Home Buying: Focus on Location

Location always tops the list of considerations when buying a home. A property in a prime location determines its own value, making it easier for buyers and sellers to reach a mutual agreement. Particularly in large cities, transportation issues are among the most common complaints, and a property's location can significantly impact this concern.

Location selection is undoubtedly one of the most crucial factors to consider when purchasing a home. Whether you're buying to rent or for personal use, the importance of location remains constant. Choosing a location close to your workplace, children's schools, shopping centers, and hospitals saves you valuable time. Additionally, purchasing property early in a developing area of Antalya presents a significant opportunity for future returns. In this article with Yukselen Mimari, we will examine in detail why location is so crucial when buying a home and what factors you should consider when selecting the right location.

Developing Areas and Investment Potential

Choosing developing areas for real estate investments can be a profitable long-term strategy. Since these areas are still in the appreciation phase, early investments carry higher return potential. So why should we consider developing areas and add them to our checklist when buying a home?

Why Are Areas With New Projects Advantageous?

New housing projects are typically constructed in developing areas of the city, offering numerous advantages for investors. Properties in these projects can be purchased at 20% to 40% lower prices compared to completed developments. Once construction is completed, your home's value could appreciate by approximately 30-50%. This increase can be even more substantial in metropolitan areas or regions undergoing rapid development.

Additionally, new housing projects offer modern architectural designs and technological amenities. These provide significant advantages in terms of energy efficiency, security, and comfort. Areas with urban transformation projects also create attractive opportunities for investors. The renewal works in these regions can lead to significant increases in real estate values.

Infrastructure Investments and Value Appreciation Relationship

Infrastructure investments are among the most crucial factors directly affecting an area's value. Metro lines, trams, bus routes, new highways, and airport projects increase an area's accessibility, driving up demand and consequently real estate prices. For instance, property prices in areas with new metro lines have been observed to increase by 20-30%.

When evaluating a region's future potential, examining zoning plans and municipal projects is vital. Investments like major shopping centers, hospitals, universities, and industrial facilities accelerate the area's appreciation.

Tips for Long-Term Investment Planners

Successful real estate investment requires focusing on long-term sustainable income streams rather than short-term gains. Analyzing the supply-demand balance of an area is crucial; regions with excessive housing stock experience slower price increases, while areas with limited supply see faster value appreciation.

Real estate investment has two primary sources of return: rental yield and property value appreciation. Rental yield is calculated as the ratio between annual rental income and the property's total value. For example, a property worth $1,000,000 generating an annual rental income of $50,000 has a rental yield of 5%.

Additionally, when selecting a location, it's important to consider not just short-term developments but also long-term growth and transformation projections. Conducting market research and determining the right timing will directly impact the success of your investment decision.

Transportation Convenience and Impact on Daily Life

Transportation facilities are among the most critical factors directly affecting our daily life quality and time management. Research shows that "ease of transportation," "social environment," and "earthquake resistance" are among the top features that home buyers consider.

Proximity to Public Transportation Lines

In urban life, proximity to public transportation lines offers significant advantages in terms of both time and budget. Properties near rail transit lines like metro and metrobus are preferred despite being far from the center due to their price advantage. However, 57% of workers in Turkey find public transportation stressful, while 64% complain about crowding, noise, and cleanliness despite its efficiency.

The frequent use of phrases like "close to metro" or "walking distance to metrobus" in real estate listings demonstrates how valuable these features are to buyers. Additionally, a property's proximity to public transportation positively impacts its rental income and resale value.

Commute Time to Work and School

Workers in Turkey spend at least 4 workdays per month commuting. Therefore, commute time to work is crucial. For families with children, "proximity to school" is particularly important. Living near a school saves time and eliminates school bus expenses.

Moreover, homes near schools are advantageous not only for families but also for investors. Such properties typically offer additional benefits like proximity to public transport, parking facilities, and shopping alternatives.

Traffic Congestion and Time Management

In major cities, traffic congestion is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a home. While traffic jams reduce quality of life, they also cause time loss. 54% of workers in Turkey report feeling tense when they arrive at the office.

During school terms, it's observed that a 15-kilometer journey can take more than 1.5 hours. Therefore, examining traffic conditions during morning and evening rush hours when buying a house will directly impact your future quality of life.

Consequently, you must add transportation factors to your home-buying checklist. The right location choice provides not only comfort but also time and budget efficiency.

Social Amenities and Quality of Life

Access to social amenities is a factor that directly affects the quality of life in housing selection. One of the most important points to consider when choosing a home should be proximity to social facilities that will make your daily life easier and more enjoyable.

Proximity to Shopping Centers and Restaurants

Properties located near shopping centers not only allow you to easily meet your daily needs but also increase your property value. Environmental and social facilities in residential projects play a crucial role among factors that enhance quality of life. Properties near city centers provide easy access to shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment venues, enabling you to meet daily life requirements quickly and practically.

Parks, Green Spaces, and Sports Facilities

The positive effects of green spaces on human psychology are proven. Residential projects near parks and outdoor activities provide a breathing space in urban life. Proximity to green areas is a great advantage for individuals and families to relieve the stress of intense work tempo.

Access to Cultural Activities

Access to cultural activities is a crucial factor that enhances your quality of life. Proximity to museums, theaters, art galleries, and concert halls enriches your social life. In today's world, where equal access to cultural and artistic events is considered a right, having these opportunities in your city becomes increasingly important. Cultural centers in your area can transform the entire character of the neighborhood. Don't overlook social amenities when creating your home-buying checklist. Your housing choice is not just about finding shelter; it's a significant decision that determines your quality of life and happiness.

Proximity to Educational and Healthcare Facilities

For families with children, one of the most crucial considerations when buying a home is easy access to quality education and healthcare services. The right location choice positively impacts not only daily living comfort but also your property's value.

Advantages of Buying Property in School Districts

Properties near schools offer numerous benefits. Homes in areas close to reputable schools experience significant annual appreciation. These properties sell or rent more quickly and at higher prices. Particularly, homes near universities are preferred by investors due to the ease of finding tenants.

Living near a school provides both time and financial savings for families with children. By eliminating school bus expenses, children gain more time for extracurricular activities. Additionally, homes in school districts typically offer:

• Safer neighborhoods
• Park facilities
• More shopping alternatives

Easy Access to Healthcare Services

Proximity to hospitals and healthcare centers is particularly crucial for seniors, retirees, and families with young children. Quick access during emergencies can be life-saving. Living near medical facilities provides residents with a sense of security and simplifies treatment processes.

Easy access to healthcare services positively impacts property values. Properties near hospitals offer advantages to owners during future sales or rental transactions.

Importance of Location for Families

For families with children, choosing the right location directly affects quality of life. Living in a neighborhood close to quality schools and medical centers provides significant daily advantages while ensuring a sense of security.

The location of homes near educational institutions features a "child-friendly environment." Therefore, proximity to educational and healthcare facilities should always rank high on your home-buying checklist. This helps determine your priorities and make better decisions when purchasing a home.

Real Estate and Location

Remember that location should always be at the top of your checklist when buying a home. While many features inside the house can be modified over time, the property's location cannot be changed. Therefore, it's crucial to visit the area at different times, observe traffic patterns, and research future development plans before purchasing. With the right location choice, you can both enhance your quality of life and secure a long-term appreciating investment.