached house on Swansfield Park Road, Alnwick
This home is one for a buyer not afraid to roll up their sleeves and undertake a little refurbishment and redecoration. Solidly-built and retaining many original features, this stone house has a large garden and is situated close to the amenities of the town centre.
9. A three-bedroom terraced house on Brewery Street, Stratford-upon-Avon
Perfect for anyone wanting a family home close to the centre of historic Stratford-upon-Avon, this characterful terraced cottage already has a garage large enough to fit a modern car and a garden that is not overlooked. It also has current planning permission for an orangery and two-storey rear extension. It's on the market with Edwards Estate Agents at a guide price of £400,000.
10. A five-bedroom terraced house on Quarry Terrace, Hastings
Offering sea views and family-sized accommodation, this elegant Regency five bedroom property has room to spare for all but the largest families. As well as its proximity to the beach, it also has a private garden, which includes a decking area. The estate agents, MADE, are selling it for offers over £550,000.
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