How do Schools Affect the Cost of Real Estate?
Homes near a reputable school in the UK might cost £18,000 more than any other typical home. The quality, availability, and proximity of schools are always the top priority for buyers when moving, regardless of where they live. Learn about how schools affect home values from one of the leading estate agents in Cheltenham. It is a well-known fact that a house will cost more the closer it is to a good school. But if you get too near, the price can be far lower.
According to the most recent data from Department for Education (DfE), costs are 8% and 6.8% higher near the top primary and secondary schools, respectively. According to Nick Gibb, the minister for school standards, a young person’s prospects of success may be influenced by the income of their parents and the type of housing they can afford.
The allure of catchment areas:
According to reports, the average home cost is £331,605 among England’s top-rated school districts. This is over £100,000 more than homes close to schools that received a poor Ofsted rating.
According to the most recent statistics, housing prices around London’s top primary schools 10% increased by £38,800. Homes near top primary schools in England often see average price increases of £18,600, while those near top secondary schools typically see extra price increases of £15,800.
A property around a primary school that received an exceptional rating from Ofsted was found to be just over £380,000 in March. This is 49% higher than the existing national average. There is no set catchment area for good schools, but there are sometimes strong bidding wars close to the schools. This is because parents are wary of driving for hours on end to watch their kids play sports on a Wednesday night. It was reported that this year the premium charged on property closer to a good school was 2% higher than other houses within the same town. This premium is considerably larger in London, where it is 3%.
Are increased prices a direct result of schools?
Yes, in a way, but it might not be so cut and dry. Homes may cost more when they are close to the top schools, but this price increase may not be directly related to the school. For instance, the schools with the best results may be also those with the most outdoor space, which benefits the residents nearby and raises the price.
The average income is also likely to be more in a neighbourhood with expensive housing, so parents will have more money to spend on their children’s education, including tutoring and extracurricular activities, which raises the school’s ranking over time.
Benefits of residing close to a school:
Living close to a school has several benefits, some of which will affect a buyer’s decision to buy nearby. A school’s reputation will undoubtedly make it highly sought after, and in certain circumstances, this is what motivates parents to relocate. Often, selling a property may be a quick process since people wishing to relocate closer to a better school are willing to pay higher prices.
While it’s true that homes cost more when they’re close to a reputable school, living directly next to one can have the opposite effect because costs may be slightly lower because of the external noise and traffic. Along with the economic advantages, the school’s closer location makes it possible for parents and students to take a healthier way there by walking rather than driving.
Spending money on the future:
Many parents perceive paying a “school premium” as a long-term investment since it will benefit their children’s education as well as their financial future. Because there will constantly be parents ready to pay more for their children, properties close to good schools frequently maintain their value in a tight market and typically sell more quickly if the market stagnates.
Even though school-run traffic might be a problem, these residences can also come with an appealing lifestyle and be found in vibrant neighbourhoods that appeal to buyers of all types. A school’s declining performance to the extent that it loses its valuable Ofsted grade may have a detrimental impact on housing values.
Which should you focus on, the house or the school?
Which would you choose first, the property or the school? If your ideal house is not close enough to your child’s school, it could be necessary to relocate again in the future.
Both the property and the area must meet the criteria for long-term, pleasant accommodation. It could seem challenging to choose a property close to the ideal school, in a convenient location, and near transit options, but it’s important to engage with your real agent and have an open mind. The primary concern when moving is and will always be a lifestyle.
You May Also Enjoy
Clarity on energy efficiency rules for commercial property needed
English Housing Survey 2024 to 2025
Propertymark responds to latest HMRC property transactions report
Mortgage activity dips in December
£19.9bn of PRS refurbishment required
