Ten things young families should look for when buying a home

Ten things young families

should look for when buying a home

Buying property is often one of the biggest investments a person will make in their lifetime, which is why the decision requires considerable attention. And while location is obviously a major deciding factor, the buyer’s stage of life will also play an important role, as those nearing retirement will have different requirements to a young family looking to buy a home.

“I t’s such an exciting time for young people who are looking to for their ideal family home, but it can be a very stressful undertaking if the necessary research isn’t done. For young families, there are lots of elements that need to be considered,” explains Development Director of Serenity Hills, Sam Wenger.

“To assist in making this important decision, we’ve put together a suggested list of 10 things that will guide future homeowners so that they enjoy a lifetime of happiness in their new home.”

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Accessibility

Young families don’t necessarily want a home in the heart of the city, or on a busy road network, but it’s important that there is still access to the relevant facilities such as good schools, sport grounds, shopping centres and healthcare facilities.

3

Security

The reality of living in South Africa is that security has to be prioritised when choosing a home. It’s no good having access to great natural facilities if the children aren’t able to freely enjoy them. That’s why estate living is fast becoming the safest option for young families investing in property. Modern estates offer 24-hour on-site security, perimeter fencing, and other state-of-the-art security features that allow families to live a relaxed life.

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Natural living

Children require a lot of space for exercise and physical activities that are needed for healthy development. This is why it’s important to consider a place that has a garden, preferably with access to natural areas like nature reserves, beaches and parks with hiking and biking trails.

Climbing trees, fishing in dams, making outdoor forts… these are all wonderful moments that make up a childhood so it’s worth considering the natural facilities available.

4

Sustainability

With no end in sight for the ongoing load shedding, compounded by natural disasters which impact services, it’s important to look at properties that have been constructed with sustainability in mind.

With all the needs of a young family, additional features like gas geysers and hobs, LED lighting, solar panels and rainwater collection tanks will go a long way in making daily tasks that much more manageable. This has the added benefit of resulting in long-term savings for the homeowner.

Back-up water supply

Many South African cities, as well as several across the globe, are having to face the reality of reaching Day Zero because of insufficient water supply. This is not a worry parents 5 need, which is why estates that have reservoirs, boreholes and supply dams make for a great option in terms of investment.

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Communal gardens

Also in line with the sustainable consideration is the emerging trend of communal vegetable gardens in which communities are practicing small-scale subsistence farming for both food security and a healthier way of life.

This is a great way for young children to learn the importance of farming and nutrition, while ensuring a constant supply of fresh vegetables to the home.

7

Child-friendly facilities

Access to schools and retail facilities is important, but it’s also worthwhile having access to playgrounds, jungle gyms and other child-oriented facilities to keep the young ones entertained. Although this is not a make-or-break factor, it is really handy to have somewhere close by – that is fun and cost-effective – to take the children after school or during the holidays.

8

Pet friendly

For those looking to buy in an estate, one of the rules that need to be checked is whether or not the estate is pet friendly. Growing up with pets is a valuable part of one’s childhood but many estates have strict regulations regarding pets, with some not allowing them at all. Investing in a property that’s pet-friendly is a worthwhile consideration, even for homeowners who don’t currently have pets – it’s always good to have the option.

9

Value for money

With the rising cost of living, the property’s value for money needs to be factored in, alongside the ongoing costs related to the unit. Find out about the levy and rates costs and what is included with these, as they should cover maintenance of communal areas, security, gardens, and more.

Future plans

For those investing in an estate, it’s worth finding out from the developers about plans for the future. It’s important that the area doesn’t become too overbuilt, and that there is a long-term vision for the development. Constant upgrades and an ethos that prioritises the residents’ wellbeing over profit will ensure this is a valuable investment.  10

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1. Healthline. Wells D. Abdominal Pain And Constipation. [updated 2019 March 07; cited 2020 July 31]. Available from https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-painand-constipation 2. LACSON IMS TMP MAT Data February 2022. S0 LACSON. Reg. No.: Z/11.5/0055. Each 5 ml of syrup contains 3,3 g of lactulose. Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the Aspen Group of companies. © 2022 Aspen Group of companies or its licensor. All rights reserved. Pharmacare Limited. Co. Reg. No.:1898/000252/06. Healthcare Park, Woodlands Drive, Woodmead, 2191. ZAR-LAU-03-22-00003 03/2022

Olive oil cleanser

for dry skin

Rub olive oil into the face and drape a warm, damp cloth over your face until it cools. Use the cloth to wipe away excess oil.

