The location of a property – What you should pay attention to
If you are looking for a property, many things must be considered. One in particular, however, is the location. This is usually the first thing you hear when you ask about the most important criteria for buying a property. But how do you recognize a good location, what are the criteria and who says that it is a really good location?
Prestigious locations, trendy districts and what really matters when looking for real estate
Everyone knows that the higher the prosperity in a certain region, the higher the real estate prices. In Germany, the prime examples are probably Munich, Wiesbaden and Heidelberg. In such regions you have to pay up to ten times more for a property than in other cities in Germany. When looking for real estate, however, you should not necessarily think of one of these regions, but perhaps rather of the trendy district of tomorrow. Visit our guide and find the best 10 tips to find the perfect building plot!
Macro situation – How strong is the region really for the future?
In order to start with a global view, it is important that the property is located in an economically strong and future-oriented region of Germany. These are located particularly in the south and southwest. Cities like Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt but also the northern part of Hamburg belong to the economically strongest areas. These regions promise many jobs and a good infrastructure. Many advantages that need to be considered. So if you are not tied to your current location, it is worth considering moving to one of these regions. However, you can also look to cities that are considered to have a high potential for the future. This is especially true for Jena and Dresden, which have developed very well.
Micro location – Which residential location meets my requirements?
However, finding the perfect location for the new property also depends on personal requirements. A good example is age. A young person has different demands and wishes for his environment than a pensioner. But also the living situation plays a decisive role. A young family with children may prefer to move to a quieter rural area with good connections to schools, playgrounds and shopping facilities such as supermarkets or similar, while a student may prefer to move into a shared flat in a large city. So match the residential location individually to your life situation and ask yourself what you want from your new residential location and start looking there.
A good location ensures a property of stable value
For a property with a good location in an economically strong area and in places of tourist interest, the following applies: ‘The better the location, the more stable the value of the property’. So if a property is in a good location it is automatically more expensive. The location is therefore considered a quality criterion, which not only has an influence on the current price, but also on the future value development of the property. A location is not changeable. You can renovate and beautify the property, but the location will still be the same. That’s why it’s important to develop a feeling for how the location will develop in the next few years and not just how it looks at the moment. Invest in a trendy neighborhood of tomorrow and you will not only get a great property, but one with development potential and appreciation opportunities. Pay attention to the location within the city, the state but also in Germany to determine whether the location is right for them.
Criteria for a good location – this is what you should look for in the location of the property
Noise – roads, neighbours or aircraft
Some are more sensitive to noise than others and some are not bothered by noise at all. However, in any case, pay attention to what the noise level is in the property. Is there a motorway or a high-speed train line nearby? Is there a tram running or is it a busy road by the property? How sensitive are the walls and are the neighbours perhaps noisy?
Natural disasters – earthquakes or floods
Some regions are more susceptible to such natural disasters than others. Along the Alpine chain, at Lake Constance and near Cologne, earthquakes are noticeable and not uncommon. But floods also pose a risk in some cities and, of course, properties near water can be particularly affected.
Location – connections, side streets and city proximity
Many describe the perfect residential location as central but quiet. This can be found, for example, in side streets, cul-de-sacs and 30km/h zones in cities. But good connections to public transport and the motorway are also important. Green spaces in the immediate vicinity increase the location again, especially in large cities.
Infrastructure – shopping facilities, leisure facilities and means of transport
The infrastructure is probably the most important criterion for the location. You should find out about shopping facilities that are within walking distance such as supermarkets, pharmacies, drugstores, banks and the post office. But also important is the connection to the means of transport. Where do the trains go, and at what intervals do they run? Of course, you should also find out about the leisure facilities in the region, such as gyms, sports clubs, restaurants and bars.
Neighborhood – People, Surroundings & Trendy Neighborhoods
Neighborhood, of course, means not only the people who are their neighbors, but also the immediate area around the property and the reputation of the neighborhood. Of course, it’s good to know who prefers to live in your neighborhood. Is it rather families with children or is it the trendy quarter of students? From this you can already deduce something about the order in the neighborhood and also the volume there. Of course, the immediate neighbours are also important. Do you get along well, are there even friendships?
Health impacts – unpleasant odours, waste incineration or industrial operations
Of course, you should also be aware of the industry that is immediately in the vicinity. Due to, for example, waste incinerators nearby and the wind in the wrong direction, it can often smell unpleasant, which can be really annoying in the long run. Also noise from industry, can become annoying to you at some point. So also pay attention to the industrial environment that could endanger their living or maybe even their health.
Socially deprived areas – tight housing & crime
Properties located in close proximity to large apartment complexes should be seriously reconsidered. Not only because of the reputation of the neighborhood, but also because of possible crime. Just as too narrow development, small streets with little parking, unplatted houses and large gaps between buildings should also be avoided. Properties in such locations are difficult to resell.
Checklist for a good location – it’s so easy to find your dream property
- Which landscape is right for you ?
Plain landscapes in the northwest, sea in the north or mountains in the south - Do you prefer city life or do you want to settle in the countryside?
- Do you want a great wide view, over the city, the country or the sea or is the next house in a few meters distance enough for you?
- What should the transport connections be like?
Airport, train station and public transport - How good should the infrastructure be within walking distance?
Doctors, supermarkets, pharmacies, cultural and culinary offer - How far away can their workplace be?
What is the maximum time allowed for the trips? - Are there enough sports facilities, clubs, leisure facilities, cinemas etc. nearby?
- Do you have children who should have the shortest possible route to school?