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Deciding where to buy a home: what matters most to you?

Kellie Cade

Aug 12, 2025

Choosing where to buy a home is no small task. For many of us, it’s one of the most significant decisions we’ll make in our adult lives.

Getting it right can lead to years of comfort and stability, while getting it wrong could mean the hassle and expense of moving again sooner than planned. That’s why it’s so important to take the time to identify your priorities when it comes to location. Here at Strata, we’ve put together a few key factors that may help guide your decision-making process.

Start smart: know what you can afford

Before anything else, it’s important to focus your search on areas where buying a property is financially realistic. This means having a clear understanding of your budget—particularly how much you can borrow if you'll be using a mortgage. Exploring areas that are beyond your means can be disheartening and is nothing short of a waste of time if you’re seriously looking to buy. Instead, knowing your financial limits from the outset allows you to conduct a more focused and productive search. It also helps you compare what kind of property your budget can buy in different locations, which is key to making an informed and confident decision.

Countryside location

Location: city buzz or countryside calm?

When it comes to choosing between city living and a more rural lifestyle, there’s no right or wrong answer and it really depends on what suits you best. If you enjoy having a wide variety of amenities close by, with plenty of activities and a vibrant social scene, then living in or near a city might be a better fit. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to peace and quiet, open green spaces, and a strong sense of community, a countryside location may offer the lifestyle you’re after. Take the time to think about where you’d feel happiest in the long run.

Close to home: the value of friends and family nearby

For some homebuyers, being close to loved ones is a top priority. If you have young children and rely on family support for childcare, living nearby to those trusted relatives can be essential. Even beyond practical needs, having friends and family within easy reach can make a big difference to your sense of connection and community. Whether it’s being able to pop by for a quick visit or knowing help is close at hand in an emergency, proximity to the people you care about can add a lot of value to your everyday life.

Cyclist

Thinking about the commute: a journey that works for you

While remote and hybrid working have become more common in recent years, many people still need to commute regularly. If that’s the case for you, thinking carefully about your journey to work is crucial. A long or stressful commute (whether by car, train, or bus) can quickly wear you down and impact your overall quality of life. Consider how easily you can get to and from your workplace, and whether transport links are reliable and convenient for your routine

Public transport: a key factor if you don’t drive

If you don’t drive, or if mobility is a concern, reliable public transport becomes even more important. Take time to look into the frequency and reliability of local bus and train services. Are they regular? Do they offer direct routes to the places you visit most, or will you need to make multiple changes? Having access to efficient public transport can make a big difference to your day-to-day convenience and independence, so it’s well worth factoring into your decision.

Train

Local Shopping

Everyday essentials: how close are the amenities?

In addition to your commute, it’s worth thinking about how close your potential new home is to essential services and conveniences. Supermarkets, pharmacies, healthcare facilities, gyms, restaurants, and other amenities play an important role in day-to-day living. If a simple trip to the shop turns into a lengthy drive or a complicated bus journey, it can quickly become a source of frustration - especially when it happens regularly. Choosing a location with good access to the places you’ll use most can make life noticeably easier and more enjoyable.

Thinking ahead: homes near great schools pay off

There’s often a strong link between high-performing schools and higher property prices, largely due to the increased demand from families eager to secure a good education for their children. If you already have a family (or plan to start one in the future) living within the catchment area of a reputable school may well be a top priority. If this is the case, it’s important to do your research carefully. Catchment areas can be surprisingly specific, particularly in cities where even opposite sides of the same street may fall into different school zones. Taking the time to understand these boundaries can help ensure you’re making a well-informed choice that supports your long-term goals.

At Strata, we understand that location is just as important as the home itself.

That’s why we carefully choose to build in places where people genuinely want to live, with beautifully designed homes in locations such as Beverly, Leeds, Nottingham, Durham and more. We know that buying a home is about more than just bricks and mortar; it’s about finding somewhere you’ll feel happy, settled and connected. Take a look at the range of homes we offer across thoughtfully selected locations - we’re confident you’ll find somewhere that feels just right for you.

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