Are you considering buying a character home in Guildford, Western Australia? Below are my 10 tips for confidently buying a character home in the area. Whilst the advice has been tailored towards Guildford, these recommendations can be applied to buying a character home in other suburbs across the Perth metro.
1. Research The Area: Take the time to research the area, the amenities, schools, public transport and of course the homes within it. Spend time exploring the neighbourhood, both in person and online. Local community groups on social media are a great way to find out what is going on in the suburb. Visiting local cafes, restaurants and amenities is another way to get to know the people and the community. Drive around to get a feel of the parts of the suburb you do and don’t like to ensure you’ll be happy living there.
2. Work With A Local Agent: A local agent can provide valuable insight into the lifestyle in the area, and can help you find the right home that fits your needs and budget. I’d love to hear from you if you are looking to buy or sell in Guildford or surrounding suburbs. You can contact me here.
3. Consider Location: Location can be very important in terms of your day to day enjoyment of your home, and can also be important when it comes to the resale value of your home. When it comes to living in the home consider the proximity of the home to the amenities that are important to you. Affectionally called the Guildford pause by locals, aeroplane activity is common everyday background noise in the area. The suburb is also known for the trifecta of trains, planes and car noise – if you are sensitive to one of these make sure you choose a location that is less impacted by whichever is likely to trouble you most.
4. Arrange Comprehensive Inspections: Hire a qualified inspector, ideally someone who has previously been a builder to assess the condition of the home. Someone who can identify both major and minor defects, but who will also provide a detailed methodology for repairing these defects. Looking for a recommended building inspector. You can contact me for my list of recommended inspectors here. Guildford is known for its clay soils. Clay soils are a reactive soil which means they expands dramatically when moist and contract when dry. This regular expansion and contraction can manifest in regular cracks forming in the walls of homes in Guildford. As such it’s important that your inspector is able to differentiate between cracks from this type of movement, compared to major structural defects. Don’t let all cracks scare you from buying a character home!
5. Confirm Original Features: Character homes often have unique architectural features that make them stand out from modern homes. Look for homes that still have original features, such as stained glass windows, ornate woodwork, or fireplaces rather than cheaper replacements from previous repairs or renovations.
6. Look For Upgrades: Consider homes that have been modernised and renovated in the past for modern convenience and functionality. Upgrades like insulation, updated electrical and plumbing systems, modern kitchen appliances, and efficient heating and cooling systems can make your everyday life more comfortable or reduce ongoing expenses.
7. Know Your Budget: Be sure to have a clear budget in mind when searching for a character home. Purchasing an older home could mean some immediate renovations to suit your personal preferences will be required once you buy the home. Make sure to factor these in with the purchase prices, rates, taxes and any ongoing maintenance costs that are likely to arise from owning the home, to ensure the property is right for you long term.
8. Consider The Home’s Layout, Features and Materials: Character homes can have unique layouts. Make sure to consider how the home’s layout will fit your lifestyle. Familiarise yourself with the unique features from various eras and typical materials used to construct homes in these periods, Whether your must haves are high ceilings, large verandahs, and ornate details, or no gos are asbestos properties, it can be helpful to list what you do or don’t want in a property. You can learn more about the architectural eras here.
9. Understand Heritage Implications: Character homes in Guildford can range in age from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Some character homes may be listed on local, state or even national heritage registers, which means they have a certain level of cultural or historical significance. It’s important to understand whether the property you’re interested is listed on these registers and how this may impact your future use of the home. Generally speaking Guildford is a State Heritage Listed Place and Local Heritage Area within the City of Swan. There are specific town planning rules and regulations that also apply to the area to preserve its character and heritage. Anyone looking to buy in the area will need to adhere to these rules and regulations when considering making changes to any property or developing along the streetscape. You can learn more about the City of Swan’s heritage and development policies here.
10. Take Your Time: Buying a character home, like any home you choose to live in is a big decision. Take your time and don’t rush the process. Make sure to do your research and consider all your options before making an offer.
Ready To Make Your Move?
Thinking of buying a character home in Guildford, reach out and share your criteria with me. Let’s have a discussion and find you a character home that ticks your boxes.
Thinking of selling your character home in Guildford and want to work with a professional who truly appreciates the features and benefits of your home? Get in touch with me on 0479 143 324 or contact me here. Let’s create a plan and strategy to sell your character home. I look forward to hearing from you when you are ready. Until then make sure to check out these freebies and other blog posts to educate and inspire you.