Helping

a sprain

If an ankle is sprained and there are no anti-inflammatories available immediately, use an ice pack. Ice reduces swelling and inflammation during the first 48 hours. Do not use heat on an acute injury as it could worsen the swelling.

Aloe

for skin

Aloe is good for treating skin rashes, irritation and sunburn. To use, pluck off a leaf from the plant and squeeze out the gel.

Protein

hair treatment

A protein treatment can help plump strands making hair look fuller. To create the hair mask, blend 2 egg yolks, 2 peeled ripe bananas, 3 tablespoons honey, a half cup of conditioner and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Ensure that the consistency is relatively smooth and apply to hair. Leave on for 30 minutes and then rinse out.

Increase breast milk

production

Fenugreek seeds are often reported as a well-known lactogenic food. Soak a tablespoon of the seeds in a cup of water overnight. Boil for 5 minutes the next morning. Strain and drink.

Get rid of bags

For puffy eyes, dampen two black tea bags and rest them on your eyes for approximately 20 minutes.

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a common and usually harmless condition in which patches of skin are darker than the surrounding skin. Try mixing a paste of milk and honey and apply to the affected areas. Vegetable juices from tomatoes, cucumbers, and potatoes can also be applied to the skin. Repeat daily until you see results.

Bug bites

Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with just enough water to create a thick paste. Smear this paste on the affected area and let it dry.

Motion sickness

For adults to combat motion sickness, drink a cup of ginger tea. Alternatively, shred a tablespoon of ginger into boiling water and let it brew. Add a bit of honey for taste and drink when at a safe temperature.

Nectarine cookies

Ingredients

• 1 can condensed milk • 120g butter • 500g corn flour • 1 tsp vanilla, almond or rose essence

Garnish

• 3 to 4 very firm nectarines, thinly sliced • castor sugar for sprinkling

Recipes by Jenny Morris

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180C. 2. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and knead into a ball. 3. Press the dough out onto a clean flat surface, cut into 12 even sized squares. 4. Press slices of nectarines onto the top of each cookie, sprinkle with caster sugar and place onto a greased baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. This is the ideal lunchbox snack! The recipe makes 12 cookies.

Plum puree

Ingredients

• 500g peeled and pitted red plums • 1 tbsp brown sugar • 1 stick cinnamon • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

Method

1. Chop the plums into little blocks and place into a small saucepan with all the remaining ingredients, simmer until the orange juice has been absorbed. 2. Remove the cinnamon stick and cool the plum mixture before blending; don't make it too runny. 3. Taste and adjust the sweetness. 4. Freeze in single potions till needed.

Recipes by Jenny Morris

Yummy plummy bread and butter pudding

Serves 4

This is great frozen in cubes and added to your toddler’s porridge, rice pudding or yogurt. A great introduction to yummy fibre and vitamin rich plums. My children absolutely loved this.

Ingredients

• 10 slices of stale white bread with crusts removed and buttered on both sides. • 2 heaped tbsp of strawberry jam • zest and juice of one lemon • 6 large plums, stoned and chopped into small pieces • 350ml milk • 125ml cream • 2 large eggs • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon • 2 tbsp caster sugar • extra caster sugar for sprinkling • flaked almonds (optional)

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180C. 2. Cut the buttered bread into triangles. 3. Place the jam, lemon zest and juice along with the plums into a sauce pan and bring to the boil, remove from the heat. 4. Arrange half the bread into a baking dish, spoon over the plum mixture, cover with the remaining bread. 5. Whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, cinnamon and caster sugar, pour it over the bread, let the pudding stand for 30 minutes before baking. 6. Sprinkle over the caster sugar and almonds if you are using them. 7. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the custard has just set and the top is golden brown. 8. Remove from the oven, dust with icing sugar. Serve warm with whipped cream or great blobs of vanilla ice cream.

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